Seller: Beta Alg Biotechnology Ltd.
Platform: Sepiidastore (www.sepiidastore.com)
MERSIS No.: 0167089381300001
Subject: Information
on Delivery and Return Procedures Effective Date: …
Article 1 – PARTIES AND DEFINITIONS
1.1 Seller Information
For the purposes of this policy, the term "Seller" refers to the legal entity named Beta Alg Biotechnology Ltd. Co., which sells cosmetic and personal care products through the Sepiidastore platform. The Seller undertakes to fulfill all obligations it is required to fulfill as a seller under distance contracts in accordance with the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 and relevant secondary legislation. The Seller’s operational headquarters is located at Technology Development Zone, Istanbul, and all logistics and return processes are managed through this center or warehouses authorized by the Seller.
The Seller is primarily responsible for ensuring that products offered through the platform are properly packaged, shipped, and delivered to the consumer within the legally prescribed timeframes. Consumers may submit any requests or complaints through the Seller’s official communication channels. The Seller aims to provide a service quality that exceeds the minimum standards prescribed by law, prioritizing consumer satisfaction, and continuously updates its technological infrastructure in this regard.
1.2 Definition of Buyer and User
"Buyer" or "Consumer" refers to any natural or legal person who acquires, uses, or benefits from a good or service through the Sepiidastore platform for non-commercial or non-professional purposes. The status of "Consumer" is subject to a special protection regime under Law No. 6502, and the rights set forth in this policy apply exclusively to persons holding this status. In purchases made for commercial or professional purposes, the provisions of the Turkish Commercial Code shall apply, and the provisions of this policy that are in favor of the consumer may not apply to such purchases.
A "User" refers to individuals who are members of the platform or who visit the platform without being members. The Buyer is deemed to have read, understood, and accepted all provisions of this Delivery and Return Policy at the moment they place an order through the platform. The delivery address and contact information provided by the Buyer in the order form will serve as the basis for fulfillment, and the Buyer will be held responsible for any delays resulting from incorrect or incomplete entry of such information.
1.3 Basic Terms and Abbreviations
The term "Regulation" used in this document refers to the Distance Contracts Regulation, while the term "Law" refers to Law No. 6502 on the Protection of Consumers. "Right of Withdrawal" refers to the legal right of the consumer to withdraw from the contract without providing any reason and without paying a penalty. "Cosmetic Product" defines any substance or preparation sold on the Sepiidastore platform and intended for application to the external parts of the body.
"Damage Report" refers to the official document prepared jointly with the delivery agent in the event that the product is found to be damaged during delivery. "Contractual Shipping Company" refers to the carrier company with which the Seller has entered into a contract for logistics services and which is designated for use in return processes. The correct understanding of these terms is of critical importance for the transparent conduct of the legal relationship between the parties and the swift resolution of any potential disputes.
Article 2 – SUBJECT MATTER AND SCOPE OF THE AGREEMENT
2.1 Purpose of the Policy
The primary purpose of this Delivery and Return Policy is to regulate delivery and return processes for transactions conducted through the Sepiidastore platform in a transparent, understandable, and fully compliant manner with applicable laws. The Seller aims to protect consumers’ rights under Law No. 6502 and the Regulation on Distance Contracts and to facilitate the exercise of these rights. The Policy serves to establish a secure e-commerce ecosystem by clearly defining the rights and obligations of the parties in advance.
The provisions contained in this text constitute part of the consumer’s right to information and form an integral annex to the distance sales contract. The Seller aims to protect both the consumer’s health and ensure commercial sustainability by clarifying the hygiene and health rules that must be observed during return processes, particularly given the sensitive nature of cosmetic products. In this context, a balance has been established between the mandatory provisions of the legal framework and the platform’s operational procedures.
2.2 Scope of Application and Binding Nature
This policy applies to all product categories sold through the Sepiidastore platform and is binding on all Buyers who use the platform and place orders. By accepting this policy prior to the payment stage, the Buyer agrees to be bound by these terms within the framework of contractual freedom. The provisions of this policy establish the fundamental rules of the commercial relationship between the parties, provided they do not conflict with the mandatory provisions of the Law and Regulations.
