FAQ & Policies

The Hobby Trove is an online store specially designed to help hobby lovers with their hobby supplies. You can read more about us at our About page

Our endeavour is to ensure that this becomes your one stop shop for all your supply needs, so that you get the widest possible choice. We put all efforts in understanding your needs and list products needed for your hobby, that are well categorized, to help you get straight to your supplies without much hassle.
From time to time we want to offer the best possible deal for our customers for the products. We bring Free Shipping on most products, one FREE giveaway every month and great discounts.
We also try to bring to you good quality products which are genuinely tested and rated by hobbyist like you

The list of hobbies is covered under the tab “Shop by Hobby” on the home page. Want to know more? Contact us.

Our team is researching everyday to understand your needs.We’re constantly updating our list with new hobbies and their related products. We’re learning everyday from great hobbyist like you and ask your help to make this happen.
Don’t see your hobby listed? On the Contact Us page, choose the subject ‘List my hobby’ and tell us more about your hobby, describing the items you would like to see in the future. Your input matters

We’re building a comprehensive list under this topic. In the meantime, please understand, anything that may pertain to extreme content, adult materials or things which are toxic, illegal and non-mailable as per the requirements of the countries are not listed here. We also do not list items that are covered under copyright unless we have a special contract with the copyright holder. We hold the complete right in deciding what should be part of our store. If you think something is listed in error or against this policy mentioned here, please email us.

Our office is located in the beautiful country: India; India is a land full of artisans and inspirations. Here many small businesses thrive for handmade supplies as well as finished products. We support these artisans in India and around the world which make for the backbone of their respective countries. Our high quality suppliers and vendors are located across US, China, Russia and India. We are currently establishing supplier relationships at Turkey, India and are expanding the base constantly.

Check out our Contact page or all queries can be forwarded to support@thehobbytrove.com

Yes we do ship worldwide except APO/FPO. You can place your order for any country. Certain regions or countries may pose a restriction from shipping products to them. In such cases, when we receive information from our vendor warehouses for non-possibility of shipment, we will fully refund your amount. The 20% cancellation fee will not be applicable in this situation, as mentioned in our Refund Policy & FAQ’s.

All purchases greater than $5o are eligible for free shipping. On the Checkout page you will be guided with shipping options – as applicable. Other shipping options are also available, please go through our Shipping Chart to understand how this works. If you have any questions or want an expedited shipping contact us on support@thehobbytrove.com

If you order more than one item, each item may be shipped from a different international warehouse, depending on which one has them available the fastest. Alternatively, if an item is popular and on a bit of a back order, we might ship your items at different times, in different packages, to prevent holding up your order and to get it to you as fast as possible!

Orders are shipped out directly from any of our many domestic & international warehouses as soon as possible. We usually try to deliver Standard within 15 business days and Express within 10 business days. But considering factors like holidays, weekends, holiday seasons, customs etc we estimate “Standard Shipping” period as 22-35 days and “Express Shipping” as 7-25 days. Rarely custom clearance delays may occur, so we cover for upto 60 days waiting period after which you will be eligible for a refund. Take a look at Shipping Chart to understand the Transit times. Please note, that these are only estimates.

Create different orders for each address you want to ship your products to. Please ensure that the products are correctly listed for the particular address you wish to send it to.

Import taxes, duties and related customs fees are determined by your local customs office. The local authority regulations are out of our control, if any such charges are applicable, you may be charged once your order arrives to its final destination. Payment of these charges and taxes are your responsibility and will not be covered by us. We are not responsible for delays caused by the customs department in your country. For further details of charges, please contact your local customs office.

Since deliveries are made internationally, once it goes out of our warehouses and is being handled by your local postal department, we will have no control or access to the data. Please use the tracking details provided to you to communicate with your local postal services and contact them for more information. You cannot claim for refund in these cases, as delivery was attempted, it is now your responsibility to reach out to the postal team and collect it from their office or request them to re-deliver.

