Returns & Refunds Policy
Desi Local Co. | Last Updated: Aug 31, 2026
This Returns / Refunds & Defect Resolution Policy explains how we handle returns, refunds, replacements, and issue resolution for customers located in the United States. This policy has been designed to provide a high level of transparency, fairness, and confidence when purchasing Indian products through our direct-to-consumer marketplace – Desi Local Co.
By placing an order on Desi Local Co., you agree to the terms outlined in this Policy.
- OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY & FAIRNESS
At Desi Local Co., we are committed to delivering authentic, high-quality Indian products to customers across the United States. We work directly with verified Indian brands, artisans, and manufacturers and conduct multiple quality checks before products are dispatched internationally.
While we strive to ensure every order arrives exactly as expected, we understand that issues may occasionally arise. This Policy exists to clearly outline how such situations are handled and what remedies are available to you.
- INSPECTION WINDOW (72 HOURS)
You are required to inspect your order immediately upon delivery.
If you notice any issue with your order, you must notify our support team either by email or on WhatsApp within forty-eight (72) hours of delivery (“Inspection Window”). Claims submitted after this period may not be eligible for resolution under this Policy, except in exceptional circumstances determined at our discretion.
To initiate a claim, you may be asked to provide clear photographic or video evidence showing the issue from multiple angles, including images of the outer packaging where relevant.
- ELIGIBLE ISSUES COVERED UNDER THIS POLICY
The following scenarios are eligible for review, investigation, and resolution, subject to verification:
The following scenarios are eligible for review, investigation, and resolution, subject to verification:
3.1 Damaged or Broken Products
Examples include products that arrive broken, cracked, dented, melted, punctured, or otherwise physically damaged.
Evidence required: clear photographs of the damaged product and its packaging, submitted within the 48-hour Inspection Window.
Resolution: after verification, we will offer a replacement or a full refund. For non-food items, we may request that the damaged product be returned to us before finalizing your replacement or refund; where required, we will provide a prepaid return label at no cost to you. Food and consumable items do not need to be returned (see Section 3.16).
3.2 Incorrect Product Received
If you receive a product that is different from what was ordered or listed on your invoice.
Evidence required: a photo of the item you received, along with your packing slip or order confirmation.
Resolution: after verification, we will offer a replacement or full refund. We may require the incorrect item to be returned to us — at no cost to you — before your replacement or refund is finalized.
3.3 Missing or Incomplete Orders
If one or more items or quantities are missing from your shipment.
Resolution: shipment of the missing items, or a refund of the missing value.
3.4 Product Not as Described
If the product materially differs from the description, images, specifications, size, color, or material stated on the website.
Evidence required: a photo of the item compared against the website listing, along with a description of what differs.
Resolution: store credit for the full item value, or a refund including the cost of return shipping.
3.5 Functional Defects
If a product does not function as intended, including electrical or mechanical failures.
Resolution: troubleshooting support, replacement, or refund.
3.6 Finish, Craftsmanship, or Appearance Defects
Examples include scratches, uneven paint, chipped surfaces, discoloration, or poor finishing.
Important note: Many Desi Local products are handcrafted. Minor variations inherent to handmade processes are not considered defects unless the difference is significant and unreasonable compared to what was displayed online.
Resolution: partial refund, replacement, or full refund.
3.7 Assembly-Related Issues
Missing components, unclear instructions, or inability to assemble the product despite reasonable effort.
Resolution: replacement parts, instructions, replacement product, or refund.
3.8 Damage Due to Inadequate Packaging
Damage caused by insufficient packaging or cushioning.
Evidence required: clear photographs of the damaged product and its packaging, submitted within the 48-hour Inspection Window.
Resolution: after verification, we will offer a replacement or full refund, following the same process outlined in Section 3.1.
3.9 Transit Damage
Damage caused during shipping, including impact damage, punctures, or moisture exposure.
Evidence required: clear photographs of the damaged product and its packaging, submitted within the 48-hour Inspection Window.
Resolution: replacement or refund following investigation with the shipping partner, following the same process outlined in Section 3.1.
3.10 Weight Discrepancies
Significant variance between the product weight listed on the website and the weight received.
Resolution: refund, replacement, or price adjustment.
3.11 Color Variations
Significant color mismatch beyond reasonable differences caused by lighting or screen settings.
Evidence required: a photo of the item compared against the website listing.
Resolution: store credit for the full item value, or a refund including the cost of return shipping, following the same process outlined in Section 3.4.
