Returns & Refunds
Your complete guide to returns and refunds on Caboodle
1. Returns & Refunds Overview
Caboodle operates a comprehensive returns and refunds system designed to protect both customers and Irish businesses. Our streamlined process ensures fair treatment for all parties while maintaining the trust and quality standards of our marketplace.
All returns and refunds are processed through our secure platform, with built-in approval workflows, automatic notifications, and direct integration with Stripe for fast, reliable refund processing.
2. Types of Return Requests
2.1 Return and Refund
The most common type of request where you return the physical item to the business and receive a full monetary refund. Suitable for defective products, incorrect items, or change-of-mind returns within the return period.
- • Item must be returned to the business
- • Full refund processed to original payment method
- • Typically takes 3-5 business days after approval
2.2 Refund Only
Monetary refund without physical return of the item. Usually applied for significantly damaged items, digital products, or cases where return shipping would be impractical or expensive.
- • No physical return required
- • Full or partial refund depending on circumstances
- • Requires business and admin approval
2.3 Return Only
Physical return of the item without monetary refund. Typically used for exchanges, replacements, or when store credit is provided instead of a cash refund.
- • Item returned to business
- • No monetary refund processed
- • May result in replacement or store credit
3. How to Request a Return or Refund
Our return process is designed to be simple and transparent. All requests are managed through your Member Dashboard with real-time status updates and direct communication between all parties.
3.1 Step-by-Step Process
- Access Your Orders: Visit yourMember Dashboardand locate the order you wish to return
- Submit Request: Click the return/refund button and provide details about your request, including reason for return and preferred resolution
- Business Review: The Irish business will review your request and either approve, request additional information, or provide an alternative solution
- Admin Processing: Once approved by the business, our admin team processes the refund through our secure Stripe integration
- Confirmation: You'll receive email and in-app notifications confirming the refund has been processed
- Refund Received: The refund will appear on your original payment method within 3-5 business days
4. Return Conditions & Eligibility
4.1 Eligible Returns
- • Items that arrive damaged or defective
- • Items that don't match the product description
- • Wrong items delivered (shipping error)
- • Items that arrive significantly late without prior notice
- • Change-of-mind returns (subject to business policy and time limits)
4.2 Return Requirements
- • Items must be in original condition (unless defective)
- • Original packaging should be included where possible
- • Returns must be requested within the business's stated return period
- • Proof of purchase (order confirmation) required
- • Clear photos may be requested for damaged items
4.3 Non-Returnable Items
- • Personalized or custom-made items (unless defective)
- • Perishable goods (food, flowers, etc.)
- • Items with hygiene restrictions (cosmetics, underwear, etc.)
- • Digital products that have been downloaded or accessed
- • Items damaged by customer misuse
Note: Return policies may vary by business. Specific restrictions will be clearly stated on product pages.
5. Partial Refunds & Multi-Item Orders
Caboodle supports both full and partial refunds, giving you flexibility when returning items from larger orders or when only some items in your order have issues.
5.1 Partial Returns
You can return individual items or specific quantities from your order without affecting the rest of your purchase. This is particularly useful for:
- • Multi-item orders where only some items have issues
- • Orders with multiple quantities where only some units are defective
- • Mixed orders from multiple businesses where you're satisfied with some vendors
5.2 Multi-Business Orders
When your order contains items from multiple Irish businesses, each business handles returns for their own products independently. This means:
- • Each business reviews their own items separately
- • You may receive multiple refunds from different parts of your order
- • Return shipping arrangements may differ between businesses
- • Processing times may vary between different vendors
6. Return Shipping & Costs
6.1 Business Error Returns
When the return is due to business error (wrong item, defective product, shipping damage), the business will typically provide:
- • Prepaid return shipping label
- • Return packaging if needed
- • Full refund including original shipping costs
- • Priority processing of the return request
6.2 Change-of-Mind Returns
For returns due to customer preference changes, return shipping costs typically apply:
- • Customer responsible for return shipping costs
- • Original shipping fees usually not refunded
- • Business may provide return instructions and preferred carriers
- • Return shipping insurance recommended for valuable items
6.3 Return Shipping Guidelines
- • Use tracking and insurance for all return shipments
- • Keep receipts and tracking numbers until refund is complete
- • Pack items securely to prevent damage during return transit
- • Contact the business if you don't receive return instructions within 48 hours
- • Allow 5-10 business days for return packages to reach the business
7. Processing Times & Status Updates
7.1 Timeline Overview
7.2 Status Tracking
You can track your return request status in real-time through your Member Dashboard. Status updates include:
- • Pending Vendor: Awaiting business review and approval
- • Approved: Business has approved the return request
- • Pending Admin: Awaiting final admin processing
- • Refunded: Refund has been processed to your payment method
8. Dispute Resolution & Support
8.1 If Your Return Request is Declined
If a business declines your return request, you have several options:
- Review the business's reason for declining and provide additional information if available
- Contact the business directly to discuss alternative solutions
- Escalate to Caboodle support for mediation and review
- Submit additional evidence such as photos or documentation
8.2 Caboodle Support Intervention
Our support team can intervene in disputes to ensure fair treatment:
- • Review return requests that have been unreasonably declined
- • Mediate between customers and businesses to find solutions
- • Provide additional protection for cases of business non-compliance
- • Escalate serious issues to admin team for resolution
8.3 Extended Return Protection
As a Caboodle member, you benefit from additional protection beyond individual business policies:
- • Platform-level guarantee for defective or misrepresented items
- • Support team advocacy in complex disputes
- • Access to admin override for exceptional circumstances
- • Protection against fraudulent or non-responsive businesses
9. Refund Methods & Payment Processing
9.1 Automatic Refund Processing
All refunds are processed automatically through our secure Stripe integration, ensuring:
- • Refunds return to your original payment method automatically
- • No manual intervention required from you
- • Secure processing with full encryption and fraud protection
- • Immediate notification when refund is initiated
9.2 Refund Timeframes by Payment Method
Note: Actual timing may vary depending on your bank or card issuer's processing times.
10. Contact & Support
10.2 Business Contact
For direct communication with the business about your return:
Contact details provided in your order confirmation email and Member Dashboard