Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: 29 October 2025
Welcome to Totem Proud. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website at https://totemproud.com and the purchase of products from our store. By accessing our website or placing an order, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1. General Information
1.1 About Us
Totem Proud is a trading name operated from the United Kingdom, specialising in African heritage merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, and cultural accessories celebrating all 54 African nations.
Contact Information:
- Website: https://totemproud.com
- Email: [Your Contact Email]
- Address: [Your Business Address]
1.2 Acceptance of Terms
By using our website and services, you confirm that:
- You are at least 18 years old, or have parental/guardian consent to make purchases
- You have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions
- You agree to our Privacy Policy
- All information you provide is accurate and complete
1.3 Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our website following any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes. We recommend reviewing these Terms regularly.
2. Products and Pricing
2.1 Product Information
All products sold through Totem Proud are print-on-demand items, manufactured specifically for each order. We strive to display product colours, designs, and descriptions as accurately as possible. However:
- Actual colours may vary slightly due to screen settings and calibration
- Product measurements are approximate and may vary by up to 5%
- Design placement may vary slightly between products
- All products feature authentic flag representations and cultural designs
2.2 Pricing
- All prices are displayed in British Pounds (GBP) and include VAT where applicable
- Prices are subject to change without notice
- The price applicable to your order is the price displayed at the time of checkout
- We reserve the right to correct pricing errors, even after an order has been placed
- If a pricing error occurs, we will contact you before processing your order
2.3 Product Availability
- All products are made-to-order; we do not hold stock inventory
- Product availability is subject to change
- If a product becomes unavailable after you place an order, we will contact you to arrange a refund or substitution
3. Ordering and Payment
3.1 Order Process
When you place an order through our website:
- You submit an offer to purchase the products in your basket
- You will receive an automated order confirmation email
- Your order is accepted when we begin production (usually within 24 hours)
- We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order at our discretion
3.2 Order Accuracy
You are responsible for ensuring that:
- Your shipping address is complete and accurate
- Your contact information is correct
- You have selected the correct size, colour, and product options
- You have reviewed your order before completing checkout
We cannot be held responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by customers.
3.3 Payment
- Payment is required in full at the time of order
- We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and other payment methods as displayed at checkout
- All payments are processed securely through our payment provider
- Your payment information is encrypted and not stored on our servers
- You warrant that you are authorised to use the payment method provided
3.4 Order Confirmation
You will receive an order confirmation email containing:
- Order number and date
- Products ordered with specifications
- Billing and shipping addresses
- Total amount charged
- Estimated delivery timeframe
Please retain this confirmation for your records.
4. Production and Fulfilment
4.1 Print-on-Demand Service
All Totem Proud products are manufactured on-demand by our printer partner. This means:
- Products are created specifically for your order
- Production begins after payment is confirmed
- No pre-made stock is held
- Each item is individually printed and quality-checked
4.2 Production Times
- Standard Fulfilment: 2-5 business days for production
- Business days are Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays
- Production times begin after payment confirmation
- During peak periods (holidays, cultural events), production may take up to 7 business days
- You will be notified of any significant delays
4.3 Quality Control
Our printer conducts a three-step quality control process:
- Pre-production file check
- Post-printing quality inspection
- Pre-shipping final verification
However, rare issues may occasionally occur, which are covered under our Returns and Refunds policy.
