Shipping, Payments & Delivery

Last updated: August 2026

Welcome to ESME. We strive to provide you with a seamless shopping experience from checkout to delivery. Below you will find detailed information regarding our shipping procedures, delivery timelines, customs regulations, and accepted payment options.

🚚 Shipping & Customs Policy

1. Processing & Delivery

Order Processing: All orders undergo a standard processing and preparation window prior to dispatch.
Multiple Shipments: Depending on item availability, items within a single order may arrive in separate packages.
Logistics Partners: ESME collaborates with trusted third-party courier services. While we aim for prompt dispatch, ESME is not liable for unforeseen delays caused by carrier operations.

Estimated Delivery Timelines (Post-Dispatch):

Pakistan (Domestic): 2–4 business days
International: 4–14 business days

Please Note: Delivery timelines are estimates, not guaranteed dates. Actual delivery times may vary based on location, peak seasons, or external factors.

2. Shipping Charges & Tracking

Fees at Checkout: Exact shipping charges are calculated and displayed at checkout. Applied discounts, coupons, or promotional offers may reduce these costs.
Order Tracking: Once your package is dispatched, tracking details and updates will be sent directly via email, SMS, or messaging services.

3. Delays & Delivery Responsibility

Delays may occasionally occur due to circumstances beyond ESME’s control, including:

Courier operational issues or high volume during sales
Severe weather conditions or natural events
Gazetted public holidays
Customs processing for international shipments
Regional disruptions (e.g., political unrest, conflict, or airspace restrictions)

Customer Responsibility:

Customers are required to provide accurate, complete shipping addresses and active contact details.
ESME is not responsible for shipment delays, misdelivery, or failed delivery attempts caused by inaccurate customer information or external disruptions.

4. International Shipping & Customs

Duties & Taxes: International customers are responsible for all applicable customs duties, import taxes, and local clearance fees unless explicitly stated otherwise at checkout.
Refused or Held Shipments: If a shipment is held, rejected, or returned by customs authorities—or refused/uncollected by the recipient—it will not be eligible for a refund.

💳 Payment Options & FAQs

What payment methods does ESME accept?

We offer multiple convenient payment options at checkout:

Debit / Credit Card
Cash on Delivery (COD) (Available for eligible domestic orders)

Which payment gateways/portals are available?

You can securely complete your purchase using any of the following payment portals:

Stripe (Debit/Credit Card)
PayFast (Debit/Credit Card)
Xpay (Debit/Credit Card)
Cash on Delivery

Is tax applicable on Stripe payments?

When making a transaction in a currency other than USD, your issuing bank may apply a Foreign Exchange Fee (FED) or international transaction tax according to local banking regulations.

Is it safe to use my card online?

Yes, absolutely. All payments are processed through encrypted, secure checkout systems. Your card details and personal information are protected using end-to-end SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption.

Updates to This Policy

ESME reserves the right to update or modify this policy at any time without prior notice. Please review this page periodically for updates.

International Customs & Import Taxes

Will I be charged customs duties or import taxes?

Yes, it is possible. International shipments may undergo customs inspection and could incur import duties, taxes, or clearance fees imposed by your destination country’s regulatory authorities upon delivery.

Will I be charged VAT on import?

Yes, Value Added Tax (VAT) or Sales Tax may apply depending on your country or regional state laws. For applicable US states, local tax may be collected directly during checkout.

Can ESME provide an estimate of customs/VAT charges?

Except for automated tax calculations at checkout for specific regions (such as select US states), ESME cannot provide advance estimates for customs or local import taxes. These rates are determined strictly by your local customs authority.

What happens if customs clearance is not completed?

If customs clearance fees are left unpaid or the shipment is rejected within the courier’s specified timeframe, the parcel may be destroyed by local authorities. ESME bears no responsibility and cannot offer refunds for parcels abandoned or destroyed in customs.

What happens if I request ESME to return a parcel held in customs?

If you request ESME to retrieve a package stuck in international customs, all return freight charges, administrative fees, and Pakistani import taxes incurred upon re-entry will be deducted from any potential refund or store credit.

Who will contact me regarding customs?

Initially, the local customs authority or courier partner (e.g., DHL, FedEx) will reach out via email or phone. If you do not respond to courier notices, ESME’s support team may contact you to assist with facilitating clearance.

What factors determine customs charges?

Customs clearance fees are calculated based on:
* Country of origin
* Declared package value (including shipping charges)
* Quantity and nature of goods

Will the courier charge me extra fees?

Standard delivery fees paid at checkout cover transit. However, if you request specialized customs clearance assistance or extended storage from the courier, they may charge you an optional administrative processing fee.

Will I receive doorstep delivery?

While we aim for direct doorstep delivery, we cannot guarantee it if a package is detained by local customs authorities. You are responsible for clearing your shipment according to your country’s regulations.