Exchange & Return Policy

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Thank you for shopping at Curated Selection of Teaware, accessible at householdsitem.com. We want you to love your porcelain teapots, teacups, tea pets, and other teaware. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we are here to help. Please read this Exchange & Return Policy carefully before initiating a return or exchange.

This policy applies to all purchases made on householdsitem.com from MIDWEST TEA MERCHANTS LLC, with our registered address at 554 CARPENTER ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205. All transactions are processed in Euros (EUR).

1. Return Eligibility

To be eligible for a return, the following conditions must be met:

  • Time Window: You have thirty (30) calendar days from the date you receive your item to request a return. Requests received after 30 days will not be accepted.

  • Condition of Item: The item must be unused, unwashed, free of any scratches, chips, cracks, or other damage, and in its original packaging. Porcelain items are fragile; please handle them carefully when inspecting.

  • Original Packaging: All original boxes, protective materials, labels, tags, certificates, and accessories must be included and undamaged.

  • Proof of Purchase: A valid order number or receipt from householdsitem.com is required. If you checked out as a guest, please provide your email address and order date.

  • Non-Returnable Items: The following items cannot be returned or exchanged:

    • Perishable goods (not applicable to teaware, but included for completeness – none sold).

    • Gift cards or store credits (if any are issued by us).

    • Items marked as "Final Sale", "Clearance", or "Non-Returnable" on the product page at the time of purchase.

    • Items that have been used, washed, or show signs of wear (including light scratches from normal handling).

    • Custom or personalized teaware (e.g., custom-engraved teacups or made-to-order tea pets). If an item is made to your specifications, it cannot be returned unless it arrives defective.

    • Items damaged due to misuse, improper care, or accidents after delivery.

2. Return Process

To initiate a return, please follow these steps:

Step 1 – Contact Us
Send an email to shopping@householdsitem.com with the subject line "Return Request – [Your Order Number]". In the email, please include:

  • Your order number and full name.

  • The name(s) of the product(s) you wish to return.

  • The reason for return (e.g., changed mind, wrong size, defective, damaged in transit).

  • Clear photos or videos showing the item's condition (required for damaged or defective claims).

Step 2 – Receive Return Authorization
Our customer support team will review your request within 1 to 2 business days. If your return is approved, we will send you a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and detailed return shipping instructions. Do not send any item back before receiving an RMA number. Unauthorized returns will not be processed and may be discarded.

Step 3 – Pack and Ship
Carefully repack the item in its original packaging. Include all accessories, tags, and a copy of your return authorization email (or write your RMA number on a note inside the package). Use a sturdy shipping box with sufficient padding to prevent breakage during transit. Porcelain items are fragile; we recommend double-boxing. You are responsible for the cost of return shipping unless the return is due to our error (e.g., wrong item sent) or a defective/damaged product (see Section 6 below). We recommend using a trackable shipping method and purchasing shipping insurance, as we are not responsible for items lost or damaged during return transit.

Step 4 – Ship to Our Return Address
The return shipping address will be provided in your RMA approval email. Please note that this address may differ from our registered office. Do not send returns to the registered office address (554 CARPENTER ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205) unless specifically instructed, as that is not our returns processing facility.

Step 5 – Inspection and Refund
Once we receive your return, please allow 3 to 5 business days for inspection. We will examine the item to confirm it meets the eligibility conditions above. If the return is approved, we will process your refund. If the item shows signs of use, damage not reported prior, or missing parts, we may reject the return or deduct a reasonable restocking fee (see Section 5 below).

3. Exchange Policy

If you wish to exchange an item for a different size, color, or product (e.g., exchange a teacup for a tea pet, or swap a teapot for another teapot model), please follow the same return process described in Section 2. Exchanges are treated as a return of the original item followed by a new purchase.

Important notes on exchanges:

  • Exchanges are subject to product availability. If the desired replacement item is out of stock, we will process a refund instead and notify you via email.

  • Exchanges are not processed as a direct swap. After we receive and inspect your returned item, we will issue a refund to your original payment method. You may then place a new order for the desired item on householdsitem.com. This ensures accurate inventory management and faster processing.

  • For defective items, we may offer a direct replacement without requiring a return in certain cases (e.g., small cosmetic defect). This is decided on a case-by-case basis. Contact us at shopping@householdsitem.com for assistance.

4. Refund Method and Timing

  • Refund to Original Payment Method: Approved refunds will be credited back to the original payment method used at checkout (e.g., credit card, PayPal, or other gateway). Depending on your bank or payment provider, it may take 5 to 10 business days for the refund to appear on your statement.

