Terms of service

Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before placing your order. By paying your deposit or making a purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Payment Terms

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit is required on all custom and bulk orders before any work commences.
  • Full payment in advance is required for online shop purchases, ready-made gifts, and digital design services.
  • The balance of custom orders must be settled before production or dispatch. No orders will leave our studio without full payment.
  • Payment methods: EFT, cash, bank/credit card at our studio, or secure online payment link (international payments may take 5–10 working days to clear).
  • Orders will not be started, dispatched, or released until cleared payment reflects in our account.

Products & Allergies

  • We sell a variety of gifting products, food items, and body products. Ingredients and product information are provided on packaging wherever possible.
  • While we take great care in sourcing and producing our goods, we cannot guarantee that products are free from allergens (such as nuts, gluten, dairy, soy, or traces thereof).
  • Allergic Reactions: By purchasing, you acknowledge and accept that consumption or use of products is at your own risk. Summer Story will not be held liable for any allergic reactions, sensitivities, or medical issues resulting from our products.
  • Customers are responsible for checking ingredient lists and suitability of products before use. If you are uncertain, please consult a medical professional before using or consuming.
  • Our body products are for external use only. Discontinue use immediately if irritation occurs.

Packaging & Handmade Elements

  • Many of our products and packaging are handmade or finished by hand. Slight variations in colour, texture, or finish may occur — this is part of their unique character and not considered a defect.
  • We reserve the right to brand packaging with our logo in a discreet manner.

Lead Times & Rush Orders

  • Lead times vary depending on the size and complexity of your order. Please confirm deadlines with us in writing.
  • Rush orders may be possible but will incur an additional surcharge.
  • Corporate & Bulk Orders: Large or corporate orders may require additional lead time. Timelines will be confirmed in writing and clients are encouraged to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Shipping, Delivery & Perishable Goods

  • All parcels are dispatched at the client's risk. Once orders leave our studio, they become the responsibility of the courier and client.
  • A tracking number will be provided. Clients are responsible for monitoring delivery and ensuring accurate shipping details are supplied.
  • Perishable Goods: Some of our products (including chocolates, baked goods, and other food items) are perishable and may be temperature sensitive. While we package all items with care, Summer Story cannot be held liable for spoilage, melting, damage, or deterioration of perishable items once they have left our premises and been handed to the courier.
  • Delivery times, handling conditions, and storage environments are outside of our control. It is the client's responsibility to ensure that someone is available to receive the parcel at the delivery address.
  • We strongly recommend selecting express or same-day delivery options where available for perishable goods, and to store them appropriately upon receipt.
  • Risk of loss, damage, or spoilage passes to the client upon collection from our premises or handover to the courier company.
  • Summer Story is not liable for delays, loss, or damage during transit. Once an order is dispatched, the client assumes responsibility for tracking the delivery and ensuring it is received timeously.

Substitutions

  • In the event that a particular product, packaging, or ingredient is unavailable, Summer Story reserves the right to substitute it with a product of equal or greater value and quality, while maintaining the overall look and feel of the gift.

Cancellations & Refunds

  • All deposits and payments are non-refundable.
  • If a custom order is cancelled before production, a credit note (less design or admin time) will be issued. Credit notes do not expire and may be redeemed against future purchases.
  • Once production has begun or an order has been completed, the client remains liable for full payment.
  • Due to the nature of our products (including food, body products, and custom packaging), returns and exchanges are not accepted unless goods are defective.
  • Custom, branded, or personalised products are made specifically to order and are therefore non-returnable and non-refundable under any circumstances, unless proven defective.

Liability

  • Summer Story takes no responsibility for misuse of products, allergic reactions, or health issues arising from consumption or use.
  • Clients assume all responsibility for safe handling, storage, and gifting of products once received.
  • While we take care to package items securely, fragile items (such as glass containers or delicate packaging) are shipped at the client's risk.

Design & Printing (If Applicable)

  • For any custom design or print work, digital proofs will be supplied for client approval.
  • It is the client's responsibility to carefully review all artwork, spelling, colours, and details before giving final sign-off.
  • Summer Story cannot be held liable for errors noticed after approval.

Copyright & Branding

  • All designs, packaging concepts, and creative work remain the intellectual property of Summer Story and may not be copied, reproduced, or resold without written permission.
  • Summer Story reserves the right to photograph completed products, packaging, and gifts for use in our portfolio, marketing materials, and social media platforms, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Force Majeure

  • Summer Story will not be held liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, load shedding, strikes, pandemics, courier delays, or supply chain interruptions.

Governing Law

  • These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
  • Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.