Shipping, Delivery & Returns

1. Order Preparation

Each gift box is thoughtfully curated and assembled upon order in our Lisbon atelier.

Because every gift is prepared with care and may include items sourced from different makers and suppliers, please allow 2 business days for order preparation before shipment. Preparation time may vary slightly during busy periods or depending on product availability.

2. Shipping Destinations

By The Curator currently ships to countries within the European Union, the United Kingdom, and selected international destinations where delivery services are available.

Shipping availability may vary depending on local regulations, carrier coverage, and customs restrictions in the destination country. By The Curator reserves the right to decline shipments to destinations where delivery cannot be completed safely or legally.

3. Estimated Delivery Times

Delivery times depend on the destination country and shipping service selected. Typical estimated delivery times after dispatch are:

• Portugal / Spain — 1–2 business days
• European Union — 2–4 business days
• United Kingdom — 3–5 business days
• International destinations — 5–10 business days

These timeframes are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed. Delivery may be affected by customs clearance procedures, courier delays, weather conditions, public holidays, or force majeure events. By The Curator cannot be held responsible for delays caused by third-party carriers.

4. Customs, Duties & Import Regulations

For shipments delivered outside the European Union, orders may be subject to customs clearance procedures, import duties, local taxes, and customs brokerage fees. These charges are determined by the destination country's authorities and are the sole responsibility of the recipient. By The Curator cannot be held responsible for customs processing delays or additional charges incurred at the destination.

5. Gift Deliveries

Orders placed through this website are intended to be sent as gift deliveries and may be shipped directly to recipients. Customers are responsible for providing accurate recipient information, including full name, correct delivery address, and phone number if required by the carrier. By The Curator shall not be responsible for delivery failures caused by incorrect or incomplete address information. Once a shipment has been successfully delivered to the provided address, responsibility transfers to the recipient.

6. Damaged or Incorrect Items

Recipients must inspect the package upon delivery. If an item arrives damaged or incorrect, notification must be provided within 48 hours of delivery at concierge@bythecurator.com, accompanied by clear photographs of the damaged item, the external shipping box, and the internal packaging. Claims submitted without sufficient documentation or outside the required timeframe may not be accepted. Items showing signs of use or handling beyond initial inspection are not eligible for claims.

7. Returns & Right of Withdrawal

In accordance with the European Union Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU), consumers resident in the European Union generally have the right to withdraw from a purchase within 14 days of receiving their order, without providing a reason.

However, this right of withdrawal does not apply to the following categories, which cover the products sold by By The Curator:

• Goods that are made to the consumer's specifications or clearly personalised — each By The Curator gift box is curated and assembled upon individual order, making it a personalised composition.
• Goods that are liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly.
• Sealed goods which are not suitable for return due to health or hygiene reasons and which have been unsealed after delivery — this includes candles, skincare items, food products, and similar goods included in our compositions.
• Goods which, by their nature, are inseparably mixed with other items after delivery — the curated nature of our gift boxes means that contents are selected and assembled as a unified composition and cannot be separated for return.

Given the above, By The Curator does not accept returns based on personal preference, change of mind, or dissatisfaction with the curation, once a gift box has been dispatched or delivered.

Returns will only be considered in cases of:

• Items that arrive visibly damaged due to transit
• Items that are factually incorrect (wrong product delivered)

In such cases, please contact us at concierge@bythecurator.com within 48 hours of delivery with photographic documentation. We will assess each case individually and, where applicable, offer a replacement or partial refund at our discretion.

By placing an order, the customer acknowledges and accepts that the right of withdrawal does not apply to the personalised, curated, and assembled nature of By The Curator products.

8. Non-Returnable Items

The following items are not eligible for return or refund under any circumstances:

• Opened or used products of any kind
• Gift boxes that have been delivered to and received by the intended recipient
• Products showing signs of use, handling, or tampering beyond initial inspection
• Perishable goods, food items, and consumables
• Digital content or personalised registry services

9. Refunds

Where a refund is approved by By The Curator following a valid claim, it will be processed within 14 business days to the original payment method. By The Curator reserves the right to deduct the cost of return shipping from any refund issued.

10. Limitation of Liability

By The Curator shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from shipping delays, courier handling, customs procedures, delivery failures caused by incorrect address information, or force majeure events. Where liability applies, it shall be limited to the total value of the order placed.

11. Contact

For any questions regarding shipping, delivery, or returns, please contact our concierge team at concierge@bythecurator.com. We aim to respond within 48 hours.