Returns & Refunds Policy

Our policy

Food Depot sells groceries and everyday essentials, including perishable and short-shelf-life items. For food safety and hygiene reasons, we are not able to accept returns for change of mind once an order has been delivered. We do accept returns and issue refunds or replacements when an item arrives damaged, defective, expired, or incorrect (not what you ordered).

What's covered

• Damaged or spoiled items on arrival
• Expired items, or items with a shelf life too short to reasonably use
• Defective non-food items (e.g. faulty packaging or product fault)
• Incorrect items — you received something different from what you ordered
• Missing items from your order

Reporting window

Please report any issue within 48 hours of delivery by contacting our support team with your order number and a photo of the item. Claims reported after this window may not be eligible for a refund or replacement.

Refund or replacement method

Once your claim is approved, we will offer a free replacement on your next order or a full refund to your original payment method via PayFast. Refunds are typically processed within 5–10 business days. There is no fee or cost to you for an approved claim — you do not need to return the item for damaged, expired, or spoiled goods.

How to report an issue

Contact us through your account dashboard order history, or email our support team with your order number, the affected item(s), and a description or photo of the issue. We aim to respond within one business day.

Your statutory rights

This policy is in addition to, and does not limit, your rights under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, including your right to receive goods that are of good quality, in good working order, and free of defects.