Return & Refund Policy
Quick Reference
| Scenario | Eligible for Return? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong item shipped | ✓ Yes | 7 calendar days from delivery |
| Damaged in transit | ✓ Yes | 7 calendar days from delivery |
| Defective / compromised seal | ✓ Yes | 7 calendar days from delivery |
| Foreign material in product | ✓ Yes | 7 calendar days from delivery |
| Didn’t like the taste | ✗ No | N/A |
| Changed mind / buyer’s remorse | ✗ No | N/A |
| Ordered wrong item | ✗ No | N/A |
| Gift recipient doesn’t like tea | ✗ No | N/A |
| Farmers market purchase | ✗ Final sale | N/A (see below) |
Eligible Returns — What Qualifies
We accept return or replacement requests only for the following situations:
Wrong Item Shipped
You received a product materially different from what you ordered (different blend, different size). Minor packaging updates or label redesigns do not constitute a wrong item.
Damaged in Transit
Your order arrived with visible damage caused during shipping — crushed or punctured packaging that compromised the product, or contents that spilled or leaked in transit.
Defective Product
The product seal was broken, tampered with, or compromised at the time of delivery (not by you). Foreign material or contamination is present in the product.
To submit a claim, you must contact us within 7 calendar days of your carrier-confirmed delivery date and provide photographic evidence of the issue.
Not Eligible for Return
Because our products are consumable food and beverage items, we are unable to accept returns for:
- Taste preference — you tried it and didn’t enjoy the flavor
- Change of mind or buyer’s remorse after purchase
- Customer ordering error — wrong item, quantity, or address entered at checkout
- Gift purchases where the recipient does not drink tea
- Improper storage after delivery that affects product quality
- Claims submitted after the 7 calendar day window has closed
- Products that have been more than 50% consumed
This policy is consistent with Illinois food safety law and standard practice for consumable goods retailers.
How to Request a Return or Refund
- Email us at [email protected] with the subject line “Return Request — Order #[your order number]”
- Include your name, order number, and a clear description of the issue
- Attach photos showing the damage, defect, or incorrect item — photos are required for all claims
- Submit your request within 7 calendar days of your carrier-confirmed delivery date
We will respond within 2 business days. Do not ship anything back without written authorization — unauthorized returns will not be accepted or refunded.
How We Resolve Claims
Once we verify your claim, we will offer one of the following resolutions:
- Replacement shipment of the correct or undamaged product (our preferred remedy)
- Store credit for the value of the affected item(s)
- Refund to your original payment method for the affected item(s)
Original shipping charges are non-refundable unless the error was ours. Return shipping is covered by Moody Teas only in cases of our error. We do not require you to return damaged goods in most cases — photos are sufficient.
Approved refunds are processed within 5 business days of claim approval. Depending on your bank, funds may take an additional 3–10 business days to appear.
Chargebacks & Payment Disputes
If you initiate a chargeback without first contacting us, we will provide your bank with documentation of this policy, your agreement to our Terms & Conditions at checkout, and all relevant order records. Unwarranted chargebacks may result in suspension of your account.
Farmers Market & In-Person Sales
All in-person purchases made at farmers markets or events are final sale. We encourage you to inspect items before leaving.
The only exception is a product that is visibly defective at the time of purchase and identified before you leave the event. In that case, we’ll exchange it on the spot where inventory allows, or ask you to email [email protected] within 48 hours with a photo.
Questions?
We’re a small team and we genuinely want to make things right. Reach out anytime:
- Email: [email protected] — subject: “Return Request — Order #[number]”
- Website: shop.moodyteas.co
This policy is part of our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.