With regard to the scope of application, any special terms introduced by the Seller during promotional periods or for specific product categories (such as custom-made sets) remain valid provided they do not conflict with this general policy. In the event of a conflict, the provisions favorable to the consumer shall take precedence. This text begins to produce legal effects between the parties as of the moment it is approved in the digital environment and remains in effect until the performance of the contract is completed.
Article 3 – RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL
3.1 Duration and Commencement of the Right of Withdrawal
Pursuant to Article 48 of Law No. 6502 and the Regulation on Distance Contracts, the consumer has the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 (fourteen) days from the delivery of the goods, without providing any reason and without paying any penalty. This period begins on the day the goods are delivered directly to the consumer or to a third party designated by the consumer. The consumer may also exercise the right of withdrawal during the period from the conclusion of the contract until the delivery of the goods.
In calculating the period, the day the goods are delivered is not included; if the last day of the period falls on a public holiday, the period is extended until the end of business hours on the following first business day.
The burden of proof regarding whether the right of withdrawal was exercised within the prescribed period rests with the consumer in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation. The seller has provided the necessary technical infrastructure on the platform to enable the consumer to exercise this right and is obligated to process notifications made within the prescribed period immediately.
3.2 Procedure for Exercising the Right of Withdrawal and Notification Obligation
To exercise the right of withdrawal, a clear notification must be sent to the Seller within the 14-day legal period. This notification may be made digitally via the “Return Request” button on the Sepiidastore platform, or via registered mail, fax, or email ([email protected]). The notice must include the order number, the products to be returned, and, preferably, the reason for the return (though not mandatory, it is requested to improve the process).
Within 10 (ten) days of the Seller receiving the consumer’s notice of withdrawal, the product must be returned to the Seller via the Seller’s contracted shipping company. When exercising the right of withdrawal, retaining the shipping tracking number and shipping receipt for the product returned to the Seller will facilitate proof in the event of any disputes. The Seller shall refund all collected payments to the consumer within 14 days from the date the notice of withdrawal is received, using the same payment method the consumer used for the purchase.
3.3 Cases Where the Right of Withdrawal Cannot Be Exercised and Exceptions
3.3.1 Hygiene Exception for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 15/1-C OF THE REGULATION ON DISTANCE CONTRACTS; FOR GOODS WHERE PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS SUCH AS PACKAGING, TAPE, SEALS, OR PACKAGES HAVE BEEN OPENED AFTER DELIVERY; THE RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL CANNOT BE EXERCISED FOR COSMETIC AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS WHERE RETURN IS UNSUITABLE FROM A HEALTH AND HYGIENE PERSPECTIVE. IN THIS CONTEXT, IF THE PRODUCT’S PROTECTIVE SEAL IS BROKEN, THE SEAL IS DAMAGED, OR THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN TESTED, RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS THE PRODUCT CAN NO LONGER BE RESOLD. THE BUYER EXPLICITLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND DECLARES THAT COSMETIC PRODUCTS HAVE THIS CHARACTERISTIC AND THAT THE RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL CEASES UPON OPENING THE PACKAGING.
Opening the packaging of hygiene-related products causes the product to completely lose its economic value and poses a health risk. Therefore, if the outer packaging or protective seal of serums, creams, lotions, and similar cosmetic products purchased through Sepiidastore is damaged, a return cannot be processed even if the 14-day period has not yet expired. It is therefore of the utmost importance for consumers to verify the authenticity and suitability of the product before opening the packaging upon receipt.
3.3.2 Restrictions on Opening Packaging, Seals, and Labels
Any tape, seal, or vacuum-sealed packaging on the outer box of cosmetic products that guarantees the product was opened for the first time by the user is considered a protective element under Article 15 of the Regulation. Any damage to these elements constitutes sufficient legal presumption for the product to be deemed “used” or “having lost its hygienic properties.” The seller examines returned products through specialized teams and returns products with damaged protective elements to the buyer at the buyer’s expense.
This restriction applies not only to the act of testing the product but also to opening the packaging in a manner that allows access to the product’s contents. The consumer may inspect the goods only to the extent of a reasonable examination; exceeding this limit and compromising the integrity of the product’s packaging results in the loss of the right of withdrawal. The Seller is obligated to clearly display these warnings on product pages and packaging to enhance the consumer’s awareness.
