Refund policy

Last Updated: April 14, 2026

Return & Refund Policy

At MapleLeaf Apothecary, we’re committed to quality products and a smooth shopping experience. Because of the nature of our products and hygiene/safety considerations, our return options are limited.

We do not offer exchanges. In very limited cases, eligible items may be returned or refunded as outlined below.

1. Return Eligibility by Product Type

1.1 Korean Skincare & Cosmetics

Korean beauty and cosmetic products are the only items eligible for standard returns, and only under the following conditions:

Return window:

  • 14 days from the date of delivery

Eligibility:

  • Unused and unopened
  • In original, undamaged packaging
  • All seals, safety seals, and shrink wrap fully intact
  • Return has been authorized by MapleLeaf Apothecary before sending the item back

Not eligible:

  • Any opened, used, or partially used Korean skincare or cosmetic product
  • Items returned without prior authorization
  • Items not returned in original, sellable condition

Return shipping & restocking (standard returns, e.g. change of mind):

  • The customer is responsible for return shipping costs for standard (change‑of‑mind) returns of Korean skincare & cosmetics.
  • A 10% restocking fee, based on the item’s purchase price, will be deducted from the refund.

If the returned product arrives damaged, not in its original packaging, or not in sellable condition, we may reduce the refund amount or decline the refund entirely at our discretion.

1.2 All Other Products (Non‑Korean Items)

For all other products (including but not limited to general skincare, bath & body, apparel, candles, accessories, etc.):

  • We do not accept change‑of‑mind returns.
  • These items are generally final sale, except where there is a proven error on our part (see Section 2).

2. Seller Error: Damaged, Incorrect, or Missing Items

(applies to all products)

For any product on our site (including Korean skincare & cosmetics and all other items), refunds or replacements may be provided only when there is an error on the part of the seller, such as:

  • The item arrives damaged or defective (not caused by customer misuse or handling)
  • The wrong item, size, or variant is sent
  • An item is missing from your order

If your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or with missing items, please contact us as soon as possible after delivery.

Contact:
Email: support@mapleleafapothecary.ca

Please include:

  • Your order number
  • A brief description of the issue
  • Clear photos of:
    • The shipping label (waybill) on the box
    • The entire outer box with label visible
    • The product(s) received (plus close‑ups of any damage or defects, if applicable)

Important:
Do not discard the shipping box, internal packaging, or waybill until we confirm your claim is resolved. Our carriers and partners may require these for investigation.

If your claim is approved, we will, at our discretion:

  • Resend or replace the affected item(s), or
  • Issue a refund for the affected item(s)

Return shipping in cases of seller error:

  • When there is an error on our part and a return is required, MapleLeaf Apothecary will cover the cost of return shipping.
  • You will either receive a prepaid return label, or we will otherwise arrange and pay for the return shipment.
  • No return shipping costs will be deducted from your refund when the error is on our side.

We do not offer exchanges. If you would like a different item, shade, or size, you will need to place a new order.

3. How to Request a Return (Korean Skincare & Cosmetics Only)

Only eligible Korean skincare and cosmetic products (see Section 1.1) can be returned for change‑of‑mind reasons.

To request a return within 14 days of delivery:

Email support@mapleleafapothecary.ca

Include:

  • Your order number
  • The Korean skincare/cosmetic item(s) you’d like to return
  • The reason for the return

If your return is approved, we will send you:

  • A Return Authorization confirmation
  • The return address
  • Instructions for shipping the item back

For standard (change‑of‑mind) returns of Korean skincare & cosmetics, you are responsible for the cost of return shipping, and a 10% restocking fee will apply.

For returns requested due to seller error (damage, defect, wrong/missing item), we will cover the cost of return shipping if a return is required (see Section 2).

Please do not send items back without authorization. Unauthorised returns may not be accepted or processed.

4. Return Shipping & Fees (Summary)

4.1 Standard Returns – Korean Skincare & Cosmetics

  • Customer pays return shipping for change‑of‑mind returns.
  • A 10% restocking fee (based on the item’s purchase price) will be deducted from the refund.

4.2 All Other Products (Non‑Korean Items)

  • No change‑of‑mind returns are accepted.
  • Returns only occur, if at all, in the context of seller error (see Section 2), in which case we cover return shipping.

4.3 Seller Error – All Products

  • When there is an error on our part and a return is required, MapleLeaf Apothecary pays for return shipping.
  • A prepaid label or equivalent will be provided.
  • No return shipping fee is deducted from your refund in these cases.

5. Internationally Shipped Items from Certain Partners

(does not change the Korean skincare & cosmetics rules above)

Some items are shipped directly from international partner warehouses (this will be indicated on the product page or at checkout). Due to very high international shipping and customs costs:

  • If the product is undamaged and the order is correct, returns and refunds are generally not possible for these items (no change‑of‑mind returns).
  • If there is an issue not caused by human factors (e.g., carrier damage, manufacturing defect, or an incorrect item sent), we will either:
    • Reissue/replace the item, or
    • Offer a refund, at our discretion.

You will not usually be asked to send these items back to us, as the cost of international return shipping and customs is often higher than the value of the goods.

These international‑shipping terms do not alter the dedicated Korean skincare & cosmetics policy in Section 1.1.

6. Refunds (No Exchanges)

  • We do not offer exchanges. All approved returns and claims are handled as refunds or replacements only.
  • Refunds are issued to the original method of payment.
  • For Korean skincare & cosmetics, refunds are processed after we receive and inspect the returned item to confirm it meets our conditions.
  • For seller‑error cases where a physical return is not required (e.g., certain internationally shipped items), refunds are processed after your claim is approved.
  • Depending on your bank or card provider, it may take 5–10 business days for the refund to appear on your statement.

If your return or claim is not approved (for example, outside the applicable time window, due to customer‑caused damage, or not in eligible condition), we will notify you by email and may return the item to you at your expense (if a return was made).

7. Non-Returnable / Final Sale Items

The following are non‑returnable and final sale (except where there is verified seller error as outlined in Section 2):

  • All non‑Korean products, unless damaged/defective or incorrect due to seller error
  • Opened or used Korean skincare & cosmetics
  • Any item clearly marked “Final Sale” or “Clearance” at the time of purchase
  • Gift cards
  • Digital products (if applicable)

Certain internationally shipped items may also be non‑returnable except in cases of damage or error; see Section 5.

8. Questions

If you’re unsure whether an item is eligible for return, or whether seller‑error coverage applies, please contact us before placing your order or before initiating a return:
support@mapleleafapothecary.ca