  • Store Credit: At our discretion, we may offer store credit as an alternative refund method. Store credit can be used for future purchases on householdsitem.com and does not expire.

  • Partial Refunds: If the item is returned in a condition that is not perfectly resalable but still acceptable (e.g., original packaging slightly damaged but teaware intact), we may issue a partial refund, typically deducting a 15% to 30% restocking fee.

  • No Refund Scenarios: Refunds will not be issued for items that are ineligible (see Section 1), items returned without RMA, items damaged by the customer after delivery, or items returned after 30 days.

5. Restocking Fee

We do not charge a restocking fee for standard returns that meet all eligibility conditions and are returned in original, resalable condition. However, we reserve the right to charge a restocking fee of up to 20% of the item‘s purchase price in the following situations:

  • The item’s packaging is damaged or missing, making it difficult to resell.

  • The item has minor signs of handling (e.g., light fingerprints) that require cleaning before resale.

  • The return is initiated without a valid reason and we incur additional handling costs.

If a restocking fee applies, we will notify you before processing the refund.

6. Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items

We take great care in packing porcelain teaware. However, if your item arrives damaged, defective, or if you received the wrong product, please contact us immediately.

  • Deadline to Report: You must notify us within seven (7) calendar days of delivery. Damage claims made after 7 days may be denied, as we cannot verify whether damage occurred during transit or after delivery.

  • Required Evidence: Provide clear photos of the damaged item (including the original packaging showing the damage) and your order number. For defective items (e.g., cracks, glaze flaws, unstable teapot lid), please include photos or a short video.

  • Resolution Options: We will offer one of the following at our discretion:

    • Full refund (including original shipping costs, if any) without requiring the item to be returned (for low-value items where return shipping would exceed cost).

    • Replacement item shipped at no additional cost to you.

    • Return for full refund with prepaid return shipping label provided by us.

  • Return Shipping for Damaged Items: If we request the damaged item to be returned for inspection, we will cover the return shipping costs. We will email you a prepaid shipping label.

7. Shipping Costs for Returns

  • Returns due to customer change of mind: The customer is responsible for all return shipping costs. Original outbound shipping charges (if any) are non-refundable. If you received free shipping on your original order, the actual shipping cost we incurred may be deducted from your refund.

  • Returns due to our error (wrong item sent): We will cover the return shipping costs and send you a prepaid label.

  • Returns due to damage or defect: We will cover the return shipping costs as described in Section 6.

  • International returns: For customers outside the United States, return shipping costs are generally the customer‘s responsibility unless the return is due to our error or a defective product. International return shipping can be expensive; we recommend reviewing your order carefully before purchase. We are not responsible for customs fees, duties, or taxes incurred on return shipments.

8. International Orders

We accept orders from customers around the world. For international returns (outside the United States), please note:

  • The 30-day return window still applies from the delivery date.

  • You are responsible for any customs fees, import duties, or taxes associated with the return shipment, as well as compliance with your country‘s export regulations.

  • Refunds for international orders will be issued in Euros (EUR) at the exchange rate used for the original transaction. We are not responsible for currency fluctuation losses.

  • If your return is approved, the refund amount will exclude original shipping costs (unless the return is due to our error or defect).

9. Final Sale Items

Items marked as "Final Sale", "Clearance", "Non-Returnable", or discounted by 50% or more (unless otherwise stated) are not eligible for return, exchange, or refund for change of mind. However, if a final sale item arrives damaged or defective, we will still honor a refund or replacement as described in Section 6. This exception applies only to defects, not to buyer‘s remorse.

10. Gift Returns

If you received an item as a gift from a purchaser on householdsitem.com, you may return it for store credit. Please contact us at shopping@householdsitem.com with the original order number (if available) and a description of the item. We will issue store credit to the gift recipient‘s email address. The original purchaser will not be refunded for gift returns.

11. Cancellations

You may cancel an order before it has been shipped. Please email us as soon as possible at shopping@householdsitem.com with "Cancel Order – [Order Number]" in the subject line. If the order has not yet been packed, we will cancel it and issue a full refund. If the order has already been shipped, you will need to follow the standard return process after receiving the item, and return shipping costs will be your responsibility.

12. Contact Information for Returns and Exchanges

For all return, exchange, or damage inquiries, please contact us at:

Email: shopping@householdsitem.com
Please include your order number and photos/videos of any damage. We aim to respond within 1-2 business days.

13. Policy Modifications

We reserve the right to update or modify this Exchange & Return Policy at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. The policy in effect at the time of your purchase governs your transaction.

Effective Date: April 10, 2026