Since deliveries are made internationally, once it goes out of our warehouses and is being handled by your local postal department, we will have no control or access to on time data. Please use the tracking details provided to you to communicate with your local postal services and contact them for more information. We use reliable data from postal services eg: USPS. We do not entertain requests for refunds where the post has confirmed delivery of products to avoid fraud. Though we have a 60 days waiting period –  We request you to inform us if there are any delays to product delivery after 30 days and not wait until 60 days. This will give us ample time to check Transit status.

We now have several currencies, you can select to make payments in. You will find the option to select your currency in the siderbar of the shop or product link. If your currency is not listed, your order will be usually processed  in USD unless you manually select any other currency in the list. Please send us an email to support@thehobbytrove.com to list your currency, which may be considered for your future purchases.

Confirmation Number is the same as order number, confirming your order placement.Please contact us if you don’t receive one within 24 hours.
Tracking Number is a number you will receive to track your goods after the order has been processed and shipped at the warehouses. This will enable you to track your shipment. Tracking number will be sent to you within 2-5 days.

We will send your tracking details through email within 2-5 days. This should also be on the website against your order in your account.

Our website is secured and protected by SSL technology which is a security layer used for online payment transactions. It encrypts your entire transaction process which makes your shopping safe and secure. Also we accept payments through Paypal. So payments do not happen on our portal, but on safe and secure PayPal portal.

We accept payments through the Paypal portal for your security. Paypal supports a large number of credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover etc. and is most suitable for international transactions.
If you do not have a paypal account – At checkout, click on “Proceed to Paypal.” Once on the Paypal screen, at the very bottom, click the button “Pay with Credit or Debit Card” This facilitates you to pay for the order without requiring you to have a paypal account.
For those in India we also accept online bank transfers apart from Paypal. Once you have added items to your cart and wish to make a bank transfer, send us your email address. We will see the Cart total and reply back to you with our bank details and total payable amount. IMPS offers a quick transfer while NEFT may take upto 3 days to appear on our bank records. Once the payment is confirmed depending on the mode you have transferred, we will send you the order confirmation details.

At present GST will be charged to Indian customers only. You can expect GST upto 18% at the moment and will be applied on checkout on the final cost i.e., after application of discount or other charges.

This Privacy Policy describes how your personal information is collected, used, and shared when you visit or make a purchase from thehobbytrove.com (the “Site”).

PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT
When you visit the Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Site, we collect information about the individual web pages or products that you view, what websites or search terms referred you to the Site, and information about how you interact with the Site. We refer to this automatically-collected information as “Device Information”.

We collect Device Information using the following technologies:
– “Cookies” are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org.
– “Log files” track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.
– “Web beacons”, “tags”, and “pixels” are electronic files used to record information about how you browse the Site.

Additionally when you make a purchase or attempt to make a purchase through the Site, we collect certain information from you, including your name, billing address, shipping address, payment information (including credit card numbers), email address, and phone number. Additionally when you purchase or attempt to make a purchase through the Site using PayPal, we collect PayPal email address. We refer to this information as “Order Information”.

When we talk about “Personal Information” in this Privacy Policy, we are talking both about Device Information and Order Information.

HOW DO WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
We use the Order Information that we collect generally to fulfill any orders placed through the Site (including processing your payment information, arranging for shipping, and providing you with invoices and/or order confirmations). Additionally, we use this Order Information to:
– Communicate with you;
– Screen our orders for potential risk or fraud; and
– When in line with the preferences you have shared with us, provide you with information or advertising relating to our products or services.
– Handle disputes

We use the Device Information that we collect to help us screen for potential risk and fraud (in particular, your IP address), and more generally to improve and optimize our Site (for example, by generating analytics about how our customers browse and interact with the Site, and to assess the success of our marketing and advertising campaigns).

