Return & Refund Policy

1. OVERVIEW & PHILOSOPHY OF SELECTION

At Yutiqaa, we take immense pride in the artisanal heritage of our handlooms and handicrafts. We deal in more than just products; we deal in the heritage of human hands. Every artisanal handloom and handicraft is a unique creation, carrying the soul of its weaver. Each piece is a result of hundreds of man-hours of meticulous weaving, dyeing, and crafting. Because our products are either made-to-order, small-batch, or one-of-a-kind, they carry the unique imprints of human touch—natural variations in weave and color are hallmarks of authenticity, not defects. We want you to be completely enamored with your selection.

We understand, however, that sometimes a selection may not meet your expectations. This policy is designed to be transparent, fair, and protective of both our Patrons and our artisan community. It balances the delicate nature of our crafts with the high standards of service our Priority Patrons expect.

2. THE “LOOP-LOCK” SECURITY PROTOCOL

To ensure that every Patron receives an untouched, pristine masterpiece, we employ the Loop-Lock Security Protocol. To maintain the hygiene and exclusivity of our collections:

• Integrity of Receipt: Your item arrives with a uniquely serialized, tamper-evident “Loop-Lock” Security Tag. This tag is a hallmark of our Quality Control (QC) process, confirming the item was inspected, photographed/filmed, approved and sealed with the tag before dispatch. This is the “Master Record” which  includes the timestamped serial number of the specific Loop-Lock tag used for that order.
• The Condition of Return: We invite you to inspect the color, weave, and feel of your garment. However, the removal of the tag signifies the transition from ‘inspection’ to ‘intended use,’ which limits return eligibility under our hygiene and exclusivity standards. Returns, exchanges, or refund requests cannot be processed if the tag is missing, broken, removed, cut, or re-attached.

3. DOMESTIC RETURNS & EXCHANGES (INDIA)

For our patrons within India, we offer a streamlined return process for catalog items:

• Reporting Window: Any damage or mismatch must be reported within 48 hours of delivery.
• Return Window: General return requests for eligible items must be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
• Reverse Logistics: Yutiqaa provides a complimentary priority pickup for the first return of any order. The risk of the item remains with the Patron until it is scanned into our logistics partner’s system.

4. INTERNATIONAL RETURNS & EXCHANGES (GLOBAL)

We cater to a global audience and adhere to international consumer protection standards.

• Global Eligibility: Due to the complexities of international shipping and customs, returns are accepted only if the item is significantly not as described or arrives damaged.
• The Reverse-DDP Protocol:
  • The Challenge: When an item returns from the US to India, Indian customs may try to charge import duty again on your own product.
  • The Solution: For approved international returns, Yutiqaa will provide the Patron with a specific “Re-Import Declaration” and a Pro-forma Invoice marked “Return of Indian Origin Goods.” This prevents the Patron from being double-taxed.
• Customs & Duties: While we assist with the return process, please note that original customs duties, local taxes, and any non-refundable duties paid by Yutiqaa on behalf of the Patron in the destination country are considered a service fee and are strictly non-recoverable and will be deducted from the refund.

5. ELIGIBILITY & WINDOWS

• Damaged/Defective/Mismatched: 48 hours for reporting; 7 days for return.
• Change of Mind: 7 days (Available only for non-bespoke, domestic catalog items).
• International Orders: Returns are generally restricted due to customs complexities, unless the item is significantly not as described.

6. STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR RETURNS

If you need to initiate a return, please follow this professional protocol:

• Step 1: Notification (The 48-Hour Rule): If the item is damaged or mismatched, you can follow any of the reporting options below-
  • Email care@yutiqaa.com within 48 hours of delivery. For general returns (where applicable), notify us within 7 days.
  • The Patron Portal: Log in to your Yutiqaa account and visit the ‘My Orders’ section. Select the ‘Request Return’ option.
• Step 3: Digital Inspection: Upload three high-resolution images and one 10-second video of the item. This must show the intact Loop-Lock tag and the original packaging. This step protects you by documenting the item’s condition at the time of your request.
• Step 4: Instant Verification: Our system cross-references your media with our “Pre-Dispatch Master Record.”
• Step 5: Approval: Our Quality Control (QC) team will review your request within 24–48 hours. Once verified and approved, a Return Authorization Code (RAC) and a QR-code based digital shipping label is generated instantly.
• Step 6: Packaging: Secure the item in its original Yutiqaa box with all silk-care cards and duster bags included. Write the RAC clearly on the outer packaging.
• Step 7: Pickup/Shipping: * Domestic: We will arrange a priority pickup via our logistics partner. Our logistics partner will scan the QR code at your doorstep. No physical paperwork is required.
  • International: Follow the specific “Reverse-DDP” instructions provided by your Concierge to avoid double-taxation.
• Step 8: Inspection & Resolution: Once the item reaches our Odisha studio, it undergoes a final physical QC. Every return is unboxed under a CCTV camera in our Odisha studio. Once the QC is cleared, your refund or store credit will be processed.

Transfer of Risk: Risk remains with the Patron until the item is physically scanned and accepted at our Odisha hub.

7. NON-RETURNABLE CATEGORIES (FINAL SALE)

To protect the exclusivity of our artisans’ work, the following are strictly non-returnable or final sale:

1. Bespoke & Customized Orders: Any item with custom sizing, monograms, or specific hand-dyeing requested by the Patron.
2. Intimate Apparel & Jewelry: Due to hygiene standards and health safety.
3. Sutra Circle Exclusives: Limited edition museum-grade pieces that are irreplaceable.
4. Altered Items: Any item that has been hemmed, stitched, or modified by the Patron.
5. Items without the Loop-Lock Tag: Regardless of the reason.

8. B2B & CORPORATE RETURN POLICY

• Scope: This applies to bulk orders and corporate gifting.
• Finality: All B2B sales are considered final once the “Pre-Production Sample” is approved by the client.
• Defect Provision: Returns are only accepted for manufacturing defects verified across the entire batch or identified for specific units that demonstrate manufacturing defects. Batch-wide returns are not permitted for variations inherent to hand-dyeing or hand-weaving processes.
• Partial Returns: Not permitted for “Change of Mind.” We only accept returns for the specific units proven to be defective.

9. CANCELLATION POLICY

Please note: Orders are eligible for a full refund only if cancelled within the 24-hour Cancellation Window following order placement. Once this window closes, the order enters our artisanal preparation and logistics queue. Any request for cancellation or refund after this 24-hour period—even if the item has not yet physically left our studio—will be governed by the terms of this Policy and may be subject to restocking fees or ‘Artisanal Recovery Fees’ as defined below.

• Standard Catalog: Cancellations are accepted within 24 hours of order placement for a full refund. 
• Made-to-Order/Bespoke: Once the weaving or dyeing process has commenced (after the 24-hour window), cancellations are subject to a 30% Artisanal & Material Recovery Fee to compensate the weaver for materials and labor already invested.

10. REFUND MODALITIES

• Option A: Yutiqaa Store Credit (Recommended):  Issued within 24 hours of QC approval. This is the fastest way to continue your Yutiqaa journey. Valid for 1 year.
• Option B: Original Payment Method: Refunded to your card/bank within 7–14 business days, depending on your financial institution.

Non-Refundables: Original shipping charges, gift wrapping fees, and international customs duties/taxes are non-refundable.