Handgelaat
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before, during and after your order. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.
How long does delivery take?
Ready-to-ship items are generally dispatched within 1–3 working days. Once dispatched, courier delivery generally takes a further 3–6 working days, so most orders arrive within 4–9 working days of being placed.
Custom, personalised or made-to-order products take approximately 7–14 working days before dispatch. Full details are on our Shipping & Delivery page.
How much does delivery cost?
We charge a flat R50 delivery fee per order within our normal South African delivery area, shown at checkout.
Can I collect my order instead of paying for delivery?
Yes — collection is free. At checkout choose Pickup instead of Ship, then select either George or Bloemfontein. The collection address is shown at checkout and in your confirmation email.
We'll message you as soon as your order is packed and ready, so please wait for that message before coming to collect.
Can I personalise my order?
Selected products can be personalised with a name, date, initials or short message. Please check all wording carefully before ordering — we make it exactly as you enter it. See our Personalisation page for more.
What if I make a mistake with my personalisation wording?
You're responsible for checking names, dates and spelling before ordering. If we make an error in the personalisation you agreed with us, we'll take responsibility for correcting it at our cost — just contact us at heidi@handgelaat.co.za.
Can I return or exchange an item?
Yes — South African law gives you a statutory cooling-off period for most online purchases. Personalised or made-to-order items may be excluded from this where the law permits, but your rights remain in full if an item is defective or incorrect. See our Returns & Refunds page for the full details.
My item arrived damaged — what do I do?
Please contact us as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours, with photographs, so we can act quickly with our courier. This doesn't limit any statutory right you have to report a problem later.
Are all your products handmade?
Yes. All products sold by Handgelaat are handmade — some pieces are handcrafted by us, while others are carefully selected from South African makers and suppliers we trust.
Why does my leather or wood piece look different to the photo?
Leather, wood and other natural materials naturally vary in grain, colour and texture. These small differences are part of what makes each handmade piece unique — not a defect.
What payment methods do you accept?
All orders are placed and paid for securely through Shopify's checkout. We don't see or store your card details ourselves.
Can I order a custom piece that isn't in your shop?
Often, yes! Visit our Custom Creations page for inspiration and to get in touch about a custom order.
How do I contact Handgelaat?
Email us at heidi@handgelaat.co.za, call or WhatsApp +27 82 953 8612, or use our Contact Us page.