Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions govern shopping, sourcing, procurement, live shopping, consolidation, shipping coordination, delivery coordination, membership, and related services provided by Caribbean Tides (“Caribbean Tides,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By submitting an order, paying an invoice, booking a service, or enrolling in a membership, the customer (“you” or “customer”) agrees to the applicable terms below.
Core Pricing & Payment Principles:
- Merchandise is customer-funded. Caribbean Tides does not finance customer purchases.
- Shopping begins only after required merchandise authorization funds and applicable Caribbean Tides fees have cleared.
- Merchandise is purchased at the retailer’s actual charged price. Receipts are provided where available.
- Shipping/freight is charged at actual third-party cost unless a separately disclosed handling, packing, consolidation, delivery, or travel fee applies.
- Estimates are not guarantees. Prices, availability, taxes, shipping charges, and third-party fees can change before purchase or shipment.
- Unused merchandise authorization funds are reconciled after shopping and may be credited toward a remaining balance or refunded to the original payment method, subject to processor timing.
1. Cancellation Policy
- Before Shopping Starts: A customer may cancel an order before Shopping Start. If Caribbean Tides has not materially begun the service and no nonrefundable third-party cost has been incurred, unused Merchandise Authorization funds will be refunded.
- After Shopping Starts but Before Purchase: If the customer cancels after Caribbean Tides has materially begun the service, the earned portion of the Service Fee and any incurred travel, parking, toll, booking, or third-party costs are nonrefundable.
- After Merchandise Is Purchased: Once merchandise has been purchased under the customer’s authorization, cancellation does not automatically create a right to a refund. Caribbean Tides may assist with a retailer return, subject to the retailer’s policy.
- Cancellation by Caribbean Tides: Caribbean Tides may cancel or decline an order for safety, legality, payment, availability, abusive conduct, operational constraints, or reasonable business grounds.
2. Refund / Return Policy
- Retailer Rules Control: Caribbean Tides acts as a shopping/procurement service. Merchandise returns, exchanges, and warranties are primarily governed by the original retailer or manufacturer.
- Return Assistance: At the customer’s request, Caribbean Tides may assist with an eligible return. Additional fees may apply.
- Service Fees: Service Fees compensate for work performed and are generally nonrefundable after the service has been materially performed.
3. Merchandise Authorization Policy
- Authorization Amount: Before shopping, the customer approves a maximum merchandise budget. Caribbean Tides may purchase requested items up to that amount.
- Funding Requirement: The Merchandise Authorization and applicable fees must clear before shopping begins.
- Reconciliation: After shopping, Caribbean Tides will reconcile the authorization against actual purchases. Unused amounts may be applied to shipping or refunded.
4. Shipping / Freight Policy
- Actual Freight Cost: Freight/shipping charges are based on actual carrier or third-party charges.
- Transit Times: Transit and delivery dates are estimates unless guaranteed. Weather, port operations, and custom inspections may cause delays.
- Carrier Terms: Shipments are subject to the selected carrier’s rules, packaging standards, and claims deadlines.
5. Lost / Damaged Merchandise Policy
- Inspection Before Shipment: Where practical, Caribbean Tides may visually inspect items and document the order before packing.
- Reporting Window: Customers should inspect shipments immediately. Visible loss or damage should be reported within 48 hours of receipt.
- Insurance: Optional cargo insurance or declared-value coverage may be offered to the customer.
6. Substitution Policy
- Customers must choose one when ordering: (a) No substitutions; (b) Substitutions only with live approval; or (c) Reasonable substitutions within stated parameters.
7. Travel-Fee Policy
- San Juan Metro: Routine shopping within the designated San Juan Metro service area is included.
- Extended Area: Travel outside San Juan Metro is subject to an additional fee (Extended Area starting at $40; Island-Wide/long-distance starting at $100).
8. Live Shopping Cancellation / No-Show Policy
- Standard Live Shopping rates are $45 for 30 minutes and $85 for 60 minutes.
- Rescheduling: Customers may reschedule once without penalty with at least 24 hours’ notice.
- No-Show: If the customer does not join within 10 minutes of the scheduled start, the appointment may be treated as a no-show and the fee forfeited.
9. Membership Agreement
- Plans & Pricing: Island Essentials, Island Plus, and Island Elite memberships are offered on 6- or 12-month commitments.
- Discounts & Benefits: Essentials (10% off service fees), Plus (15% off + one 30-min live session/month), Elite (20% off + one 60-min live session/month).
10. Privacy Policy
- Caribbean Tides collects necessary contact details, delivery info, and order history to provide services. We share information only with relevant retailers, payment processors, and carriers, and do not sell customer personal information.