Terms of service

1. About these terms

These terms apply to orders placed on researchunit.co.za, operated by Artisans Research Unit (Pty) Ltd, 173 Bree Street Cape Town. In-store and wholesale purchases are covered separately. By placing an order, you agree to these terms, our Shipping Policy and our Refund Policy.

 

2. Orders

When you place an order, you’re offering to buy the product at the price shown. We’ll confirm your order by email.

We may decline or cancel an order, for example if a piece is no longer available, payment can’t be authorised, or there’s an error in the product’s price or description. If this happens after you’ve paid, we’ll refund you in full.

If you’d like to change or cancel your order, email info@researchunit.co.za as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to help before your order is dispatched. After delivery, our Refund Policy applies.

 

3. Made-to-order and pre-order pieces

Many of our pieces are made by hand in small batches in Cape Town.

  • Made-to-order pieces are crafted after you order. Please allow 3–4 weeks before dispatch.
  • Pre-order pieces are usually ready to dispatch within 4–5 weeks.

You’re welcome to contact us at any time to check on its progress.

 

4. Prices and payment

All prices are shown in South African Rand (ZAR) and include VAT. Prices may change from time to time, but the price you pay is the one shown when you place your order.

We accept payment through PayFast, Payflex (pay in interest-free instalments) and EFT. Orders are dispatched once payment has been received.

 

5. Delivery, returns and duties

  • South Africa: free delivery on orders over R1,500. Orders are dispatched every week and delivered within 1–3 working days after dispatch.
  • International: we ship worldwide. Shipping costs are shown at checkout before you pay.
  • Import duties: Duties and taxes are calculated at checkout, so there’s nothing extra to pay on delivery. However, if duties and taxes are not included you may be charged by your country of entry. These charges are out of our control and are destination specific.
  • Returns: free returns within 7 days of delivery for South African orders. We’re unable to accept returns on international orders.

Please check your delivery address carefully before completing your order. If you notice a mistake, email us straight away and we’ll do our best to update it before dispatch at info@researchunit.co.za

 

6. Handmade, so no two are identical

Every piece is made by hand. Small variations in finish, and the natural markings of leather, are part of what makes each piece unique. They’re signs of the hand that made it, not flaws.

 

7. Our 1-year quality guarantee

Every garment and travel good is checked by hand before it leaves our studio, and we stand behind our work. All clothing and travel goods carry a 1-year guarantee against faults in workmanship, such as unravelling stitching or failed hand-finishing.

The guarantee doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, or damage from not following the care instructions. Even then, get in touch. We’ll always look at ways to repair your piece and help where we can.

 

8. Errors in pricing or product information

We take great care to make sure our product descriptions, images and prices are accurate. If an error does occur, we may cancel any affected orders. We’ll let you know as soon as possible and refund you in full.

 

9. Contact 

Questions about an order or these terms? We’re always happy to help:
info@researchunit.co.zaÂ