Shipping policy

Last updated: [06 January 2025]
DuchessBeadsandBeauty (“we”, “us”, “our”) ships worldwide from Ghana.

1) Shipping overview

  • Dispatch days: Mondays and Thursdays (excluding Ghana public holidays).
  • Order status: You’ll receive an order confirmation email after checkout, and a shipping confirmation + tracking (if applicable) once your parcel has been dispatched.
  • Important: Delivery times shown below are estimates and can be affected by carrier delays, customs, peak seasons, weather, and public holidays.

2) Made-to-order vs ready-to-ship (processing & production time)

A) Ready-to-ship (available items)

These items are packed and dispatched within [1–3] working days after payment is confirmed.

B) Made-to-order (handmade items)

These items require production before dispatch. Production time is typically [3–7] working days after payment is confirmed.

C) Customised/personalised items

Custom orders (e.g., name/colour changes, bespoke sizing, special requests) require additional time. Production time is typically [7–14] working days, depending on complexity and approvals.

Please note: Delivery time = production/processing time + shipping transit time.

3) Payment type & when your timeline starts

Your order timeline starts only when payment is confirmed/cleared:

  • Card / Mobile Money / Instant checkout payments: Usually confirmed immediately; processing begins the same day or next working day.
  • Bank transfer: Processing begins after funds clear (typically [1–3] working days depending on banks).
  • Cash on Delivery (if offered): Processing begins after order confirmation by phone/WhatsApp or Email may add [1] working day.

If payment is pending, incomplete, or reversed, dispatch timelines will be delayed.

4) Domestic shipping (within Ghana)

We ship within Ghana using [Ghana Post / local reputable courier partners].

Estimated domestic transit times (after dispatch)

  • Standard: [1–3] working days (Greater Accra) / [2–5] working days (other regions)
  • Express (if available): [1–2] working days

If a signature is required and you miss delivery, you may need to arrange redelivery/pickup directly with the courier (please note that you will be responsible for any cost incurred after courier has attempted delivery)

5) International shipping (from Ghana)

We ship internationally using courier services (e.g., DHL/FedEx/UPS/Aramex) and/or Ghana Post EMS (Express Mail Service) depending on destination, parcel size, and the shipping option you select at checkout.

A) Express courier (recommended for speed)

Typical transit to major destinations: about 1–6 working days after dispatch (customs time not included).

B) Ghana Post EMS ((Express Mail Service) (economy/standard international))

Estimated EMS delivery standards vary by region. Ghana Post publishes indicative timelines such as:

  • Africa: about 7–14 days
  • Europe: about 7 days
  • North America: about 7 days
  • Asia/Australia/South America: about 7 days

Customs can add extra days in the destination country.

6) Shipping rates & free shipping (optional)

  • Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination, weight, and shipping method.
  • Free shipping (optional): [Free local shipping over GHS 300] / [Free international shipping over (not available at the moment)]
  • Large/wholesale orders: May require an additional shipping quote. If so, we’ll contact you before dispatch.

7) Tracking, delivery & signatures

  • Tracking is provided (if applicable) once the parcel is dispatched (where supported by the carrier).
  • Some services/destinations may require a signature on delivery.
  • If tracking shows “delivered” but you can’t locate the parcel, check with household members/neighbours/building security first, then contact us within [48 hours].

8) Customs, duties & taxes (international orders)

When ordering from outside Ghana, your shipment may be subject to import duties, taxes, and customs fees charged by your country. These fees are the customer’s responsibility.

Customs may also request additional information/documents from the recipient. If a parcel is:

  • returned to us due to unpaid duties/taxes,
  • rejected/refused by the recipient,
  • held and later destroyed by customs due to missing information,

we may be unable to refund original shipping fees and/or product costs (depending on what is returned to us in sellable condition).

9) Address accuracy (very important)

Please double-check your shipping address and phone number at checkout. An incorrect or incomplete address can cause delays or delivery failure.

  • If a parcel is returned to us due to an incorrect address entered at checkout, the customer is responsible for any reshipping fees.

10) Delays outside our control

We do our best to meet the timelines above, but we can’t be responsible for delays caused by:

  • courier disruptions, weather, peak seasons, strikes,
  • customs delays,
  • incorrect address details or missed delivery attempts.

Shipping fees are generally not refundable due to carrier/customs delays.

11) Split shipments (orders with mixed item types)

If your order includes ready to ship and made to order/custom items, we will either:

  • ship together once all items are ready, or
  • ship separately (additional shipping fees may apply)

Our default: [ship together] unless you contact us.

12) Damaged, missing, or lost parcels

If your parcel arrives damaged, please contact us within [48 hours] with:

  • photos of the outer packaging,
  • photos of the damaged item(s),
  • your order number.

We’ll work with the carrier where appropriate and advise the next steps (replacement/repair/claim).

13) Contact us

For shipping questions, order updates, or tracking help:

  • Email: admin@duchessbeadsandbeauty.com
  • WhatsApp/Phone: +233530820100