3.3.3 Custom-Made Products and Other Exceptions
The right of withdrawal cannot be exercised for goods prepared according to the consumer’s requests or personal needs (custom skincare sets, products with names engraved on them, etc.). Since such products are produced or modified exclusively for the Buyer upon order, they cannot be resold to another consumer if returned. When the Buyer orders such a product, they hereby acknowledge in advance that the right of withdrawal does not apply, except in cases where the product is defective.
Additionally, goods that are perishable or at risk of expiring are also subject to the right of withdrawal exception. The fact that the shelf life after opening (PAO – Period After Opening) of some cosmetic products is limited reinforces the applicability of this exception. The consumer may verify whether the purchased product falls under one of these exceptions by checking the product description or contacting the Seller.
Article 4 – RETURN CONDITIONS AND PROCESS
4.1 Eligibility Criteria for Returns
For a product to be eligible for return, it must first not fall under the exceptions to the right of withdrawal and the packaging must remain intact. The product must be unused, undamaged, retain its resale value, and be returned with all accessories. When the seller checks whether the returned product has lost any of its sales value, they carefully examine every detail, from the outer box to the protective materials inside.
Any samples, gifts, or promotional items sent with the product must also be included in the return package. If these accompanying items are missing, the cost of the relevant items may be deducted from the refund amount, or the return request may be denied. Eligibility for a return is not limited to the physical condition of the product but also includes whether the product was sent within the legal timeframe and in accordance with the proper procedure.
4.2 Required Documents and Information for Returns
To initiate the return process, the Buyer must provide the order number, the original invoice, or a copy of the e-invoice. In accordance with tax regulations, for orders issued with a corporate invoice, a "Return Invoice" issued by the relevant company must be submitted; otherwise, the return process cannot be completed. For individual consumers, filling out and signing the return section at the bottom of the invoice will expedite the process.
In the event the invoice is lost, a printout of the order details page accessible via the platform or the order confirmation email may be used as supporting documentation. However, due to financial obligations, the submission of the invoice is mandatory. The Buyer can contribute to the smoother management of the process by including a brief note in the return package stating the reason for the return and their request (refund or exchange).
4.3 Operation of the Return Process and Control Stages
When the product shipped by the Buyer arrives at the Seller’s warehouse, the “Receipt and Inspection” stage begins. During this stage, the product is inspected by specialized staff for physical damage, signs of use, packaging integrity, and hygiene conditions. The inspection process is completed within a maximum of 3 (three) business days from the date the product enters the warehouse. The inspection results are communicated to the Buyer via email or SMS.
If the product is found to fully comply with the return conditions, a return approval is issued and a payment instruction is sent to the finance department. If any non-compliance is detected (e.g., the protective seal has been broken), the situation is documented with photographs and the Buyer is informed of the reasons for the return’s rejection. This transparent process aims to maintain trust between the parties and prevent unjustified return requests.
4.4 Rejection of Return Requests and Reasons
A return request is rejected in cases such as the product’s hygiene seal being broken, the product having been used, the outer packaging being damaged due to being shipped unprotected outside the shipping bag, or the 14-day legal period being exceeded. Additionally, situations that render the product unsellable—such as attaching a shipping label directly to the original box or sealing it with packing tape—constitute grounds for rejection. The Seller reserves the right to return the product to the Buyer on a “collect on delivery” basis in such cases.
When a return is denied, the situation is documented with evidence provided to the Buyer (such as photos, videos, or technical reports). The Buyer retains the right to appeal this decision to the Consumer Arbitration Board. However, since the Seller bears the burden of proof that it has acted in accordance with the law and this policy, it records all inspection stages through digital systems.
Article 5 – DELIVERY TERMS AND TIMES
5.1 Delivery Obligation and Legal Maximum Timeframe
The Seller is obligated to deliver the goods within the timeframe it has committed to, starting from the date the Buyer’s order is received, and in any case, without exceeding the 30 (thirty)-day legal period as stipulated by Article 48 of Law No. 6502 and Article 16 of the Regulation. For the vast majority of products on Sepiidastore, the targeted delivery period is 2–5 business days. However, this period may be extended within legal limits in remote areas or during periods of exceptional demand.
