Refunds

Refund Policy.

When you can return your order, how refunds work, and what we can and can't accept back. Designed to comply with the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and ECTA section 44.

Last updated: 2026-05-28

1. 7-day cooling-off (ECTA s44)

If you are a consumer (not buying for resale or as a business) and bought through this website, you have the right to cancel your order within 7 calendar days of receiving it, without giving a reason. To exercise this right, email paul@hobsonschoice.co.za with your order reference (HCT-XXXXXX) within 7 days of delivery.

The product must be returned to us unopened, sealed and in its original packaging. We refund the price you paid for the goods (excluding the original delivery fee) within 30 days of receiving the return. Return shipping is for your account unless the product was faulty or wrongly supplied.

2. Faulty, damaged or wrongly supplied goods (CPA s56)

Under section 56 of the Consumer Protection Act, every product we sell carries an implied warranty of quality for 6 monthsfrom delivery. If your order arrives damaged, leaks, is past its shelf life on arrival, or is materially different from what you ordered, contact us within 7 days of delivery.

At your election we will, at our cost:

  • repair or replace the defective product, or
  • refund the full amount you paid, including the original delivery fee.

Please send a photograph of the damage with your email — it speeds up the claim.

3. What we cannot accept back

For health, safety and product-integrity reasons we are unable to accept returns of:
  • Bottles that have been opened, partly used, decanted or had their seal broken
  • Product that has been stored outside recommended conditions (e.g. left in direct sunlight or frost)
  • Product that has been mixed with any other chemical or substance
  • Custom or special-order quantities

4. How to return

  1. Email paul@hobsonschoice.co.za with your HCT-XXXXXX reference, the reason for return, and (if applicable) a photo of any damage.
  2. We confirm whether the return qualifies and send return instructions.
  3. Pack the product in its original packaging and send it (or arrange collection) to Stone Ridge Farm, Ncwadi Road, Umgungundlovo, KwaZulu-Natal 7270.
  4. Once received and inspected, the refund is processed within 14 business days via the same payment method you used.

5. Order cancellations before dispatch

If we have not yet dispatched your order you can cancel it for any reason by emailing us with your HCT-XXXXXX reference. We refund the full amount paid (goods + delivery) within 14 business days. If a courier has already collected, the order is treated as a return — see sections 1 and 4 above.

6. Refund method and timing

All refunds are issued back to the original payment method you used (PayFast card, Instant EFT, etc.). Card refunds typically reflect within 3–5 business days of us initiating the refund; EFT refunds within 1–2 business days. We do not pay out cash refunds.

7. Disputes

If we can't resolve a refund issue directly, you may refer the matter to the National Consumer Commission or, for payment disputes, raise a chargeback through your card issuer. We respond to all such requests promptly and in good faith.

8. Contact

Refunds and returns are handled by paul@hobsonschoice.co.za. Please always include your HCT-XXXXXX reference — it speeds everything up.