Shipping Policy – Olukan

At Olukan, we craft durable, handmade, premium footwear with care—and we extend that same attention to detail to getting your shoes to you safely and efficiently. Our Shipping Policy outlines the details of order processing, delivery timelines, shipping methods, and related support, ensuring transparency as your handcrafted footwear makes its way to your door. Whether you’re ordering for yourself or gifting a pair of our artisanal shoes, we strive to make the delivery experience as reliable as the products we create.

1. Shipping Eligibility & Coverage

We offer shipping to locations worldwide, bringing our handmade footwear to customers across the globe. Please note the following exceptions and requirements:

Restricted Locations: We cannot ship to P.O. boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or regions with ongoing shipping restrictions (e.g., due to local regulations or logistical challenges). During checkout, our system will automatically verify if your address is eligible—if not, please provide a physical street address to complete your order.
Customs & Import Rules: For international orders, certain countries may have specific regulations for leather goods or footwear (e.g., import duties, documentation requirements). It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with your local customs rules—Olukan is not liable for orders held, delayed, or rejected by customs due to non-compliance with local laws.

2. Order Processing Time (Tailored for Handmade Footwear)

Since every pair of Olukan shoes is handcrafted, processing times differ from mass-produced footwear—this ensures we maintain our standard of premium quality:

Standard Handmade Processing: For our core collection (non-custom styles), orders are processed and crafted within 3-5 business days (Monday to Friday, excluding major U.S. holidays). This includes selecting materials, artisanal crafting, quality checks, and packaging.
Custom/Made-to-Order Processing: For personalized shoes (e.g., monogrammed designs, special size adjustments), processing takes 7-10 business days—extra time is needed to fulfill custom requests while preserving craftsmanship.
Processing Delays: During peak periods (e.g., holiday seasons, new collection launches), processing times may extend by 1-2 business days. We will notify you via email if your order is affected by a delay, along with an updated crafting timeline.

3. Shipping Methods & Delivery Timelines

We partner with trusted carriers to ensure your handmade footwear arrives in perfect condition. You can select from the following shipping methods at checkout (availability depends on your location):

3.1 Standard Shipping

Delivery Time:
Domestic (U.S.): 3-5 business days after processing.
International: 7-14 business days after processing (varies by region—remote areas may take up to 20 business days).
Features: Includes basic tracking (you’ll receive a tracking number to monitor delivery progress) and standard packaging (sturdy boxes with protective padding to shield leather shoes from damage).
Ideal For: Customers who prioritize cost-effectiveness and don’t need expedited delivery.

3.2 Express Shipping

Delivery Time:
Domestic (U.S.): 1-2 business days after processing.
International: 3-5 business days after processing (priority handling through carriers like DHL or UPS).
Features: Real-time tracking, signature confirmation upon delivery (to ensure secure receipt), and enhanced packaging (additional bubble wrap for delicate handmade details).
Ideal For: Time-sensitive orders (e.g., gifts for special occasions) or customers who want faster access to their footwear.

3.3 Premium Gift Shipping (Optional)

Delivery Time: Matches your selected shipping method (Standard or Express).
Features: Includes luxury packaging (embossed Olukan gift box, tissue paper, and a handwritten note—customizable during checkout), a complimentary leather care sample, and discrete “Gift” labeling (no pricing information included).
Ideal For: Gifting Olukan footwear—adds a sophisticated touch while protecting the shoes during transit.

4. Shipping Fees

Shipping fees are calculated based on your location, shipping method, and the weight of your order (handmade shoes vary slightly in weight by style). You’ll see the exact shipping cost for your order before completing checkout—no hidden fees will be added. Additionally:

Free Standard Shipping: We offer free standard shipping on all orders over $150 USD** (domestic U.S.) and **$250 USD (international). The threshold is displayed prominently on our homepage and updates automatically during checkout.
Express Shipping Fees:
Domestic (U.S.): Starts at $19.99 (increases slightly for heavier orders, e.g., multiple pairs of boots).
International: Starts at $39.99 (varies by country—calculated based on destination and carrier rates).
Premium Gift Shipping Fee: A flat fee of $9.99 (added to your selected shipping method cost) to cover the luxury packaging and care sample.
Customs Duties & Taxes: For international orders, shipping fees do not include customs duties, import taxes, or handling fees. These are typically collected by the carrier upon delivery and are your responsibility to pay. We recommend using a customs duty calculator (available online) to estimate these costs before ordering.

5. Order Tracking & Delivery Confirmation

Tracking Information: Once your order ships, we’ll send a “Shipping Confirmation” email to the address linked to your purchase. This email includes a unique tracking number and a direct link to the carrier’s website, where you can check status updates (e.g., “In Transit,” “Out for Delivery,” “Delivered”).
Delivery Confirmation:
Standard Shipping (Domestic): Delivery is confirmed via carrier scan (e.g., “Left at Front Door” if no one is available).
Express & International Shipping: Requires a signature upon delivery—if you’re unavailable, the carrier will leave a notice to reschedule delivery or pick up the package from a local facility.
Lost or Stuck Packages: If your package doesn’t arrive within the estimated delivery window (e.g., international standard shipping takes longer than 20 business days), first check the tracking link for updates (carriers may delay due to customs or weather). If tracking shows no progress for 3+ business days, contact us at [email protected] with your order number and tracking number—we’ll investigate with the carrier and assist in locating or replacing your order.

6. Shipping Issues & Resolution

We take every precaution to protect your handmade footwear during shipping, but occasional issues may arise. Here’s how we address common problems:

Damaged During Transit: If your shoes arrive with damage (e.g., scuffed leather, broken stitching), contact us within 48 hours of delivery at [email protected]. Include your order number, photos of the damage (both the shoes and packaging), and a description of the issue. We’ll send a pre-paid label to return the damaged pair and ship a replacement (handmade to match your original order) at no cost—no need to wait for a refund.
Incorrect Address: If you provided an incorrect address during checkout:
Before shipping: Email us immediately—we can update the address if the order is still in processing (within 3 business days of placement).
After shipping: We cannot change the address, but we can help you coordinate with the carrier to redirect delivery (fees may apply, depending on the carrier’s policy).
Undelivered & Returned to Sender: If the carrier returns your package (e.g., incorrect address, unclaimed), we’ll notify you via email once we receive it. You can choose to have the package reshipped (with a new shipping fee) or request a full refund (minus the original shipping cost, per our Refund Policy).

7. Contact Us for Shipping Inquiries

If you have questions about your order’s shipping status, need to change your shipping method, or have concerns about delivery, contact our customer service team at [email protected]. Include your order number and a detailed description of your inquiry—we’ll respond within 24-48 business hours and work to resolve the issue promptly.

At Olukan, we believe the journey of your handmade footwear—from our workshop to your door—should be as thoughtful as the craftsmanship itself. Thank you for trusting us to deliver shoes that are built to last.