Additionally, we use Device Information for behavioural advertising including retargeting with advertisements that may interest you using the advertising platforms offered by: Facebook, Google, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, Microsoft among others. Text Marketing and notifications (if applicable): By entering your phone number in the checkout and initialising a purchase, you agree that we may send you text notifications (for your order, including abandoned cart reminders) and text marketing offers. Text marketing messages will not exceed 5 per month. You can unsubscribe from further text messages by replying STOP. Message and data rates may apply. (FOR US AND CANADA)
SHARING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We share your Personal Information with third parties to help us use your Personal Information, as described above. For example, we use Shopify to power our online store–you can read more about how Shopify uses your Personal Information here: https://www.shopify.com/legal/privacy. We also use Google Analytics to help us understand how our customers use the Site — you can read more about how Google uses your Personal Information here: https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/. You can also opt-out of Google Analytics here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

Finally, we may also share your Personal Information to comply with applicable laws and regulations, to respond to a subpoena, search warrant or other lawful request for information we receive, or to otherwise protect our rights.

BEHAVIOURAL ADVERTISING
As described above, we use your Personal Information to provide you with targeted advertisements or marketing communications we believe may be of interest to you. For more information about how targeted advertising works, you can visit the Network Advertising Initiative’s (“NAI”) educational page at http://www.networkadvertising.org/understanding-online-advertising/how-does-it-work.

You can opt out of targeted advertising by using the links below:
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=ads
– Google: https://www.google.com/settings/ads/anonymous
– Bing: https://advertise.bingads.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/policies/personalized-ads

Additionally, you can opt out of some of these services by visiting the Digital Advertising Alliance’s opt-out portal at: http://optout.aboutads.info/.

DO NOT TRACK
Please note that we do not alter our Site’s data collection and use practices when we see a Do Not Track signal from your browser.

YOUR RIGHTS
If you are a European resident, you have the right to access personal information we hold about you and to ask that your personal information be corrected, updated, or deleted. If you would like to exercise this right, please contact us through the contact information below.

Additionally, if you are a European resident we note that we are processing your information in order to fulfill contracts we might have with you (for example if you make an order through the Site), or otherwise to pursue our legitimate business interests listed above. Additionally, please note that your information will be transferred outside of Europe, including to Canada and the United States.

DATA RETENTION
When you place an order through the Site, we will maintain your Order Information for our records unless and until you ask us to delete this information.

CHANGES
We may update this privacy policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to our practices or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons.

MINORS
The Site is not intended for individuals under the age of 13 for US and 18 for India. This restriction is also applicable as per the individual age requirements as per every purchasers country. We ask parents to be making any necessary purchases for their children who are minors.

CONTACT US
For more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by e-mail at support@thehobbytrove.com

You can place your order by just providing us with your email address. However, it is recommended that you register with us in order to receive timely offers and also to maintain your Wishlist and account & address details.

Your personal data will be used to provide information on goods and services offered through our website to you, for billing, follow-up on orders placed and to send newsletters of our promotions and coupons for discounts. Our Privacy Policy explains clearly how we collect information, what we do with it and what controls you have.

OUR 30 DAY WARRANTY

All products come with a 30 days returns from purchase, if your purchase does not match the description or if the item is defective, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your order – we are happy to help you.

Conditions for return:

• Products can only be returned if they are still in their new and unused condition and original packaging. Used products, or products damaged by the customer will not be eligible for refund.
• Several types of goods are exempt from being returned or refunded. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases, patterns etc. We determine the exemption of such items during the refund process and may not inform you during the time of purchase.
• Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded.
• Valid Reasons
  • If you received the wrong item, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery by emailing the details to support@thehobbytrove.com
  • For defective or faulty products, please take clear photos or videos of the defects and email us at support@thehobbytrove.com within 48 hours.
    PLEASE NOTE: This policy does not cover misuse, accidental damage, water damage, or any abuse of the purchased product. You will be asked to return the product for our scrutiny.
• We do not wish to honour the following Invalid Reasons – But may consider it on a case to case basis.
  • Buyer no longer wants the items – this is the most common example which we cannot honor if we want to continue offering great value at The Hobby Trove. The buyer should make sure he or she wants to buy the items before submitting an order, not after. After an order is submitted, the buyer enters into a legally binding contract with the seller to purchase all items in that order. Yet we “may” issue a refund after considering various factors eg., if the item has not yet been shipped,. You will be assessed a 20% cancellation fee to cover restocking fees and the charges assessed to us for refunds by the credit card companies.
  • Buyer found items cheaper somewhere else – Buyer should be confident that he or she is ready to pay the asking prices before submitting an order. After an order is submitted, the buyer enters into a legally binding contract with the seller to purchase all items in that order. Yet we “may” issue a refund after considering various factors eg., if the item has not yet been shipped. You will be assessed a 20% cancellation fee to cover restocking fees and the charges assessed to us for refunds by the credit card companies.
  • Other Invalid Reasons not listed here, to be determined based on the case.

