Refund policy

MELANIN AFRIKA

Refund & Digital Product Policy

Last updated: 1 October 2026

Melanin Afrika sells digital sewing patterns that are delivered electronically. Because digital products cannot be physically returned, our refund policy is different from that of a physical-product store.

Digital Downloads

Once your payment has been successfully processed, your pattern will be made available for download.

Please check the product description carefully before purchasing, including:

Pattern style

Available sizes

File format

Printing format

Skill level

Included instructions

Any other product-specific requirements


Change of Mind

We generally do not provide refunds where a customer has simply changed their mind, purchased the wrong pattern, purchased a pattern they no longer want, or has downloaded the product and no longer wishes to use it.

However, this does not affect any rights you may have under applicable consumer-protection law.

Incorrect or Defective Files

If you receive:

The wrong pattern;

A missing file;

A corrupted or unusable file;

A file that materially differs from the product description; or

A technical problem caused by Melanin Afrika,


please contact us as soon as possible.

We may request information or screenshots to help us identify and resolve the problem.

Where appropriate, we may provide:

1. A corrected or replacement file;


2. A replacement product; or


3. A refund.



Download Problems

If you cannot download your purchase, please contact us before purchasing the product again.

We will make reasonable efforts to help you access your purchased files.

Printing Problems

Customers are responsible for following the printing instructions supplied with the pattern.

A refund will generally not be provided where the issue is caused by:

Incorrect printer settings;

Incorrect scaling;

Printing outside the required paper size;

Failure to follow the pattern's printing instructions; or

A customer's printer or software.


Fit and Sewing Results

A sewing pattern is a technical blueprint and may require fitting adjustments depending on the individual's measurements, body shape, fabric and sewing method.

Differences in fit, fabric behaviour or sewing results do not automatically mean that the digital file is defective.

Please carefully review the sizing information provided before purchasing.

Refund Requests

To request assistance with an order, please email:

mcm@melaninafrika.com

Please include your order number and a brief description of the problem.

We will review each legitimate issue and respond as soon as reasonably possible.

Nothing in this policy excludes or limits any consumer rights that cannot lawfully be excluded under South African law.