Refund & Exchange Policy

Last updated: Jan 2026

1. The "Living Food" Disclaimer

Michin Kimchi is alive. It is not factory-made, dead canned food. By purchasing, you acknowledge and accept the following natural characteristics which do not constitute spoilage and are not eligible for refunds:

• Gas/Fizzing: "Pop" sounds or overflowing sauce upon opening (this is healthy probiotic activity).
• Package Bloating: Expansion of the bag/jar due to natural fermentation gas.
• Sourness: A sour taste is the natural result of fermentation, not spoilage.
• Texture Changes: Softening of vegetables over time as they age.

2. Consumer Handling & Liability (Strict)

Once the product is delivered, the "Chain of Custody" ends. We have zero control over how the product is handled, stored, or consumed in your home. Therefore, we strictly refuse liability for any spoilage, change in quality, or contamination that occurs after delivery.

Any request for a refund will be immediately REJECTED if spoilage is caused by consumer handling, including but not limited to:

• ❌ Improper Storage: Leaving the item at room temperature (even for short periods) or failing to refrigerate immediately.
• ❌ Contamination: Using wet/dirty utensils, "double-dipping," or eating directly from the jar. (Saliva and tap water introduce bacteria that cause rapid mold/spoilage).
• ❌ Cross-Contamination: Mixing the kimchi with other foods or transferring it to an unsterilized container.
• ❌ Accidental Damage: Dropping, breaking, or mishandling the container after receipt.

3. Delivery & Receipt Responsibility

Our responsibility ends the moment the driver deposits the item at your provided address.

• Unattended Delivery: If you are not home, we will leave the item at your door/gate. You accept full risk for spoilage due to heat exposure or theft. We will not replace items left outside.
• Incorrect Address: We do not refund orders delivered to an incorrect address provided by the customer.

4. Reporting Quality Issues (Dead on Arrival)

The ONLY exception to this policy is if the item arrives physically damaged (e.g., shattered glass jar) or is the wrong item.

Strict Reporting Window:
You must report the issue via WhatsApp (+65 8867 5112) within 2 HOURS of the delivery timestamp.

Reports made after this window will be rejected, as we cannot verify if the damage/spoilage occurred after delivery due to improper storage. You must provide:

1. Photo of the damaged item/packaging.
2. Your Invoice ID.

*Michin Kimchi reserves the right to make the final decision on all refund requests based on the evidence provided.

5. Taste Subjectivity & Regional Differences

Kimchi recipes vary significantly by region and household. Our products are crafted using our specific proprietary house recipe.

We strictly do not provide refunds or replacements because the flavor profile (e.g., spice level, salinity, texture, or fermentation style) does not match your personal preference or your past experiences with other brands. By purchasing, you accept the unique taste of the Michin Kimchi recipe.

Shipping Policy

1. Delivery Schedule

We deliver on Saturdays only between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. We cannot promise exact time slots as routes depend on traffic and driver load.

2. Zoning System

To keep our kimchi fresh, we split Singapore into two zones:

• Zone A (South/West): Delivered on odd weeks (1st & 3rd Saturday).
• Zone B (North/East): Delivered on even weeks (2nd & 4th Saturday).

3. Order Cut-Off

Orders must be placed by Wednesday 23:59 to be eligible for the coming Saturday delivery. Orders placed after this time will be pushed to the next eligible delivery date.

4. Receipt & Liability (Strict)

Please ensure someone is available to receive your order on Saturday.

If no one is home, our driver will attempt to call you. If we cannot reach you, the items will be left at your doorstep/gate to avoid disrupting the route for other customers.

Michin Kimchi will not be liable for any loss in product quality, spoilage, or theft resulting from unattended deliveries. By placing an order, you accept the risk of leaving the items at your premises if you are not present.

Privacy & Data Policy

Last updated: Jan 2026

IMPORTANT: BY ACCESSING THIS SITE OR SUBMITTING YOUR DATA, YOU EXPLICITLY CONSENT TO THE PRACTICES DESCRIBED HEREIN. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, PLEASE DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY.

1. Collection of Personal & Technical Data

To facilitate transactions and improve our service, Michin Kimchi (the “Company”) collects specific data points. Personal Data: Information you voluntarily provide, including but not limited to your name, delivery address, email address, and phone number. Technical Data: Information automatically collected via your device, including IP address, browser type, geo-location, and onsite behavior (e.g., pages viewed, time spent, cart abandonment).

2. Purpose of Collection & Marketing Consent

By providing your contact details, you grant the Company a perpetual, non-exclusive license to utilize your data for the following business purposes until you explicitly withdraw consent:

• Order Fulfillment: To process payments, deliver goods, and send transactional notifications (e.g., invoices).
• Direct Marketing: To send promotional materials, newsletters, and "Abandoned Cart" reminders via email or SMS/WhatsApp. You may opt-out at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link in our emails.
• Retargeting & Advertising: We use tracking pixels (including Meta Pixel and Google Tag) to analyze your behavior and serve personalized advertisements to you on third-party platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Google Display Network) after you leave our Site.

3. Disclosure to Third Parties & Ad Networks

We do not sell your data to unauthorized data brokers. However, to execute our marketing and operational functions, you consent to the sharing of your data with trusted Data Processors:

• Advertising Platforms: We may upload hashed (anonymized) customer lists (e.g., email addresses) to platforms such as Meta (Facebook) and Google Ads to create "Custom Audiences" for targeted advertising or "Lookalike Audiences" to find new customers with similar profiles.
• Service Providers: Third parties who assist in operating our website, processing payments (e.g., Stripe), or conducting our business, provided those parties agree to keep this information confidential.