If delivery becomes impossible due to the sale of out-of-stock products, the Seller must notify the Buyer in writing or via a durable medium within 3 (three) days of becoming aware of the situation. In such cases, the Seller may terminate the contract by refunding all collected payments within 14 (fourteen) days from the date of notification. Exceeding the statutory 30-day period grants the Buyer the right to unilaterally terminate the contract.
5.2 Factors Affecting Delivery Times
Delivery times are affected by factors such as the Buyer’s geographic location, the shipping company’s distribution network, public holidays, and weekends. In particular, delivery times may be extended in areas referred to as “Mobile Zones,” where shipping companies only make deliveries on specific days of the week. Additionally, peak periods such as promotional campaigns (e.g., Black Friday) and pre-holiday rushes may cause delays in shipping operations.
The Seller provides the Buyer with a "Shipping Tracking Number" after the order is handed over to the shipping carrier. The Buyer can use this number to track the product’s current location and estimated delivery date. In cases of delays resulting from the shipping company’s operational errors, the Seller will take the necessary steps with the shipping company to resolve the issue; however, the Seller cannot be held directly liable for delays resulting from force majeure.
5.3 Delay in Delivery and the Consumer’s Right to Terminate
If the Seller fails to deliver the goods within a maximum period of 30 days, the Consumer has the right to terminate the contract. Upon receipt of the notice of termination, the Seller is obligated to refund all payments received, including any delivery costs if applicable, along with legal interest, within 14 days. This right does not preclude the Consumer from exercising other legal rights arising from the delay.
The delay may stem from the Seller’s fault or from a general issue within the logistics network. In either case, the statutory timeframe is mandatory. The Consumer may grant the Seller a reasonable extension before the 30-day period expires; however, this is not a requirement. In cases where the Seller anticipates a risk of delay, the Seller will proactively inform the Buyer and endeavor to offer alternative solutions (cancellation, shipment of a different product, etc.).
5.4 Damaged Delivery and Damage Report
The Buyer is obligated to inspect the shipping package upon receipt and must refuse to accept the product if any signs of crushing, tearing, opening, or water damage are observed on the package. In such cases, having the delivery agent prepare a "Damage Report" is critical for the process to proceed smoothly. If a damage report is not prepared, it may be difficult to determine whether the damage occurred during shipping or after delivery, and return requests may be denied.
If the product is found to be broken or missing parts despite the outer packaging being undamaged, the Buyer must photograph the situation and notify the Seller on the same day. The Seller may initiate the process of sending a replacement product or issuing a refund based on the report or visual evidence without waiting for the damaged product to be returned. The consumer’s signature stating “accepted without conditions” constitutes prima facie evidence that the product’s outer packaging was delivered in good condition.
Article 6 – PROVISIONS REGARDING RETURN SHIPPING AND COSTS
6.1 Coverage of Return Shipping Costs
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 12/5 OF THE REGULATION ON DISTANCE CONTRACTS; IF THE CONSUMER EXERCISES THE RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL, THE RETURN SHIPPING COST SHALL BE BORNE BY THE SELLER, PROVIDED THAT THE GOODS TO BE RETURNED ARE SHIPPED VIA THE CARRIER SPECIFIED BY THE SELLER IN THE PRELIMINARY INFORMATION. IF THE CONSUMER SHIPS THE RETURN USING A CARRIER OTHER THAN THE SELLER’S DESIGNATED CARRIER, THE CONSUMER WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHIPPING COSTS AND ANY DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR DURING TRANSPORTATION.
The Seller has entered into special agreements with certain shipping companies to enable the Consumer to complete the return process without incurring any financial burden. When a return request is created, shipments made using the "Return Shipping Code" provided to the Buyer do not require any payment at the shipping office. However, if the product is defective (damaged, incomplete, or incorrect), the Seller will cover the costs regardless of which shipping company is used.
