Legal Document
Shipping Policy
All Atelier Ākāra pieces are precision-crafted to order in our Thane studio. This policy details our shipping rates, timelines, packaging standards, and how we handle delivery exceptions — so you know exactly what to expect.
Section 01
Overview
Because every product is made-to-order using our Bambu Lab 3D printers, there is a production lead time of 2–3 weeks before your order ships. This is not a stock-clearance delay — it means your piece is being crafted specifically for you after your order is placed.
Total delivery time = Production (2–3 weeks) + Shipping (5–8 business days). You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking details the moment your order leaves our studio.
Section 02
Shipping Rates
All shipping rates are GST-inclusive. Free shipping threshold is calculated on the order subtotal after any discounts or bundle savings are applied.
Section 03
Production Lead Time
Every product is made-to-order. Current production lead time is 2–3 weeks from the date your order is confirmed and payment is received.
| Order Type | Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard catalogue products | 2–3 weeks | Current production capacity: 60–90 units/month |
| Custom colour selections | 3–4 weeks | Additional time for colour mixing and testing |
| Bulk / B2B orders (50+ units) | 4–6 weeks | Confirmed by quote before payment |
| Bundle orders | 2–3 weeks | All items in a bundle ship together |
During festive seasons (Diwali, year-end) and limited drop releases, lead times may extend by 1–2 weeks. We will communicate any delays by email before they affect your estimated delivery date.
Section 04
Order Processing
Once production is complete, orders enter our dispatch queue. Dispatch processing follows these rules:
- Orders ready for dispatch before 2:00 PM IST are shipped same day
- Orders ready after 2:00 PM IST are shipped on the next business day
- No dispatch on Sundays or national public holidays
- You will receive an email with your tracking number within 2 hours of dispatch
Section 05
Tracking Your Order
Once your order is dispatched, you will receive:
- A shipping confirmation email with your AWB (airway bill) tracking number
- An SMS to your registered mobile number
- A direct tracking link to the courier's website
You can also track your order at any time by signing into your account and visiting My Account → Orders. If you haven't received a tracking update within 48 hours of your dispatch confirmation, please email us.
Section 06
Delivery Coverage
We ship to all serviceable pincodes across India. Coverage is determined by our courier partners' network and may vary by region.
- Enter your pincode at checkout to instantly verify delivery availability
- Metro cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata): standard ETAs apply
- Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities: add 1–2 business days to standard ETAs
- Remote or non-serviceable pincodes: we will contact you to arrange India Post delivery or a nearby pickup alternative
Delivery ETA starts from the dispatch date, not the order date. Actual delivery may be affected by courier network conditions, weather, or local holidays outside our control.
Section 07
Courier Partners
We work with established, reliable courier partners to ensure your piece arrives safely. Your order will be shipped via one of the following:
Courier selection is based on your pincode, parcel weight, and dimensions. We choose the partner best suited to deliver your order safely and on time. You cannot select a specific courier at checkout.
Packaging
Every Atelier Ākāra piece is packed in our custom 2-sided branded boxes — logo-front, all essential information on the side panel. Items are internally cushioned with bubble wrap and void fill to protect the geometry during transit. We do not use single-use plastic where an alternative is available.
Section 08
Failed Delivery
If delivery is unsuccessful, our courier partner will make up to 3 delivery attempts on consecutive business days. You will be notified by SMS before each attempt.
- After 3 failed attempts, the package is held at the nearest courier facility for 5 business days
- If uncollected, the package is returned to our studio in Thane
- You will be notified by email when the package is returned to us
Re-shipment after return
If your package is returned to us due to failed delivery:
- We will confirm your correct delivery address before re-shipping
- Re-shipping is charged at standard shipping rates (₹150 or ₹199 express)
- If the failed delivery was due to a courier error (confirmed by tracking), re-shipping is free
Please ensure your phone number is active and reachable at the delivery address. Most courier partners call ahead before arrival. Confirm your pincode carefully at checkout — we cannot modify addresses after dispatch.
Section 09
Damaged in Transit
Despite our robust packaging, transit damage can occasionally occur. If your order arrives damaged:
We do not require you to retain damaged packaging for more than 7 days. However, please keep it until we confirm the return logistics.
Section 10
B2B & Bulk Orders
For corporate gifting, interior designer, or wholesale orders of 50 or more units, we offer customised shipping arrangements:
- Dedicated shipping quote based on total volume, weight, and destination
- Option to ship in single consolidated consignment or multiple partial shipments
- GST invoice with IGST or CGST/SGST applied correctly based on delivery state
- Palletised packaging available for very large orders on request
Contact us at support@akaraonline.co.in to discuss your bulk order before placing it online. We will provide a written quote within 24 hours.
Section 11
International Shipping
We currently ship within India only. International shipping is on our roadmap and will be introduced in a future phase of the business.
If you are based outside India and would like to discuss a specific order, please email us at support@akaraonline.co.in — we may be able to accommodate individual requests on a case-by-case basis.
Section 12
Contact Us
For any shipping queries, tracking issues, or delivery concerns:
When emailing about a shipment, please include your order number and the tracking number (if available) so we can assist you as quickly as possible.