4. Use of Cookies & Tracking Technologies

This Site uses cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and gather analytical data. By using the Site, you consent to the placement of these cookies on your device. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect Site functionality.

5. Limitation of Liability & Security

While we implement industry-standard security measures (including SSL encryption) to protect your data, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. You acknowledge that you provide your personal information at your own risk. The Company shall not be held liable for any data breach, unauthorized access, or loss of data beyond our reasonable control.

6. Governing Law & Withdrawal of Consent

This Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of Singapore, including the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Your Rights: You have the right to withdraw your consent for marketing at any time. To stop receiving marketing messages, please use the unsubscribe feature in our communications or contact us directly. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

7. How to Withdraw Consent (Cookie Reset)

We respect your right to control your data. If you previously accepted cookies and wish to withdraw your consent, you can do so at any time.

Method 1: Reset on this Site
Click the link below to clear your preferences. This will reload the page and present the Cookie Banner again.
👉 Reset My Cookie Preferences

Method 2: Browser Settings
You can also block or delete cookies directly through your browser settings (Chrome, Safari, Firefox).

TERMS OF SERVICE AND SALE AGREEMENT

IMPORTANT: THIS IS A BINDING LEGAL AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PURCHASING. LAST UPDATED: JAN 2026.

1. PREAMBLE AND ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

This Terms of Service Agreement ("Agreement") constitutes a legally binding contract between MICHIN KIMCHI (the "Merchant," "We," or "Us") and the individual or entity purchasing or accessing our products ("Customer" or "You"). By clicking "PayNow," "Checkout," or otherwise completing a transaction on this Site, You explicitly acknowledge that You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms herein. If You do not agree, You must discontinue use of the Site immediately.

2. NATURE OF GOODS: "AS-IS" LIVE CULTURE DISCLAIMER

2.1 Biological Volatility: The Customer explicitly acknowledges that the Products sold by the Merchant are unpasteurized, fermented perishables containing live biological cultures ("Live Cultured Goods"). The Customer accepts that the Product’s acidity (pH level), texture (turgidity), and carbonation levels are subject to biological variance and may change during transit and storage.

2.2 Disclaimer of Spoilage Claims: The Merchant expressly disclaims any liability for the natural biological progression of the Product, including but not limited to gas production ("bloating"), souring due to continued fermentation, or textural softening. Such occurrences are inherent characteristics of the goods and shall not constitute a defect in material or workmanship.

2.3 Allergen Waiver: The Customer acknowledges that the Products contain known allergens, specifically Crustacean Shellfish (Shrimp) and Fish. The Products are manufactured in a facility that may handle tree nuts, soy, wheat, and dairy. The Customer assumes full responsibility for reviewing ingredients before consumption. The Merchant shall not be held liable for any adverse medical reactions, anaphylaxis, or health complications arising from the consumption of the Goods.

3. TRANSFER OF RISK AND DELIVERY LIABILITY

3.1 FOB Destination (Doorstep): Title and Risk of Loss for the Goods shall pass to the Customer immediately upon the Merchant’s tender of delivery to the address provided by the Customer ("Delivery Point").

3.2 Unattended Delivery Waiver: In the event the Customer is not present to receive the Goods at the Delivery Point, the Merchant is authorized to leave the Goods at the doorstep, gate, or concierge. The Customer hereby waives all claims against the Merchant for spoilage, theft, tampering, contamination, or temperature abuse occurring after such tender of delivery. The Customer acknowledges that the "Cold Chain" responsibility transfers solely to the Customer at the moment of delivery.

3.3 Incorrect Address: The Merchant bears no liability for non-delivery or delay resulting from inaccurate, incomplete, or invalid shipping information provided by the Customer. No refunds or replacements shall be issued under such circumstances.

4. STRICT NO-REFUND POLICY AND LIMITATION OF REMEDY

4.1 Finality of Sale: Due to the perishable nature of the Goods and strict food safety regulations, ALL SALES ARE FINAL. The Merchant does not offer returns, refunds, or exchanges under any circumstances, except as explicitly provided in Section 4.2.

4.2 Sole Remedy for Defect: In the limited event of a proven "Material Defect" (defined strictly as physical breakage of the container or delivery of an incorrect item), the Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be limited to the replacement of the defective item. The Customer must notify the Merchant in writing within two (2) hours of the delivery timestamp. Failure to report within this window constitutes an irrevocable acceptance of the Goods as conforming.

5. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

5.1 Cap on Damages: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY SINGAPORE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE MERCHANT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MEDICAL EXPENSES, LOSS OF INCOME, OR PAIN AND SUFFERING, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCTS.

5.2 Maximum Liability: THE MERCHANT’S TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY THE CUSTOMER FOR THE SPECIFIC ORDER GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

6. INDEMNIFICATION

The Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Merchant, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or in any way connected with (a) the Customer’s negligent handling, storage, or consumption of the Goods; (b) the Customer’s violation of these Terms; or (c) any misrepresentation made by the Customer regarding health conditions or allergies.

7. FORCE MAJEURE

The Merchant shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations where such failure results from any cause beyond the Merchant’s reasonable control, including, without limitation, mechanical, electronic or communications failure or degradation, acts of God, supply chain obstructions, or pandemics.

8. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Singapore. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this contract, including any question regarding its existence, validity, or termination, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Singapore.

9. SEVERABILITY AND NO WAIVER

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect. The failure of the Merchant to enforce any part of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of our right to later enforce that or any other part of this Agreement.