5. Shipping and Delivery
5.1 Shipping Regions
We ship to the following regions:
- United Kingdom: Standard and express shipping available
- Europe: International shipping with customs clearance
- United States: International shipping
- Canada: International shipping
- Australia & New Zealand: International shipping
- Other regions: Please contact us for availability
5.2 Shipping Times and Costs
Estimated Delivery Times:
- UK: 5-7 business days (2-5 days production + 2-4 days shipping)
- Europe: 7-12 business days (2-5 days production + 5-7 days shipping)
- United States: 8-15 business days (2-5 days production + 6-10 days shipping)
- Rest of World: 10-20 business days (2-5 days production + 8-15 days shipping)
Important Notes:
- Estimated delivery times are not guaranteed and may vary
- Shipping times are estimates based on carrier performance
- Delays may occur due to weather, customs processing, carrier disruptions, or other factors beyond our control
- Express shipping options may be available at checkout for faster delivery
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on:
- Delivery destination
- Product weight and dimensions
- Selected shipping method
5.3 Order Tracking
- All orders include tracking information
- You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking details
- Track your order through the carrier’s website using the provided tracking number
- Please allow 24-48 hours for tracking information to update
5.4 International Orders and Customs
For International Orders:
- Products may be subject to import duties, taxes, and customs fees
- You (the customer) are responsible for all customs duties, import taxes, and fees
- These charges are determined by your country’s customs authority
- Customs fees are not included in your order total
- We have no control over these charges and cannot predict their amount
- Refusal to pay customs fees may result in your order being returned or abandoned
- We cannot offer refunds for orders refused or abandoned due to customs fees
VAT for UK Orders:
- UK VAT is included in displayed prices for UK customers
- VAT is calculated automatically at checkout
5.5 Delivery Issues
Failed Delivery Attempts:
- Carriers typically make 2-3 delivery attempts
- If delivery fails, the package may be returned to our facility
- You are responsible for any additional shipping costs to reship returned packages
Incorrect Address:
- We are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses provided by you
- Address corrections after shipping may incur additional fees
- Contact us immediately if you realise you’ve provided an incorrect address
Lost or Stolen Packages: If tracking shows delivery but you did not receive your order:
- Check with household members, neighbours, or building management
- Contact the carrier for more information
- Report the issue to us within 30 days of the estimated delivery date
- We will investigate and, if appropriate, arrange a replacement
6. Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges
6.1 Return Policy Overview
Because all products are made-to-order specifically for you, we do not accept returns or refunds for:
- Change of mind or buyer’s remorse
- Incorrect size or colour selection by the customer
- Dissatisfaction with how the product looks on you
- Personal preference regarding design or style
We do accept returns and offer refunds or replacements for:
- Manufacturing defects or misprints
- Damaged items received
- Incorrect items sent (wrong product, size, or colour)
- Lost packages (when not delivered within 30 days of estimated delivery date)
6.2 Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items
If you receive a damaged, misprinted, or incorrect item:
Timeframe: You must report the issue within 30 days of receiving your order.
Required Information:
- Your order number
- Detailed description of the problem
- Clear photographs showing:
- The issue with the product
- The product label (if applicable)
- The original packaging (if damaged in transit)
How to Report: Email us at [Your Support Email] with the required information.
Resolution: Once we verify the issue (which usually takes 1-2 business days):
- We will send a free replacement product at no cost to you
- If replacement is not possible or preferred, we will issue a full refund
- You do not need to return the defective item unless specifically requested
Items We Cannot Replace:
- Products with issues caused by low-resolution design files (if custom designs were used)
- Normal wear and tear after use
- Damage caused after delivery (washing issues, alterations, etc.)
6.3 Lost Packages
If tracking shows no movement for an extended period or your order has not arrived within 30 days of the estimated delivery date:
Procedure:
- Contact us at [Your Support Email] with your order number
- We will investigate with the carrier
- If confirmed lost, we will send a replacement or issue a full refund
Timeframe: Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.
