Refunds & Returns Policy

Effective: 09/19/2025

The Creative Direction provides professional services, digital products, and programs. Because most of our work is custom and delivered electronically, traditional “returns” don’t apply—but we do stand behind our work. This policy explains when refunds/credits are available and how to request one.

1) Strategy, Branding & Web/Marketing Projects (custom services)

• Deposits/booking fees are non-refundable. They reserve your production window and cover discovery/prep.

• If you cancel before project kickoff: we’ll refund any amount paid beyond the deposit/booking fee.

• If you cancel after kickoff: we’ll issue a pro-rata refund for unused work, less (a) time already completed at the agreed rate and (b) any third-party costs incurred (see §5).

• After first concept/draft delivery: refunds are generally not available; we’ll continue revisions per your scope.

• Change of scope may affect timelines/fees; we’ll confirm in writing before proceeding.

2) Consulting/Coaching Sessions

• Rescheduling: Please give [24–48] hours notice to reschedule.

• No-shows/late cancellations: forfeited and non-refundable.

3) Retainers & Subscriptions (ongoing support)

• You may cancel anytime; cancellation stops future renewals.

• Past months are non-refundable. Unused hours don’t roll over unless your agreement says otherwise.

4) Digital Products, Templates, Courses & Downloads

• Due to the nature of digital goods, all sales are final once access is granted or files are downloaded.

• If you experience a technical issue accessing your purchase, contact us within 7 days and we’ll restore access or provide an equivalent file.

5) Third-Party Costs (non-refundable)

External expenses we purchase on your behalf—e.g., printing, stock assets, type licenses, plugins, hosting, ad spend, rush fees—are non-refundable. If refundable by the vendor, we’ll pass through whatever they approve.

6) Quality Issues

If something we delivered contains an error that differs from the approved scope, tell us within 7 days of delivery. We’ll correct it promptly. If we can’t reasonably remedy it, we may offer a pro-rata credit or partial refund at our discretion.

7) Chargebacks

Please contact us first. Filing a payment dispute without first giving us a chance to resolve it may delay resolution. We reserve the right to pass through chargeback fees if the dispute is unfounded.

8) How to Request a Refund/Credit

Email hello@1creativedirection.com with:

• your name and email used at checkout,

• order number/invoice ID, and

• a short description of the issue.
  We’ll respond within 2 business days. Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 5–10 business days (bank processing times vary).

9) EU/UK Consumer Info (digital/services)

If you’re in the EU/UK, you may have a 14-day right to withdraw from distance purchases. By requesting immediate performance (e.g., scheduling a start date, accessing downloads, or joining a live session), you acknowledge this service begins within the withdrawal period and waive the right to withdraw once performance has started or the download has begun.

10) Updates

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with an effective date.