FAQ's

Common Questions

Let's give you the lowdown on all your burning questions so you can confidently hit that Add to Cart button.

Do you have a physical store or showroom?

Currently, we exclusively operate online and do not have a physical retail location or showroom for product viewing or collection. However, please be assured that the images and dimensions provided on our website closely represent our products. Keep in mind that many of our products are handmade with natural materials, so variations and uniqueness are inherent to them.

The majority of our items are eligible for refunds (excluding specific pieces as mentioned in the product descriptions). If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you have the option to return it within 10 days, provided it is in its original packaging and condition.

Do you have a specific product in stock?

While we have some items in stock, many of the items featured on Art of Curation are crafted upon order placement. Consequently, the dispatch dates vary according to the product.

Each product page will display its corresponding dispatch date. Thus, the most accurate estimate of your shipping timeframe can be found there. After dispatch, please anticipate a delivery period of 2 to 5 business days, depending on where you are based and the size of the item.

If you want to check before placing your order, feel free to pop us a message via our contact us form.

Why is the lead time so long?

A big portion of our collection is meticulously crafted upon order, resulting in a lead time for completion. These items are painstakingly created from the ground up, exclusively for you.

Our artisans take immense pride in delivering a product of exceptional quality, and this commitment to excellence does indeed warrant a brief period of anticipation :)

I haven't received all of my items!


Due to varying dispatch dates and lead times associated with our products, there might be differences in when they are sent out. This could result in multiple deliveries for your order.
For specific dispatch dates of each item in your order, kindly consult your order confirmation email.

Rest assured, we'll keep you informed through detailed emails, complete with tracking information, for each product as they are dispatched.

My order hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe.


We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay. While we make every effort to uphold the projected lead times and prevent any disruptions, there could be instances of delay when our production schedules are particularly busy or other delays due to loadshedding. In such cases, we will promptly notify you of the situation.

Should the lead time be surpassed and you haven't received any communication from us, please feel free to reach out. We'll be more than happy to provide you with an update.

Is it possible for me to organise my own shipping or pick up my order in person?

Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate self-collection for any orders. At AOC, we handle all shipping arrangements through trusted third-party couriers. This ensures the secure and reliable delivery of your product, complete with dependable tracking information.

Is it possible to have my furniture delivered to an upper floor if I live above the ground floor?


AOC provides a standard furniture delivery service exclusively to the ground floor of the specified delivery address property. Unfortunately, our standard delivery rate and option does not include hoisting or specialised delivery options (such as elevator transportation or stair carrying) for any furniture and it will be your responsibility to get the item moved from ground floor to your desired area.

However, if you do require these services, please get in touch with us. Depending on the circumstances, we might be able to assist in making arrangements for an additional fee.

How do I know whether my order has been shipped?


Upon the dispatch of any product from your order, you will receive an email notification containing shipment confirmation and tracking information. Please remember to also check your spam folder for this notification.

Considering that some of our products are crafted on demand, they will be dispatched on various dates, possibly resulting in multiple deliveries for the items you've ordered.

To check the dispatch timing of each item within your order, kindly refer to your order confirmation email.

What is your policy for returns?


You are welcome to return or exchange your order within a span of 10 days from the delivery date, provided the item is in its original condition and packaging. Following our assessment and confirmation of the item's condition, you will receive a refund through your original payment method. Alternatively, you can choose to exchange your item for an identical product.

Exchanges are restricted to the exact same item, such as the same item in a different colour or print. Should you desire an item of differing value from our store, you will need to make a separate purchase or await the completion of your refund process.

Please note that certain items are non-refundable and those items are displayed as such on the product page.

Please be aware that returns for items on sale are not accepted.

Kindly note that any expenses related to return shipping will be your responsibility. The initial shipping fees incurred to deliver the item to you are non-refundable.

Should your product arrive damaged, please inform us and provide images as evidence within 3 days of delivery via info@artofcuration.co.za. This will enable us to rectify the situation promptly.

Please be advised that returns are not applicable for international shipments.

How do I submit a return for an item?

  1. Begin by sending an email to info@artofcuration.co.za, including your order number, the specific item you intend to return, and your reason for the return.
  2. We will carefully review your return request to ensure its validity. Once approved, you will receive an email guiding you to make the payment for return shipping.
  3. After we receive your return shipping fee, we will coordinate courier collection.
  4. Our team conducts a physical inspection of the returned item to confirm alignment with your initial return reason, whether it's due to a defect or simply not meeting your preferences.
  5. Following the final verification of the return, you will be notified via email. Depending on your initial request, we will proceed to either issue a refund to your original payment method or ship the exchanged product to you.

If a refund is applicable, expect to receive a notification once the refund has been processed. The refunded amount will be directed back to your original payment method. It usually takes about 7 to 10 working days for the refund to reflect in your account, depending on your bank. (In most cases, the process is quicker!)

Please be aware that if an item is returned to us in a condition other than its original state or contrary to your initial return request, you may not qualify for a refund or exchange. In such cases, you may also incur an additional shipping fee for us to return the original item to you. Additionally, please note that if you request an exchange item, you will be responsible for the shipping fee associated with the new item.

Do you ship internationally?

Currently, we only display shipping rates at checkout for the UK.

Please contact us for an accurate shipping quote for other countries.

Which shipping carrier do you use internationally?

For international shipments we use Fedex or UPS with a turnaround estimated at 2 - 8 days from the day of dispatch. 

How long does international shipping take?

It should take around 2- 8 days once dispatched.

The shipping lead time will vary based on the product and is dependant upon the lead time specified in the product description.  Items are dispatched as they are ready and you may receive more than one delivery.  You will be notified by email of each individual shipment. 

Please note that dispatch refers to the moment your order items are ready for shipping, not the date of delivery to your doorstep. Dispatch occurs when we hand over the items to our delivery partners responsible for the final delivery. Once dispatched, you can expect delivery within an estimated 2 -8 days using Fedex or UPS.

What fees are associated with international shipments?

We will display the shipping fee at checkout, however please note that duties, taxes, and any applicable carrier brokerage fees are not incorporated into your order total during the checkout process for international orders.

Duties and taxes are determined by the customs agency within your destination country. They are based on the value of the order, the type of product and the tax–free threshold, if it exists, for imported goods. These funds must be settled before the goods will be released to you. More information can be obtained by contacting your local customs office. 

Can I return my item that was shipped outside South Africa?

Unfortunately, we do not offer and returns or refunds on international shipments.  Please contact us for any defective products.

Why are some products not available for me to purchase outside South Africa?

Unfortunately we do not ship any furniture or breakable items such as mirrors, glassware, art frames or ceramics outside South Africa due to the risk of breakages.