3.12 Unusual or Strong Odors
Persistent odors that may indicate a product defect or contamination.
Resolution: replacement or refund after investigation.
3.13 Labelling or Marking Errors
Incorrect, misleading, or incomplete product labels or instructions.
Resolution: correction, replacement, or refund.
3.14 Did Not Like the Product
If you simply don’t like a product you ordered, and there is no defect or error on our part.
Eligibility: the product must be unused, unopened, and in its original packaging. This category does not apply to food, beverage, or other consumable items, which are addressed separately in Section 3.16.
Resolution: you may choose either (a) a refund to your original payment method, minus the cost of return shipping and a 10% restocking fee, or (b) store credit for the full item value, minus the cost of return shipping. We will share a prepaid return shipping label with you; its cost will be deducted from your refund or credit as described above.
3.15 Sizing / Fit Issue
If the size you ordered does not fit you, or the product does not fit your body type well.
Resolution: this is treated the same as Section 3.14 (Did Not Like the Product) — the product must be unused, unopened, and in its original packaging, and the same refund or store credit terms apply.
3.16 Food, Grocery, Spice & Consumable Items
Food, beverage, spice, and other consumable products are final sale and are not eligible for return or refund simply because you changed your mind.
If a food or consumable item arrives damaged, spoiled, or expired, you may submit a claim with photographic evidence of the issue and the product’s condition (sealed or unsealed) within the 48-hour Inspection Window.
Evidence required: clear photographs of the item, its packaging, and — where relevant — the expiration date.
Resolution: after verification, we will offer a replacement or full refund. You will not be asked to return food or consumable items to us.
- ISSUES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RETURNS OR REFUNDS
The following scenarios are generally not eligible:
- Minor handcrafted variations disclosed on product pages.
- Normal wear and tear after use.
- Damage caused by misuse, negligence, or improper unpackaging or improper installation.
- Issues reported outside the 48-hour Inspection Window.
- Product labels have been removed, even if the product has not been used.
- Product has been used, worn, or altered by you.
- Food, beverage, or other consumable items that have been opened or consumed, except where the item was damaged, spoiled, or expired on arrival (see Section 3.16).
- EVIDENCE & VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To process a claim, we may request:
- Clear photographs or videos of the product
- Images of original packaging
- Order number and delivery confirmation
- For “Not as Described” or color-variation claims, a photo of the item alongside the website listing you purchased from
Failure to provide sufficient or accurate evidence may result in claim rejection.
- RETURN SHIPPING RESPONSIBILITY
If the product is covered under our standard return policy as stated above:
- If the issue is due to a defect, error, or damage attributable to Desi Local Co. or the seller (Sections 3.1–3.3 and 3.5–3.13, and 3.16), we will bear the cost of return shipping, including cases where we require the item to be returned to us.
- In all other cases — including Sections 3.4, 3.11, 3.14, and 3.15 — return shipping costs will be borne by you and will be deducted from your final refund or store credit amount.
- REFUNDS & REPLACEMENTS
7.1 Refund Method
Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method used at checkout only. Refunds cannot be processed to any other payment method.
7.2 Refund Timelines
Once your returned item is received and inspected (where a return is required), or once your claim is approved (where no return is required), refunds are typically processed within three (3) to five (5) business days. Please note that your bank or payment provider may take additional time to reflect the refund in your account.
7.3 Replacement Timelines
Replacement timelines depend on product availability and shipping destination. Our support team will keep you updated on the same.
- FRAUD PREVENTION & MISUSE SAFEGUARDS
We reserve the right to deny claims in cases involving:
Insufficient, misleading, or fabricated evidence.
Repeated or excessive return requests.
Suspected fraudulent activity.
All decisions are made after careful review and are final.
- CANCELLATIONS BEFORE DISPATCH
Orders may be cancelled within twenty-four (24) hours of placement, provided the order has not entered processing or dispatch.
Eligible refunds for pre-dispatch cancellations will be processed to the original payment method.
- HOW TO INITIATE A RETURN OR CLAIM
To initiate a claim:
- Contact Desi Local Co. customer support at contact@desilocal.co
- Provide your order number
- Share the requested verification information
- Await confirmation and next steps
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Our customer support team is available to assist with questions related to returns, refunds, and defect resolution through the contact options listed on our website. You can also reach us at contact@desilocal.co or +1 619-892-8478.
POLICY UPDATES
Desi Local Co. reserves the right to update or modify this Policy at any time. Updates will apply to future orders and will be published on our website.