Shipping and returns

SHIPPING & SANCTUARY POLICY

Our Philosophy: Moving Art, Not Just Boxes. At The Soft Minimal, we do not simply "ship products." We transport intention. Because our pieces like the AeroCherub or Abstract Forms combine heavy natural materials with delicate finishes, standard shipping methods are often too rough. We prioritize Safety over Speed.

1. THE CRAFTING TIMELINE (Before it leaves)

Unlike mass-produced items sitting in a warehouse, many of our pieces are finished to order.

The Finishing Phase: Please allow 3-5 business days for our artisans to perform the final hand-polishing and quality inspection. This ensures the "intersection of material and emotion" is perfect before packaging.

2. THE JOURNEY (Shipping Times)

To ensure your artwork arrives without a scratch, we utilize specialized logistics routes that handle packages with extreme care.

Standard Sculptures: 7 – 14 business days.
Large Installations (>70cm): 15 – 20 business days.
Why the difference? Larger pieces require a more complex packaging protocol. We utilize 4-layer reinforced cartons and high-density protective foam molding to ensure the structure remains immobile and safe during international transit.

Note: While we aim for speed, we never compromise the safety of the art.

3. SUBSIDIZED SHIPPING RATES

We believe you should pay for the Art, not the logistics. Realistically, shipping heavy composite/marble items internationally costs upwards of $60 - $80 per box.

Our Promise: We absorb the majority of this cost. You will only be charged a small Flat Rate (calculated at checkout) to cover the essential handling fees. We pay the rest to ensure your piece travels Business Class, not Economy.

4. DUTIES & TAXES (Transparent Pricing)

Peace of mind means no surprises.

Website Orders: All import duties and taxes are pre-covered by The Soft Minimal. The price you see at checkout is the final price. You will never receive an unexpected bill from customs.

5. THE "SANCTUARY" GUARANTEE (Returns)

We want our art to find its true home. If the piece does not bring the "stillness" or aesthetic balance you envisioned:

14-Day Window: You have 14 days from the delivery date to request a return.
Condition: The item must be in its original packaging and condition.
Support: Simply email us. We are humans, not bots. We will guide you through the process warmly and simply.

NEED ASSISTANCE?

If your tracking says "Pending" (which is normal during the first 24-48 hours of international transit) or if you just want to ask about the best placement for your statue, we are here.

Contact: contact@thesoftminimal.com Response time: Within 24 hours (Monday - Friday).

Return & Exchange Policy

The Art of Curation Curating a home is a personal journey. We understand that purchasing art requires intuition, taste, and a feel for the space. Sometimes, an object needs to be held to be truly understood. If a piece does not resonate with your sanctuary, we are here to facilitate a respectful and simple exchange process.

1. Return Window We offer a 14-day reflection period starting from the day of delivery. You may initiate a return or exchange within this timeframe if the piece does not fit your vision.

2. Damaged or Defective Items Our pieces are crafted with solidity and soul. However, if your artwork arrives with an imperfection or damage from transit, please write to us at contact@thesoftminimal.com with:

Photos illustrating the issue.
Your order number.
Confirmation that the issue was noted upon unboxing.

Our Promise: We will not just "refund" you; we will find a solution. Whether it is a seamless replacement or a full refund, we ensure your experience remains flawless.

3. Change of Mind & Logistics Transparency We accept returns for personal preference, grounded in transparency regarding logistics.

Because our sculptures are crafted with solid construction and high-quality materials, they possess significant physical weight. To make our art accessible, we heavily subsidize the original shipping cost (covering approximately $40–$50 of the actual carrier fees for your initial delivery, while you typically pay only $8–$12).

Therefore, should you choose to return an item due to personal preference, the return shipping responsibility reflects the actual carrier rates:

$20–$25 for smaller accents (under 30cm).
$50–$86 for large, structural pieces (heavy furniture or large sculptures).

4. Promotional Items Items purchased during sales or with discount codes are Final Sale and are not eligible for monetary refunds. However, they remain covered by our Quality Guarantee we will happily replace them if they arrive damaged or defective.

5. Return Conditions To honor the artwork, we ask for the following:

Condition: The piece must be unused, pristine, and in its original state.
Packaging: Please return the item in its original protective packaging to ensure its safety on the journey back.
Bundles: Sets and bundles are curated as a whole. We accept returns only for the entire set; partial returns of a bundle cannot be processed.

6. Refund Processing Once the return is received and inspected, refunds will be issued to your original payment method (or via Bank Transfer/PayPal upon request).

Processing Time: Please allow 3–5 business days for the transaction to reflect.
Bank Transfers: Please provide your full account details for a swift transfer.

7. Here to Assist We are at your service, Monday through Friday. Whether you are missing a component or simply need advice on placement, we are listening.

Contact: contact@thesoftminimal.com