RETURNS Process:

• To start the return process, Contact us within 48 hours of receiving the product. We will not accept any claims for returns after 7 days of receiving the products.
• Request your Return Authorization (RA) Number and by emailing support@thehobbytrove.com with detailed reason for return and clear pictures or a video of the product that supports your reason. Let us know if you need a refund or an exchange.
• Once we have approved the return, we will send you the RA number and the address where you have to ship back the items immediately. We allow upto 30 days period to receive your items from the date of approval. After 30 days, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. Also ensure that you have not used this product during the period.
• You will be responsible to pay for your own shipping costs while returning your item.
• To assure your refund or exchange please use a trackable mail service, we will not be responsible for lost or missing packages. Please make sure you send the item back as a gift as we don’t cover custom fees for returns

REFUND or EXCHANGE process:

• • When we receive the tracking details from you regarding the Return, we will check for the validity of Return after which we will send you an exchange; if you have applied for exchange.
  • If you have applied for Refund, we will begin the refund process after the item reaches our local post.
  • Refund is generally calculated as the (price paid for the item – shipping charges – 20% cancellation/refund fee – Any taxes or fees paid to the government)
  • The 20% deduction is not applicable in the following cases:
    1. If a wrong item was shipped.
    2. If you have placed the order and we’re unable to ship it to you. The Shipping charges and GST – in case of Indian customers are also refunded.
  • There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted -In the following cases refunds will be calculated as [50% of (price paid for the item – shipping charges – Any taxes or fees paid to the government)]
    1. When the item was faulty or wrong product was delivered or certain features of the product are different from what you ordered eg., color and if you decide to keep this product instead of returning it.
    2. Upon the receipt of your package your products will be examined. Any item not in its original condition i.e, it has been used by you even after applying for refund, is damaged due to your personal use of the product or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. This is to avoid any fraudulent activities by the buyers.

Late or missing refunds
We process all refunds through Paypal to the payment method you initially used. We initiate refunds within 3-5 days after it has been approved as per the above mentioned policy. The payment gateway and banks may take between 2-3 weeks to finish the process. For any Late or missing refunds, first check with your bank again or your credit card company, to determine if their process is taking longer. If you still have concerns write to us at support@thehobbytrove.com, we can discuss the case with paypal jointly.

Exchanges (if applicable)

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at: support@thehobbytrove.com

Sale/Promotion items (if applicable)
No Refunds will be issued on items purchased on sale, discounts, coupons, gift cards etc.

CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER AFTER IT HAS BEEN PLACED?

Unfortunately, we are unable to cancel your order once it has been processed and/or shipped. If you cancel your order BEFORE it has been processed and/or shipped, you will be assessed a 20% cancellation fee to cover restocking fees and the charges assessed to us for refunds by the credit card companies.

You can cancel your order within 24 hours of placing the order. After 24 hours, we are unable to cancel your order or once it has been processed and/or shipped. To request cancellation, Please email us at support@thehobbytrove.com, let us know the reason for cancelling the order and quote your order number from your confirmation email.

If your order cancellation is accepted 20% cancellation fee will be charged to cover fees and the charges assessed to us for refunds by the credit card companies.

If an order cannot be cancelled you can return the order once delivered. Please refer to the returns section above for details.

We do not entertain “Invalid Reasons” for cancellation of orders. Return / Refund Policy above to understand what falls under – Invalid Reasons.

Yes. GST amount collected will be returned to customer’s source method at the time of Cancellation and Returns. This is only applicable to Indian customers who have paid GST on their orders.