Payment Policy

1. Accepted Payment Methods

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Maestro
• Visa Debit
• Mastercard Debit
• PayPal
• Apple Pay (where available)
• Google Pay (where available)

2. Payment Processing

• All payments are processed securely through trusted providers.
• We do not store complete card details on our servers.
• SSL encryption protects all payment transactions.
• Payment authorization occurs when an order is placed.

3. Billing & Charges

• Payment is required at checkout.
• All prices are displayed in GBP (£).
• Applicable UK taxes are included where required.
• Order confirmations contain a full breakdown of charges.

4. Payment Authorization

Your payment provider may place a temporary authorization hold before final payment processing. Once completed, the final charge will replace the authorization.

5. Failed or Declined Payments

• Verify your card details are entered correctly.
• Ensure sufficient funds are available.
• Contact your bank if the issue persists.
• Orders may be cancelled if payment cannot be verified.

6. Currency & International Payments

All transactions are processed in GBP (£). Your bank may apply currency conversion fees if paying from another currency.

7. Refunds & Payment Reversals

• Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
• Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
• Bank processing times may vary.
• Partial refunds may apply where products are incomplete, damaged by misuse, or returned outside the policy conditions.

8. Fraud Prevention & Security

• Orders suspected of fraud may be cancelled.
• Additional verification may be required.
• Transactions are monitored for suspicious activity.
• Secure payment gateways help protect customer information.

9. Payment Disputes

If you believe an incorrect charge has been made, please contact us immediately before initiating a chargeback so we can investigate and resolve the matter promptly.

10. Third-Party Payment Services

Payments may be processed through trusted providers such as PayPal, Stripe, or similar payment gateways. Their own terms and privacy policies apply to payment processing activities.

11. Taxes & Compliance

• Applicable UK taxes are included where required.
• We comply with UK tax regulations.
• Transaction records are maintained for legal and accounting purposes.

12. Recurring Payments

Essential Houseware currently does not offer subscription-based services. If recurring payments are introduced in the future, customers will be informed before enrollment.

13. Customer Responsibilities

• Provide accurate billing information.
• Use payment methods you are authorized to use.
• Report suspicious or unauthorized transactions immediately.