Return Policy

We want you to love your Democratees gear. But we also know sometimes things don't work out. Here's how we handle returns, exchanges, and refunds.

The Short Version

Defective or damaged items: We'll replace or refund them. Contact us within 30 days.

Wrong size or changed your mind: We accept returns within 30 days for unworn, unwashed items with tags still attached.

Custom or sale items: All sales are final.

Donations: The $5 donation from your purchase goes to our featured nonprofit immediately and cannot be refunded.


Defective or Damaged Items

If your shirt arrives damaged, misprinted, or defective, we'll make it right.

What we need from you:

  • Contact us at support@democratees.store within 30 days of delivery
  • Include your order number
  • Send a photo of the issue
  • Tell us if you want a replacement or refund

What we'll do:

  • Review your request within 2 business days
  • Send a replacement at no cost, or issue a full refund
  • Cover return shipping if we need the item back

Returns & Exchanges

Changed your mind? Ordered the wrong size? We get it.

Return window: 30 days from delivery date

Condition requirements:

  • Unworn and unwashed
  • Tags still attached
  • Original packaging (if possible)

What's not returnable:

  • Items marked as final sale
  • Worn, washed, or altered items
  • Items without tags

How to start a return:

  1. Email support@democratees.store with your order number
  2. Tell us why you're returning (helps us improve)
  3. We'll send return instructions and address
  4. Ship the item back within 7 days

Return shipping:

  • Customer pays return shipping for standard returns
  • We cover it if we sent the wrong item or it's defective

Refunds

Processing time: Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days after we receive your return.

Refund method: Original payment method

What gets refunded:

  • Product price minus the $5 donation (see below)
  • Original shipping (only if the return is our fault)

What doesn't get refunded:

  • The $5 donation to our featured nonprofit
  • Return shipping costs (unless we made a mistake)

About That $5 Donation

Here's the thing: when you buy a shirt, $5 goes directly to progressive nonprofits doing critical work. That money moves fast—it's pooled monthly and donated to the winning organization chosen by our community.

We cannot refund the donation portion. Even if you return the shirt.

Why? Because the money's already earmarked for the cause. That's the deal. You're not just buying a shirt—you're funding the fight.

If you return your order, you'll receive a refund for the product cost minus the $5 donation.


Exchanges

Need a different size or color?

The process:

  1. Start a return (see above)
  2. Place a new order for the item you want
  3. Once we receive your return, we'll process your refund

Why we do it this way: We're a small operation, and this keeps things moving fast. You get your new item sooner, and we don't hold your money hostage while shipping items back and forth.


Lost or Stolen Packages

If tracking shows your order was delivered but you never received it, contact us within 7 days. We'll work with you to file a claim or send a replacement, depending on the situation.

What we need:

  • Order number
  • Confirmation that the delivery address was correct
  • Any relevant details (e.g., porch pirate reports, missing package inquiries with neighbors)

We're not responsible for stolen packages, but we'll do what we can to help.


Wrong Item Shipped

Our mistake? We'll fix it immediately.

If we sent you the wrong item:

  • Contact us right away at support@democratees.store
  • We'll send the correct item at no charge
  • We'll cover return shipping for the wrong item
  • You keep or donate the wrong item (we don't need it back unless it's a high-value mistake)

Contact Us

Questions about returns or refunds?

Email: support@democratees.store

Response time: We aim to respond within 24-48 hours (usually faster)

What to include:

  • Order number
  • Clear description of the issue
  • Photos (if relevant)
  • What you'd like us to do

The Bottom Line

We're not a faceless corporation. We're a small operation trying to make a difference. If something's wrong, we'll make it right. If you changed your mind, we'll work with you. But we ask for honesty, patience, and understanding that the $5 donation isn't coming back—it's already fighting for the future we believe in.

Wear your values. Support the cause. Let's build something that lasts.