Shipping & Returns Policy

1. Overview

All products from The Design Hobo are made to order and fulfilled by trusted third-party production partners.

Each item is produced specifically for your order after purchase. We do not hold stock.

Because of this fulfilment model, shipping times and return conditions differ from traditional retail stores.

This policy explains how shipping works, estimated delivery times, and when refunds or replacements may be issued.


2. Order Processing & Production

Once an order is placed, it goes through the following stages:

  1. Order confirmation
  2. Production (printing and preparation)
  3. Fulfilment and dispatch
  4. Delivery

Production Time

Most items require 2–5 business days to produce before shipping.

Production times may vary during peak periods, holidays, or high-demand seasons.


3. Shipping Times

Delivery times begin after production is complete and your order has been dispatched.

Estimated delivery times are:

  • United Kingdom: 3–7 business days
  • Europe: 5–10 business days
  • International: 7–20 business days

These timeframes are estimates only and are not guaranteed delivery dates.

Delays may occur due to courier services, customs processing, weather, or other external factors outside our control.


4. Tracking Your Order

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation email containing tracking information.

Tracking updates may take up to 48 hours to appear after dispatch.

If your tracking has not updated immediately, this does not necessarily mean your order has been delayed.


5. Customs, Duties & Import Taxes

International orders may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, or handling fees depending on your country’s regulations.

These charges are determined by local authorities and are the responsibility of the customer.

We are not responsible for any delays caused by customs clearance procedures.


6. Incorrect Address

It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all shipping details are entered correctly at checkout.

If an incorrect or incomplete address is provided:

  • We cannot guarantee successful delivery
  • Orders may be returned to the fulfilment facility
  • Additional shipping charges may apply for re-delivery

If you notice an error, please contact us immediately after placing your order. We will do our best to assist if production has not yet started.


7. Lost, Delayed or Missing Orders

Before contacting us about a delayed order, please:

  • Check your tracking information
  • Check with household members or neighbours
  • Check safe delivery locations
  • Contact your local courier service

Order Not Arrived

If your order has not arrived within the estimated delivery timeframe, please contact us and we will assist in investigating the issue with our fulfilment and courier partners.

Marked as Delivered

If your tracking shows the order as delivered but you have not received it:

  • Check around your property and safe spaces
  • Ask neighbours or household members
  • Contact the courier directly

We are unable to take responsibility for parcels marked as successfully delivered by the courier, but we will support you in investigating the issue.


8. Returns & Exchanges

Because all products are made to order, we do not accept returns or exchanges for:

  • Change of mind
  • Incorrect size selection
  • Incorrect colour selection
  • Accidental purchases
  • Buyer’s remorse

Each item is produced specifically for you, which means it cannot be restocked or resold.

Please review product descriptions and size guides carefully before placing your order.


9. Damaged, Defective or Incorrect Items

We will replace or refund items if they arrive:

  • Damaged
  • Defective
  • Incorrectly printed
  • Wrong item received

Timeframe for Claims

Claims must be submitted within 14 days of delivery.

Required Information

To process your claim, please provide:

  • Order number
  • Clear photographs of the item
  • Clear photographs of the packaging (if relevant)
  • Description of the issue

10. What Is Not Eligible for Refund or Replacement

The following are not considered faults or defects:

  • Minor colour variations between screen and print
  • Slight print placement differences
  • Garment size tolerances within manufacturing limits
  • Fabric texture differences
  • Natural variation between production batches
  • Delays within estimated delivery timeframes
  • Incorrect size or product selection by the customer

These are normal characteristics of print-on-demand production.


11. Refunds & Replacements

Where a claim is approved, we may offer:

  • A replacement item
  • A partial refund
  • A full refund
  • Store credit (where appropriate)

Each case is assessed individually based on the issue and supporting evidence.

Refunds are processed using the original payment method.


12. Order Cancellations

Orders are processed quickly after purchase to begin production.

For this reason:

  • Orders can only be cancelled before production begins
  • Once production has started, cancellation is no longer possible

If you need to request a cancellation, please contact us immediately after placing your order.


13. Made-to-Order Manufacturing

All items are produced on demand through third-party fulfilment partners.

This model helps reduce waste and avoid overproduction, but it also means:

  • Each item is individually produced
  • Small variations between items are normal
  • Production and shipping times may vary slightly

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about shipping, delivery or returns, please contact us.

The Design Hobo
Email: support@thedesignhobo.co.uk

We aim to respond within 24–48 business hours on working days.

All Designs