Refunds & Returns Policy

Refunds & Returns Policy

Effective Date: 01 January 2026

This Refunds & Returns Policy applies to all purchases made from The Local Book Hive Pty Ltd (2026/046512/07) (“we”, “us”, “our”), whether through our website or any associated sales channels.

We comply fully with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA). Nothing in this policy is intended to limit or waive any statutory consumer rights.

1. Physical Products (Printed Books & Merchandise)

1.1 Change-of-Mind Returns

  • Customers may return unused and undamaged physical products within 7 calendar days of delivery if the purchase was made online.
  • Products must be returned in their original condition and packaging.
  • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective, incorrect, or not as described.

1.2 Defective, Damaged, or Incorrect Items

In accordance with Section 56 of the CPA:

  • Physical goods are sold with an implied six-month warranty of quality.
  • If a product is defective, damaged, or not fit for its intended purpose, you may choose a refund, replacement, or repair within six (6) months of purchase.
  • The Local Book Hive will cover reasonable return shipping costs for defective or incorrect items.

1.3 Return Process

  1. Email MICHELLE@LOCALBOOKHIVE.CO.ZA with your order number and reason for return.
  2. Once approved, return the item using the instructions provided.
  3. Approved refunds will be processed within 15 business days after the returned item is received and inspected.

2. Digital Products (eBooks & Downloadable Content)

2.1 No Refunds on Digital Products

Due to the nature of digital products, including eBooks, PDFs, and downloadable files:

  • No refunds, returns, or exchanges will be issued once a digital product has been:
    • Downloaded,
    • Accessed, or
    • Made available for download or emailed to the customer.

By purchasing a digital product from The Local Book Hive, you expressly acknowledge that:

  • Delivery is immediate or near-immediate,
  • You waive your right to cancel once delivery has begun, as permitted under South African law,
  • Cooling-off provisions do not apply after access or download.

2.2 Technical Issues

If you receive:

  • The incorrect digital file, or
  • A corrupted or inaccessible file,

Please contact us within 7 days of purchase. We will make reasonable efforts to resolve the issue by re-sending or correcting the file.
Refunds will not be issued for digital products unless required by law.

3. Gift Cards & Vouchers

  • Gift cards and digital vouchers are non-refundable and may not be exchanged for cash.
  • Any remaining balance remains valid in accordance with the terms provided at purchase.

4. Consumer Rights & Disputes

This policy does not override your statutory rights under South African law.
If a dispute cannot be resolved directly with us, you may refer the matter to:

  • The National Consumer Commission (NCC), or
  • An alternative dispute resolution body as allowed under the CPA.

5. Contact Details

The Local Book Hive
Email: MICHELLE@THELOCALBOOKHIVE.CO.ZA
Phone: 074 154 4634