We want every SmikieJapan order to arrive perfectly. If something goes wrong, here's exactly what we can do — and how to get started.
Policy Overview
Due to the nature of international cross-border shopping, SmikieJapan does not accept returns or refunds without a valid reason. We ship authentic products directly from Japan, and every order is carefully packed and inspected before dispatch.
If a product included a free gift (from SmikieJapan, the brand, or any promotion), the gift must be returned along with the main product.
For a return to be accepted, the product must be:
- Unused, unopened, and in original condition
- Including all original packaging, accessories, tags, warranty cards, and documentation
- Not altered, damaged, or tampered with in any way
Valid Reasons for Refunds
- Quality defects — Product has a manufacturing defect or was damaged within our warehouse before shipment. A quality test report may be required.
- Wrong item shipped — You received a completely different product from what you ordered.
- Missing item — An item in your order was not included and no prior notice was given.
- Courier damage or loss — Your package was confirmed lost or damaged by the courier during transit.
All beauty devices sold by SmikieJapan come with the original manufacturer's warranty. If a quality issue arises within the warranty period:
- Contact us to initiate a repair request
- If the manufacturer confirms a manufacturing defect, SmikieJapan will cover repair and return shipping costs
- If the damage is due to user misuse, the customer bears all repair and shipping costs
- Please test your device upon arrival to detect any issues early
In special circumstances not covered above, please contact our support team and we will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis.
Cases We Cannot Accept
- Products not sold by SmikieJapan
- Opened, used, or partially consumed products (especially skincare, food, and cosmetics)
- Products with missing accessories, warranty cards, or original packaging
- Products with torn, altered, or scratched labels
- Products with inconsistent serial numbers (3C electronics)
- Products already marked on the product page as "near best-before date" or "sold at discounted price due to condition"
- Non-refundable product categories: contact lenses, beauty devices, niche personalized products (marked clearly on product pages)
- Personal preference / change of mind — e.g. "I don't like the smell" or "it doesn't suit my skin tone"
- Allergic reactions — please always check the ingredient list before purchasing. SmikieJapan is not liable for reactions to disclosed ingredients
- Packaging differences — Japanese brands frequently update outer packaging without changing the formula. Minor packaging differences are not grounds for return
- Temperature-related melting — chocolate, gummies, and similar products may melt during shipping in warm weather (above 28°C). This is not a product defect
- Misuse, accident, or unauthorized repair — damage caused by incorrect use, water ingress, or unauthorized repair is not covered
- Handmade product imperfections — minor variations in stitching, rubber overflow, or slight aesthetic differences are normal for handmade clothing and shoes
- Country-specific import requirements — if your country has special customs documentation requirements (e.g. EORI account), this is the customer's responsibility
- Package lost due to customer error — incorrect address, recipient name, or failure to cooperate with the courier
How to Apply for a Refund
If your order has not yet shipped and you'd like to cancel, contact us immediately. Most unshipped orders can be cancelled free of charge. If the order has already been packed, a ¥1,000 JPY handling fee applies.
General Refund Notes
If a product is confirmed to have a manufacturing defect or was damaged in our warehouse before shipment, SmikieJapan will issue a full refund in the local currency at the amount paid at the time of your order.
If a refund is issued for an item purchased at a reduced price (via coupon, sale event, or promotion), the refunded amount will be the actual amount paid after discount — not the original price. Coupons and points used in the order will not be reinstated.
SmikieJapan will process your refund within 3 business days of approving the request. The actual arrival time depends on your payment provider — typically 3–5 additional business days for credit cards and PayPal.
Some third-party payment providers charge handling fees for transactions. In such cases, the customer bears the handling fee when a refund is processed. This is charged by the payment provider, not by SmikieJapan.
During warmer months, chocolate, gummies, and similar products may melt during shipping if temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F). As melting is caused by uncontrollable external temperatures and is not a product defect, refunds will not be issued for melted items.
SmikieJapan sells only authentic products sourced directly from Japan. If you believe a product you received is not authentic, please provide a quality test report and written identification from an authorized testing agency. Without this documentation, we cannot process authenticity-based refund requests.
Postage & Taxes
- Customer's error (wrong address, uncollected package, etc.) → customer bears all return and re-shipping postage costs
- SmikieJapan's error or courier/force majeure → SmikieJapan covers all return and re-shipping postage costs
- Taxes incurred due to customer error → customer is responsible for all resulting tax charges
- Taxes incurred due to logistics issues, force majeure, or SmikieJapan's error → SmikieJapan is responsible
Package Arrival — What to Do
To protect yourself in case of damage or missing items, please follow these steps every time your SmikieJapan order arrives:
- Before opening: Photograph the outer packaging — especially if the box looks damaged, crushed, or as if it has been opened
- After opening: If you find damaged goods or missing items, photograph the products and the packaging immediately
- Keep the packaging: Do not discard the box or protective materials until your order is confirmed correct
- Contact us within 7 days if there are any issues — after-sales requests submitted after 7 days from delivery may not be accepted
Best-Before Dates & Discounted Products
Some products near or past their "best-before" date are sold at a special discounted price and clearly marked on the product page. These items are not eligible for refunds on the basis of their date status.
However, if you purchased a product at its regular (non-discounted) price and the product's best-before date falls within 30 days of your delivery date, you may be eligible for a refund. Please contact us with your order details.
Missing Items
If an item is missing from your order, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
In rare cases, a product may become unavailable after your order is placed (e.g., manufacturer discontinuation or unexpected stock depletion). In this case:
- We will notify you by email, SMS, or phone before dispatch
- If we cannot reach you, we will ship the rest of your order and include a note in the box explaining the missing item
- A refund for the missing item will be credited to your original payment method within 5–7 business days
If an item appears to be missing due to a packing error, please contact us with your order number and photos of the package and contents. We will check with our warehouse team and investigate. If the error is confirmed on our end, we will arrange a refund or reshipment for the missing item.
If you haven't received your refund within 7 business days after confirmation, please contact our support team.