6.2 Return Procedure with the Partnered Shipping Company
Products to be returned must be delivered to the nearest branch of the Seller’s designated shipping company using the campaign/return code provided to the Buyer. This code ensures the shipment is properly routed to the Seller’s relevant return center and can be tracked through the system. The “Shipping Tracking Receipt” obtained by the Buyer from the shipping branch must be retained until the product reaches the Seller.
For shipments made through carriers other than the designated partner, the shipping fee must be paid in advance by the Buyer; packages sent "cash on delivery" but via non-partner carriers may not be accepted by the Seller. This procedure is mandatory for managing logistics costs and ensuring the smooth flow of return traffic. The Seller publishes the information regarding the contracted shipping company on the platform’s “Help” or “Returns” pages.
6.3 Regulatory Compliance Transition Process Applications
In accordance with the recent amendments to the Distance Contracts Regulation and the transition provisions in effect until January 1, 2026, legal regulations regarding return shipping fees are being closely monitored. Under the current policy, the Seller does not charge fees for returns made via the contracted shipping carrier, acting in the consumer’s best interest. However, within the limits permitted by law and provided it is clearly stated in the pre-information form, this policy may be subject to change in the future.
The regulations during the transition period aim to balance logistics costs in the e-commerce sector. Sepiidastore will update its policy and notify Buyers when legal changes come into effect. The Buyer is subject to the policy provisions in effect at the time of the order, and subsequent changes will not be applied retroactively.
Article 7 – ORDER CANCELLATION AND REFUND
7.1 Order Cancellation Before Shipping
The Buyer has the right to cancel their order in full or in part before the ordered products have been shipped (while the status is "Being Prepared" or "Confirmed"). The cancellation process can be easily completed via the "My Orders" section on the platform. Since no shipping costs are incurred for orders that have not yet been shipped, the full amount charged will be refunded without any deductions.
As soon as the cancellation request is submitted to the system, the product packaging process is halted. If the product has already been loaded onto the shipping vehicle but has not yet been reflected in the system, the Seller will contact the shipping company to attempt to retrieve the shipment. In cases where this is unsuccessful, the Buyer will need to initiate the return process by refusing to accept the product at the door.
7.2 Cancellation and Return Process After Shipping
Cancellation requests made after the product has been shipped are legally considered under the "Right of Withdrawal." In this case, the Buyer may return the product to the delivery agent without accepting it or initiate the return procedure within 14 days of receiving it. For cancellations made after the shipment has been dispatched, the product is expected to be returned to the Seller, and the return approval is granted once the product reaches the warehouse.
In the post-shipment process, if the Buyer refuses to accept the product, the shipping company will hold the product at the branch for a certain period before returning it to the Seller. Delays occurring during this process directly affect the refund timeline. Therefore, Buyers seeking a quick refund are advised to accept the product and return it using the "Return Code" via the contracted shipping service.
7.3 Seller’s Right to Unilateral Cancellation
The Seller reserves the right to unilaterally cancel an order due to technical errors, sudden stock shortages, incorrect pricing, security concerns (such as the use of stolen cards), or force majeure. In such cases, the Seller will immediately notify the Buyer and refund the amount charged within the legally prescribed timeframe. The Seller exercises this right in good faith and based on valid grounds.
In particular, in cases of pricing errors (e.g., a product priced at 1,000 TL being mistakenly entered as 10 TL), the Seller’s authority to cancel the contract is supported by judicial decisions when the material error is evident. While the Seller takes necessary measures to minimize such errors, the Buyer hereby acknowledges in advance that human or technical errors may occur.
7.4 Refund Period and Method
The cost of products approved for return will be refunded to the Buyer within a maximum of 14 (fourteen) days from the date the notice of withdrawal is received by the Seller or the product is received back. The refund will be made in a single transaction using the payment method the Buyer used during the purchase (credit card, debit card, bank transfer/EFT). The Seller will notify the Buyer after issuing the refund instruction to the bank.
For refunds of purchases made in installments via credit card, the Seller pays the full amount to the bank in a single transaction; however, due to the bank’s internal procedures, this amount may be refunded to the Buyer’s statement in installments. This situation stems entirely from the contractual relationship between the bank and the Buyer, and the Seller has no authority to intervene. The Buyer must contact their own bank regarding the reflection of the refunded amount in their account.
