SHIPPING POLICY

Effective Date: 14/01/2026

THE SOVIET (“Company”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to conducting its business operations with transparency, efficiency, and customer focus. This Shipping Policy outlines the terms and conditions governing the processing, dispatch, shipment, and delivery of products purchased through THE SOVIET’s official website.

This Policy is formulated in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, and other applicable laws of India.

By placing an order on our website, the customer agrees to be bound by this Shipping Policy.

1. DEFINITIONS & INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions

• Company: THE SOVIET, engaged in the online sale of apparel and related products.
  
• Customer: Any individual or entity placing an order through the Company’s website.
  
• Order: A confirmed purchase after successful payment verification and acceptance by the Company.
  
• Dispatch: Physical handover of the packaged order to a third-party logistics provider.
  
• Delivery: Successful handover of the order to the customer or their authorized representative.
  
• Shipping Partner: Independent third-party logistics aggregators and courier services engaged for delivery.
  
• Transit Issues: Delay, damage, loss, theft, or non-delivery occurring after dispatch.
  
• Working Days: Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays observed by the Company.
  
• Return to Origin (RTO): Return of an undelivered order to the Company’s warehouse.
  
• Force Majeure Event: Events beyond reasonable control including natural disasters, strikes, lockdowns, governmental actions, or courier disruptions.
  

1.2 Interpretation

Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Singular includes plural and vice versa. References to “hereof”, “herein”, or similar expressions refer to this entire Policy.

2. PURPOSE

This Shipping Policy sets out the framework for order handling, dispatch, delivery timelines, shipping charges, and allocation of responsibilities between THE SOVIET and its logistics partners. It also clarifies the Company’s limited liability for transit-related issues once an order is handed over to the shipping partner.

3. ORDER PROCESSING

3.1 Order Confirmation

Upon successful placement of an order, the customer will receive an automated confirmation email. All orders are subject to payment verification, stock availability, and internal review.

3.2 Processing Timeline

Orders are generally processed within 24–48 working hours, excluding weekends and public holidays. Processing includes payment verification, quality checks, and packaging. This timeline does not include shipping or delivery time.

3.3 Order Cancellation or Modification

Orders may be cancelled or modified only before they are processed. Once an order enters the processing stage, cancellation or modification is not permitted.

3.4 Stock Availability

All products are offered subject to availability. If an item becomes unavailable after order placement, the customer will be informed and a refund will be initiated as per the Return & Exchange Policy.

4. PRE-ORDER POLICY

Certain products may be offered on a pre-order basis, clearly marked on the product page.

• Dispatch will occur only once the product becomes available.
  
• Pre-orders cannot be cancelled or modified, except if the Company is unable to fulfill the order within the promised timeframe.
  
• In such cases, a full refund will be processed within 7–10 business days.
  

5. SHIPPING METHODS, DELIVERY TIMELINES & TRACKING

5.1 Shipping Partner

All orders are shipped through third-party logistics providers. THE SOVIET does not own or control these providers and is not responsible for their operational delays once dispatch occurs.

5.2 Serviceable Locations

THE SOVIET ships domestically and internationally, subject to courier serviceability. If a location is unserviceable, the order will be cancelled and refunded.

5.3 Estimated Delivery Timelines

Delivery timelines shown at checkout are indicative only and begin after dispatch. Processing time is excluded.

5.4 Tracking

Once dispatched, customers receive:

• Tracking number
  
• Courier partner details
  
• Tracking link
  

Customers are responsible for monitoring shipment progress using the provided link.

5.5 No Guarantee of Delivery Date

Delivery timelines are not guaranteed and may vary due to courier delays, weather conditions, customs clearance, or force majeure events.

6. SHIPPING CHARGES

6.1 Domestic Shipping

Shipping charges are calculated at checkout based on delivery location, order value, and shipment weight.

6.2 International Shipping

International shipping charges vary based on destination and weight. Customers are responsible for customs duties, import taxes, and local levies in the destination country.

6.3 Non-Refundable Shipping Charges

Shipping charges are non-refundable, including cases of:

• RTO due to customer unavailability or incorrect address
  
• Refused deliveries
  
• Courier delays
  
• Force majeure events
  

7. THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS & TRANSIT DISCLAIMER

Once an order is handed over to the shipping partner:

• All transit risks transfer to the logistics provider
  
• THE SOVIET is not liable for delays, damage, loss, theft, or misdelivery
  
• No refunds or replacements will be issued for transit-related issues unless required by law
  

THE SOVIET may assist customers on a best-effort basis but assumes no liability.

8. FAILED DELIVERY, RTO & LOST PACKAGES

• Courier partners will attempt delivery multiple times.
  
• If delivery fails due to customer error, the order may be returned to origin (RTO).
  
• Re-shipment costs must be borne by the customer.
  
• If a package is marked “delivered” but claimed as non-received, an internal investigation may be initiated. Refunds are subject to evidence and courier confirmation.
  

9. RETURN SHIPPING RESPONSIBILITY

Return eligibility is governed by the Return & Exchange Policy.

Return ScenarioShipping ResponsibilityDefective / wrong productCompanyApproved size exchangeCompanyCustomer error or refusalCustomerUnauthorized returnCustomer

Returned items must be unused, with original tags, packaging, and invoice.

10. DELIVERY & DISPATCH DISCLAIMER

• Dispatch typically occurs within 24–48 working hours
  
• Delivery timelines are estimates only
  
• No compensation or refund is provided for delivery delays alone
  
• Customers must actively track shipments post-dispatch
  

11. FORCE MAJEURE

THE SOVIET is not liable for delays or failures caused by force majeure events, including natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, government actions, or courier disruptions.

12. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Order processing and dispatch are unavailable on public holidays. Orders placed during such periods may experience delays.

13. CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Email: ordersupport@thesoviet.com

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM IST

Closed: Weekends & public holidays

Responses are typically provided within 2 business days.

14. GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

Grievance Officer:

Name: Devang Rai

Designation: Grievance Redressal Officer

Email: legal@thesoviet.com

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM IST

Complaints are acknowledged within 48 hours and resolved within one month.

15. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

This Policy is governed by the laws of India. Courts at Mumbai, India shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

16. REVIEW & AMENDMENTS

THE SOVIET reserves the right to amend this Policy at any time. Changes take effect upon posting on the website.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By placing an order on THE SOVIET’s website, the customer acknowledges and agrees to this Shipping Policy.