Refund policy

Rarelight Archives Return and Refund Policy

Final sale

Because Rarelight Archives sells unique, one-of-a-kind historical documents, photographs, books, prints, and ephemera, all sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind, buyer’s remorse, differences in personal expectations, or other preference-based reasons.

Many of the objects we sell are old, delicate, and irreplaceable. Limiting unnecessary return shipping helps protect them from repeated handling, environmental exposure, and damage in transit.

Please review all photographs, measurements, condition notes, and descriptions carefully before purchasing. Questions about an object are always welcome before an order is placed.

Condition and historical wear

The objects sold by Rarelight Archives are historical and will often show signs of age and previous use. These may include toning, foxing, fading, stains, folds, tears, edge wear, inscriptions, surface marks, missing portions, or other age-related characteristics.

We make every reasonable effort to photograph and describe significant condition issues accurately. Variations consistent with an object’s age and described condition are not considered defects.

Damaged, incorrect, or materially misdescribed orders

Please inspect your order promptly after delivery.

The item was damaged during shipping;
You received the wrong item; or
The item differs materially from its description.

Include your order number and clear photographs of:

The item;
The interior packaging;
The shipping container; and
Any visible damage to the package.

Please retain the item and all original packaging while we review the issue. Shipping carriers may require photographs or inspection as part of an insurance claim.

Depending on the circumstances, Rarelight Archives may offer a full refund, partial refund, or another appropriate resolution. Because most objects are unique, replacement with an identical item is generally not possible.

Authorized returns

Do not send an item back without contacting us and receiving written authorization. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.

When a return is required to resolve a damaged, incorrect, or materially misdescribed order, we will provide return instructions and the appropriate return address. The item must be returned using the original protective materials and packing method unless we provide different instructions.

A refund may be reduced or denied if an item is damaged because it was handled improperly or returned without adequate packaging.

Order cancellations

Contact us as soon as possible to request a cancellation. Orders may be canceled and refunded only before they have been packed or shipped.

Once an order has shipped, it cannot be canceled.

Lost or delayed shipments

A shipping delay does not automatically mean that a package is lost. Please contact us if tracking has stopped updating or a shipment appears to be missing. We will work with the carrier to investigate.

Refunds for lost packages will be issued after the carrier confirms the loss or the applicable claim process has been completed.

Rarelight Archives is not responsible for packages that tracking confirms were delivered to the address supplied by the customer. We can't be responsible for stolen packages. Please track their arrival and be available to retrieve them immediately upon delivery. Please contact us promptly, however, so we can help review the delivery information.

Refund processing

When a refund is approved, it will be issued to the original payment method. Please allow up to 10 business days after approval for the refund to be processed. Your bank or credit-card provider may require additional time to post the funds to your account.

Original shipping charges are not refundable unless the order was damaged, incorrect, materially misdescribed, or otherwise required by applicable law.

European Union and other statutory rights

Nothing in this policy limits any mandatory consumer rights that apply to your purchase.

Customers located in jurisdictions that provide a statutory cancellation or withdrawal right—including eligible consumers in the European Union—may have rights that apply notwithstanding our general final-sale policy. Where legally required, those rights will be honored.

Contact

Questions about an object, order, or this policy may be sent to:

Rarelight Archives
launa@rarelightarchives.com