Refund policy

Last Updated: August 16, 2026

At Melanated Elevation, many of our products are produced specifically after an order is placed.

Because our products are made to order, we do not operate like a traditional retail store with unlimited returns and exchanges.

We will, however, work to resolve legitimate manufacturing, fulfillment, and shipping issues fairly.

1. Made-to-Order Products

Many Melanated Elevation products are made to order.

Because production begins specifically in response to a customer's purchase, we generally do not accept returns or exchanges simply because a customer:

Changed their mind
No longer wants the product
Selected the wrong size
Selected the wrong color
Selected the wrong product
Ordered the wrong quantity
Prefers a different style

Please carefully review your order before completing your purchase.

2. Eligible Refund, Replacement, and Return Requests

A return, refund, or replacement may be considered when an order involves a qualifying issue, including:

Manufacturing defects
Misprinted products
Damaged products
Incorrect products
Fulfillment errors
Products that materially differ from what was ordered
Packages confirmed lost in transit
Other qualifying fulfillment issues

All requests are subject to review.

3. Request Timeframe

Refund or return requests may generally be submitted within 180 days after delivery.

However, issues involving:

Damage
Defects
Misprints
Incorrect products
Lost packages

should be reported as soon as possible and ideally within 7 days of delivery or, for lost shipments, within 7 days after the estimated delivery date.

Prompt reporting gives us the best opportunity to investigate the issue with our fulfillment and shipping partners.

4. How to Submit a Claim

Contact:

support@melanatedelevation.com

Please include:

Full name
Order number
Email address used for the order
Description of the issue
Clear photographs or video, when applicable
Photographs of the packaging when damage is involved

Incomplete information may delay the review process.

5. Damaged Products

If your product arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible.

Please provide photographs showing:

The damaged product
The packaging
Shipping label, when available
The specific area of damage

Do not dispose of the product or packaging until you have received further instructions if an investigation is required.

6. Defective Products

If a product contains a manufacturing defect, contact us with photographs or video demonstrating the defect.

If the issue is confirmed, an appropriate resolution may include:

Replacement
Refund
Return authorization
Another appropriate remedy

7. Misprinted or Incorrect Products

If you receive an item with a manufacturing misprint or an item that does not correspond to your order, contact us promptly.

Please provide photographs showing the product and the relevant order information.

If the issue is confirmed as a fulfillment or manufacturing error, we will determine the appropriate resolution.

8. Returns Require Prior Approval

Do not send products back without receiving authorization from Melanated Elevation.

If a return is approved, we will provide the appropriate return instructions and return address.

Unauthorized returns may not be accepted or processed.

Tapstitch's current return policy similarly requires approval before a return is sent and states that unauthorized returns may not be accepted.

9. Condition of Returned Products

Unless the return involves a manufacturing defect or fulfillment error, an approved returned product must generally be:

Unused
Unworn
Unwashed
Unaltered
In its original condition

Products that have been worn, washed, stained, altered, intentionally damaged, or damaged through misuse may not qualify for a refund.

10. Wrong Size, Color, or Product Selected

Customers are responsible for reviewing product details before ordering.

We generally do not offer refunds, returns, or exchanges because a customer:

Selected the wrong size
Selected the wrong color
Selected the wrong product
Selected the wrong quantity
Changed their mind
Decided they no longer want the product

If you notice an error immediately after placing your order, contact us as soon as possible.

If the order has not entered production and cancellation remains available, we may be able to assist.

11. Exchanges

Traditional size or color exchanges are generally not available for made-to-order products.

If you selected the wrong size, color, or variant, contact us immediately.

If the order is still eligible for cancellation before production begins, you may be able to cancel and place a new order with the correct information.

Once production begins, changes may no longer be possible.

12. Order Cancellations

Cancellation requests must be submitted as soon as possible after placing an order.

Orders may generally be canceled before production begins.

Once an order enters production, cancellation may no longer be available.

Tapstitch's current order-change guidance states that orders in production are no longer eligible for cancellation.

If an eligible cancellation is approved, the applicable refund will be issued to the original payment method.

13. Lost Packages

If a package is confirmed lost in transit, contact us promptly.

Claims should generally be submitted within 7 days after the estimated delivery date.

We may work with our fulfillment or logistics provider to investigate the shipment.

If the claim qualifies, an appropriate resolution may include a replacement or refund.

14. Packages Marked as Delivered

If tracking confirms that a package was delivered but you cannot locate it, please first:

Check your delivery area.
Check with household members.
Check with neighbors.
Check your mailbox or mailroom.
Check with building management when applicable.
Contact the carrier.

A package marked as delivered does not automatically qualify for a refund or replacement.

Because the carrier has confirmed delivery, Melanated Elevation cannot guarantee reimbursement or replacement for packages reported missing after confirmed delivery.

15. Incorrect Shipping Information

Customers are responsible for providing accurate shipping and contact information.

We generally cannot provide refunds for orders that fail to arrive because of:

Incorrect address
Incomplete address
Incorrect apartment or unit number
Incorrect recipient information
Incorrect phone number
Unclaimed package
Refused delivery

If an order is returned and reshipment is requested, additional shipping charges may apply.

16. Non-Returnable Products

Unless a manufacturing defect or fulfillment error is involved, certain products may not be eligible for return or refund, including:

Underwear
Tights
Pajamas
Swimwear
Socks
Masks
Sample products
Deliberately damaged products
Products returned outside the applicable 180-day request period
Products accurately produced according to the order but later deemed unwanted by the purchaser

These exclusions are consistent with Tapstitch's current return policy.

17. Customer-Caused Damage

Refunds or replacements generally will not be provided for damage caused after delivery through:

Improper washing
Improper drying
Staining
Alteration
Misuse
Accidental damage
Normal wear and tear
Failure to follow product care instructions

18. Return Shipping Costs

When a return is approved, we will provide instructions regarding return shipping.

Unless otherwise determined because of a qualifying manufacturing or fulfillment issue, the customer may be responsible for return shipping costs.

We do not accept unauthorized or freight-collect returns.

19. Refunds

If a refund is approved:

The refund will generally be issued to the original payment method.
The refund will generally be processed in the original purchase currency.
Processing time may vary depending on your bank, card issuer, payment provider, or other financial institution.

Melanated Elevation does not control the processing time imposed by third-party financial institutions.

20. Refund Amount

The amount refunded will depend on the circumstances of the approved claim.

An approved refund does not necessarily mean that every charge associated with an order will be refundable.

Shipping charges, customs charges, taxes, duties, or other third-party fees may be subject to different rules depending on the circumstances and applicable law.

21. Review Process

Submitting a claim does not automatically guarantee approval.

Claims may be reviewed based on:

Order information
Product condition
Photographs or video
Manufacturing records
Fulfillment information
Shipping information
Tracking information
The reason for the claim
Applicable policies

We may request additional information before reaching a decision.

Tapstitch states that it aims to review and process return/refund requests within 7 business days; actual resolution times may vary depending on the complexity of the claim and information required.