6.4 Wrong Size or Colour Ordered
If you accidentally order the wrong size or colour, we cannot offer refunds as the product was made specifically to your order specifications. However:
- We encourage you to double-check your selections before checkout
- Size guides are available on each product page
- If you contact us immediately after ordering (within 2 hours), we may be able to cancel and reorder
6.5 Refund Processing
If you are entitled to a refund:
- Refunds are processed to the original payment method
- Processing time: 5-10 business days after approval
- You will receive an email confirmation when the refund is issued
- It may take additional time for the refund to appear in your account depending on your bank
6.6 Hygiene and Safety Items
Due to hygiene and safety regulations:
- Face masks and similar items cannot be returned once opened
- These items will not be reshipped even if reported as defective
- We will offer a refund for genuinely defective hygiene items
7. Intellectual Property
7.1 Totem Proud Designs
All designs, logos, and content on Totem Proud are protected by copyright and intellectual property laws:
- Flag representations are used respectfully to celebrate African heritage
- Original design elements and layouts are owned by Totem Proud
- You may not copy, reproduce, or sell Totem Proud designs without permission
- Products are for personal use only, not for resale
7.2 Acceptable Use
You may not use our products to:
- Infringe on any third party’s intellectual property rights
- Create or sell counterfeit goods
- Violate any laws or regulations
- Promote hatred, discrimination, or violence
7.3 Flag Usage
- All national flags are used with respect and in celebration of African heritage
- Flag designs are in the public domain or used under fair use principles
- We respect the cultural significance of national symbols
8. Privacy and Data Protection
8.1 Data Collection
We collect and process personal information necessary to fulfil your order. For complete details, please see our Privacy Policy.
8.2 Your Rights
Under GDPR and UK data protection laws, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to data processing
- Data portability
Contact us at [Your Data Protection Email] to exercise these rights.
9. Limitation of Liability
9.1 Extent of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
We are not liable for:
- Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- Lost profits or business opportunities
- Damages exceeding the amount you paid for your order
- Issues arising from incorrect information you provided
- Delays caused by carriers, customs, or events beyond our control
- Colour variations due to screen display settings
We are liable for:
- Manufacturing defects we are responsible for
- Products not meeting stated specifications
- Issues directly caused by our negligence
9.2 Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:
- Natural disasters
- Pandemic or epidemic
- War, terrorism, or civil unrest
- Labour disputes or strikes
- Carrier or supplier failures
- Government actions or regulations
- Internet or telecommunications failures
10. Prohibited Activities
You may not:
- Use our website for any unlawful purpose
- Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems
- Interfere with the proper functioning of our website
- Use automated systems (bots) to access our website without permission
- Engage in any activity that could damage our reputation
- Resell our products commercially without authorisation
- Provide false or misleading information when ordering
Violation of these terms may result in:
- Order cancellation
- Account termination
- Legal action if appropriate
11. Customer Accounts
11.1 Account Creation
- You may create an account to track orders and save information
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- You are responsible for all activities under your account
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorised access
11.2 Account Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that:
- Violate these Terms and Conditions
- Engage in fraudulent activity
- Abuse our services or staff
- Remain inactive for extended periods
12. Dispute Resolution
12.1 Complaints Procedure
If you have a complaint:
- Contact us at [Your Support Email] with details
- We will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours
- We will investigate and respond within 7 business days
- If unresolved, we will escalate to management
12.2 Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
12.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution
If a dispute cannot be resolved through our complaints procedure, you may be eligible for Alternative Dispute Resolution through:
- Online Dispute Resolution Platform: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/ (for EU customers)
- UK Alternative Dispute Resolution: Relevant UK ADR schemes for consumer disputes
13. Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable:
- That provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary
- The remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect
14. Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Totem Proud regarding your use of our website and purchase of products.
15. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:
Totem Proud
Email: [Your Contact Email]
Website: https://totemproud.com
Address: [Your Business Address]
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM GMT
Response Time: We aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours
16. Acknowledgement
By placing an order through Totem Proud, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
- You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions
- You understand that products are made-to-order and standard return rights for change of mind do not apply
- You are responsible for customs duties and import taxes for international orders
- You accept the shipping timeframes and understand they are estimates
Thank you for choosing Totem Proud to celebrate your African heritage with pride.
These Terms and Conditions are effective as of 29 October 2025 and may be updated from time to time. Please check this page regularly for updates.
