Refund policy

The Cork Society Return & Refund Policy

At The Cork Society, we are committed to providing high-quality wine accessories, wine technology products, and exceptional customer service. This Return & Refund Policy has been prepared to comply with the Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008 (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, No. 25 of 2002 (ECTA) of South Africa.

1. Our Commitment

We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase from The Cork Society. If you are not satisfied with your order, you may return eligible products in accordance with this policy.

2. Cooling-Off Period (Online Purchases)

In accordance with Section 44 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), customers who purchase products online may cancel their order within 7 days after receiving the goods.

To qualify:

  • The product must be unused.

  • The product must be returned in substantially the same condition as received.

  • All original packaging, accessories and manuals should be included where reasonably possible.

Unless the product is defective or supplied incorrectly, the customer is responsible for return shipping costs.

3. Defective Products

Under Section 56 of the Consumer Protection Act, if a product supplied by The Cork Society is defective, unsafe, or fails to meet the standards of acceptable quality within 6 months of delivery, you may choose one of the following remedies:

  • Repair

  • Replacement

  • Full refund

This guarantee does not apply where the defect is caused by:

  • Misuse or abuse

  • Incorrect installation or setup

  • Accidental damage

  • Water or liquid damage (unless the product is specifically designed to be water-resistant)

  • Normal wear and tear

  • Unauthorised repairs or modifications

4. Warranty Repairs

If The Cork Society repairs a product under warranty and the same fault occurs again within 3 months after the repair, we will repair, replace or refund the product in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act.

5. Wine Accessories & Electronic Wine Products

Electronic wine accessories and wine technology products are precision devices.

Returns or warranty claims will not be accepted where products have been damaged due to:

  • Incorrect use or operation

  • Failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions

  • Water or moisture damage (where not intended for such use)

  • Physical abuse, dropping or impact damage

  • Tampering or opening the unit

  • Use outside the manufacturer's specifications

  • Damage caused by incompatible accessories or power sources

Where a returned product is inspected and found to have no manufacturing fault, The Cork Society reserves the right to charge a reasonable inspection or testing fee.

6. Incorrect Product Ordered

If you ordered the wrong product, The Cork Society will gladly accept a return within 30 days provided that:

  • The product has not been used.

  • It remains in resalable condition.

  • Original packaging is intact where reasonably possible.

  • All accessories are included.

Customers are responsible for return courier costs.

Original shipping charges are non-refundable.

7. Goods Damaged During Delivery

If your order arrives damaged:

  • Notify The Cork Society within 48 hours of delivery.

  • Retain all packaging.

  • Provide photographs of the damaged packaging and product.

Once verified, we will arrange collection and provide a replacement or refund where appropriate.

8. Non-Returnable Items

Unless required by law or the item is defective, the following cannot be returned:

  • Clearance or sale items marked as Final Sale.

  • Products damaged through misuse or negligence.

  • Products altered or repaired by unauthorised persons.

  • Used consumable items.

  • Products with removed or altered serial numbers or security labels.

9. Refunds

Once your return has been received and inspected, The Cork Society will notify you of the outcome.

Approved refunds will be processed using your original payment method.

Please allow 5–10 business days for your financial institution to process the refund.

Shipping charges will only be refunded where:

  • The wrong product was supplied;

  • The product is defective;

  • The product was damaged before delivery; or

  • The return is due to an error by The Cork Society.

10. Exchanges

Eligible products may be exchanged within 30 days provided they are:

  • Unused;

  • In resalable condition; and

  • Returned with all original accessories and packaging.

Where applicable, any price difference will be charged or refunded.

11. Return Shipping

Customer Change of Mind

The customer is responsible for all return shipping costs.

Defective or Incorrect Goods

Where the return is due to a manufacturing defect or an error by The Cork Society, we will arrange collection or reimburse reasonable return shipping costs in accordance with applicable South African law.

12. Inspection Process

All returned products are inspected before a refund, replacement or warranty claim is approved.

Inspections generally take 2–5 business days after the product has been received.

13. How to Request a Return

Before returning any product, please contact The Cork Society Customer Support.

Please provide:

  • Order Number

  • Full Name

  • Contact Number

  • Description of the issue

  • Photographs (where applicable)

Returns sent without prior authorisation may result in processing delays.

Consumer Rights

Nothing contained in this Return & Refund Policy limits or excludes any rights that customers may have under the Consumer Protection Act, 2008, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002, or any other applicable South African legislation. Where this policy conflicts with South African law, the applicable legislation will prevail.