7.5 Delays Caused by Payment Institutions
The Seller is obligated to process the refund within the legal 14-day period and cannot be held responsible for technical glitches or delays in the systems of banks or payment institutions occurring after this period. In some cases, it may take 2–10 business days for the refunded amount to appear in the account due to bank authorization processes. This period may be even longer for international cards.
If the Buyer does not see the payment in their account within a reasonable time despite receiving a refund confirmation, they should first request a “Refund Reference Number” (RRN) or “Receipt” from the Seller. By submitting this document to their bank, the Buyer can expedite the process. The Seller commits to minimizing such delays by continuously monitoring its integration with payment processors.
Article 8 – FORCE MAJEURE
8.1 Definition and Scope of Force Majeure
Force majeure refers to events beyond the parties’ control, unforeseeable in advance, and rendering the performance of the obligation impossible or excessively difficult. In this context, natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, storms), war, mobilization, fire, epidemics (pandemics), general strikes, large-scale failures in logistics infrastructure, prolonged outages caused by internet service providers, and restrictive decisions by government authorities are considered force majeure.
Additionally, the suspension of operations by shipping companies nationwide or sudden changes in customs regulations may also fall under this category. The existence of a force majeure event eliminates liability for breach of contract if the parties are unable to fulfill their obligations arising from the contract. The Seller is obligated to notify the Buyer as soon as possible upon the occurrence of a force majeure event.
8.2 Liability of the Parties in Cases of Force Majeure
During the period of force majeure, the parties’ obligation to perform their obligations is suspended. No compensation or penalty may be imposed on the Seller due to delays occurring during this period. If the force majeure event exceeds 30 (thirty) days, each party has the right to terminate the contract without compensation. In the event of termination, the Seller shall refund the amount collected within 14 days.
Upon the termination of the force majeure event, the parties shall resume performance of their obligations from where they left off. The Seller shall prioritize processing orders whose delivery was delayed due to force majeure once the obstacle has been removed. If the Buyer wishes to cancel their order during the force majeure period, the Seller agrees to fulfill this request without any deductions.
Article 9 – Communication and Notification Channels
9.1 Contact Information
For any questions, suggestions, or complaints regarding delivery, return, and cancellation processes, you may contact the Seller through the following channels:
Company Name: Beta Alg Biotechnology Ltd. Address: Kültür Neighborhood, Çakmaklar Street, Teknokent Main Building, Block No. 2, Inner Door No. 47, 14300 Center-BOLU / TURKEY Email: [email protected] Phone: 05387029852 KEP Address: [email protected]
The Seller provides support via customer service on business days between 09:00 and 18:00. The Seller aims to respond to written inquiries within 2 (two) business days at the latest.
9.2 Dispute Resolution and Competent Authorities
In the event of any dispute arising from the application of this policy, it is recommended to first seek a resolution through the Seller’s customer service. If the dispute cannot be resolved through this method, the Buyer may file a claim with the “Consumer Arbitration Board” or “Consumer Court” in their place of residence or where the consumer transaction took place, within the monetary limits announced annually by the Ministry of Trade.
The Seller has adopted as a principle the obligation to comply with the decisions of the Consumer Arbitration Board and to protect consumer rights. However, the Seller reserves its legal rights against unjustified and malicious claims. This policy is governed by Turkish law, and its interpretation shall be based on the provisions of the Law and Regulations.
Article 10 – ENFORCEMENT AND UPDATES
10.1 Entry into Force of the Policy
This Delivery and Return Policy enters into effect on the date it is published on the Sepiidastore platform. The Buyer is deemed to have accepted the provisions of the policy in effect at that time upon confirming their order through the platform. If any provision of the policy becomes invalid due to legal changes, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.
10.2 Right to Make Changes and Obligation to Notify
The Seller reserves the right to make changes to this policy at any time to comply with changes in legal regulations or to meet operational needs. Changes take effect as of the time they are published on the platform. Significant changes (such as changes to the return period or shipping fee policy) will be communicated to registered users via email or in-platform notifications. Buyers are advised to review the current policy before placing each order.