Refund policy

Here is a fully revised Refund & Return Policy tailored to comply with South African Consumer Law (specifically the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 / CPA) and Google Merchant Center Policy Requirements (which mandate clear rules on return shipping costs, restocking fees, and complete contact details).

REFUND & RETURN POLICY

Last updated: July 12, 2026

At MERIDIAN CONTAINER DEPOT, we strive to ensure complete satisfaction with every purchase. This Refund & Return Policy outlines your rights and options regarding returns, cancellations, refunds, and exchanges under South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act, 2013 (CPA) and international e-commerce standards, including Google Merchant Center guidelines.

1. 30-Day Return Window & Conditions

You have 30 calendar days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return under our voluntary 30-day policy:

The item must be in the same condition that you received it: unused, unaltered, and undamaged.
The item must be in its original packaging with all tags, labels, and manuals intact.
You must provide the original receipt or proof of purchase.

2. Return Process & Shipping Fees

A. How to Start a Return

Contact our customer service team at Meridiancontainerdepot@gmail.com or call [Insert South African Phone Number] with your order number and reason for return.
Once your return request is approved, we will provide you with a return authorization and the correct shipping instructions.
Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

B. Return Shipping Costs & Restocking Fees

Customer Preference / Change of Mind Returns: If you are returning an item because you changed your mind or ordered the wrong product, you (the buyer) are responsible for paying the return shipping fees.
Defective, Damaged, or Incorrect Items: If the return is due to our error (e.g., defective product, damaged during transit, or wrong item delivered), we will provide a prepaid return shipping label or arrange collection at no cost to you.
Restocking Fees: We do not charge any restocking fees for returned items.

C. Return Address

All approved returns must be shipped to our primary address:

MERIDIAN CONTAINER DEPOT

274 Vause Road, Berea

KwaZulu-Natal, 4001

South Africa

3. Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items

Please inspect your order upon arrival. Under the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA):

If your item is defective, damaged, or incorrect, please contact us immediately (within 7 days of delivery) at Meridiancontainerdepot@gmail.com with photos/videos of the issue and your order details.
If a product is genuinely defective within 6 months of delivery, you are legally entitled to a repair, replacement, or full refund under Section 56 of the CPA.

4. Non-Returnable / Excluded Items

Certain categories of goods cannot be returned due to safety, hygiene, or custom specifications:

Custom or Personalized Products: Custom container modifications, special orders, or tailored builds.
Perishable Goods: Items with limited shelf life or environmental sensitivity.
Hazardous Materials: Flammable liquids, gases, or chemicals.
Gift Cards & Final Clearance Sale Items: Promotional or clearance items explicitly marked "Non-Refundable" at the time of purchase.

5. Cooling-Off Period (South African CPA & International Standards)

South Africa (Electronic Communications and Transactions Act / CPA): For goods purchased online, you are entitled to a 5-business-day cooling-off period following delivery. You may cancel the transaction without reason or penalty within this window, though return delivery costs remain your responsibility unless the product is defective.
European Union (EU/UK Buyers): If merchandise is shipped to the European Union or United Kingdom, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 calendar days of delivery for any reason under statutory distance selling regulations.

6. Exchanges

The fastest way to ensure you receive the desired replacement item is to return the original item following the return process above. Once your return is received and accepted, you can make a separate purchase for the new item.

7. Refund Processing & Timelines

Inspection: Once we receive and inspect your returned item, we will notify you via email regarding the approval or rejection of your refund.
Approval & Payment Method: If approved, your refund will automatically be processed back to your original payment method (Credit Card, Debit Card, or Direct EFT) within 10 business days.
Processing Delay: Depending on your banking institution or card issuer, it may take an additional 3 to 5 business days for the funds to reflect in your account.
Late or Missing Refunds: If more than 15 business days have passed since your refund approval and you have not received the funds, please contact us at Meridiancontainerdepot@gmail.com.