Frequently Asked Questions

We want ordering from Compass & Kite to feel easy. Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about our products, shipping, returns, and made-to-order process.

About Compass & Kite

What is Compass & Kite?

Compass & Kite is a small art-and-gifts studio inspired by books, travel, good design, humor, and the little details that make places and everyday life more interesting.

We create art prints, graphic T-shirts, mugs, coloring books, and other gifts for people who like things that are curious, playful, and a little unexpected.

Are Compass & Kite designs original?

Yes. Our artwork and product concepts are created for Compass & Kite, from literary and travel-inspired pieces to our Everyday Samurai designs and slightly ridiculous graphic tees.

Are your products made to order?

Most of our physical products are made to order after you purchase them rather than sitting in a warehouse pre-printed.

This lets us offer more designs, sizes, and variations while producing only what customers actually order.

Where are your products made and printed?

Our designs are created by Compass & Kite and produced to order by trusted production partners. Depending on the product, availability, and delivery destination, an order may be produced at different fulfillment facilities, including facilities in the United States.

Shipping & Delivery

How long will my order take to arrive?

Most made-to-order products take approximately 2–6 business days to produce before shipping.

Shipping time comes after production and varies by destination and shipping method. U.S. deliveries typically take an additional several business days after an order ships, although carrier delays and busy holiday periods can occasionally add time.

You'll receive tracking information once your order is on its way.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes! We offer free standard U.S. shipping on qualifying orders of $50 or more.

If your order qualifies, the free-shipping option will be applied at checkout.

Do you ship internationally?

International availability depends on the product and destination. If delivery is available to your address, the available shipping options and rates will appear at checkout.

Free shipping on orders $50+ currently applies to U.S. orders only.

Will I receive tracking?

Yes. When a shippable order is dispatched, you'll receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information.

It can sometimes take a day or two after shipment for the carrier's tracking system to begin showing movement, so don't worry if the tracking page looks quiet at first.

Why did only part of my order arrive?

Some products may be produced at different facilities or packaged separately to protect them in transit. For example, a mug and a T-shirt in the same order may not necessarily arrive in the same package.

If your order is split into multiple shipments, each shipment may have its own tracking information.

What should I do if my package seems lost?

First, check your tracking information for the latest carrier update. If your estimated delivery date has passed by more than a few business days and your package still hasn't arrived, please contact us.

For a package that appears to be lost in transit, please let us know within 30 days of the estimated delivery date so we have time to investigate and make it right.

Returns & Order Problems

What is your return policy?

We accept returns on eligible physical products purchased directly from Compass & Kite within 14 days of delivery, even if you've simply changed your mind.

Items must be returned in their original condition. Apparel must be unworn and unwashed; mugs must be unused and returned safely in their original condition; and art prints must be unused and unframed.

Personalized products and digital downloads are not eligible for change-of-mind returns, except where required by law.

Please email us at compassandkite@gmail.com before mailing anything back so we can confirm the return and provide the correct instructions.

For standard returns such as a change of mind or choosing the wrong size or color, the buyer is responsible for return shipping.

Once your return is received and approved, we'll refund the eligible merchandise price to your original payment method. Original shipping charges are nonrefundable for change-of-mind returns, except where required by law.

How do I request a return?

Please contact us at compassandkite@gmail.com within 14 days of delivery to request a return.

Include your order number and the item you'd like to return.

We'll review your request and, if your item is eligible, provide return instructions and the appropriate shipping address.

Please don't send items back without contacting us first, as returns sent without prior authorization may not be processed.

What if I ordered the wrong T-shirt size or changed my mind?

No problem! If your T-shirt doesn't fit quite right or you've changed your mind, you can request a return within 14 days of delivery, provided the item is unworn, unwashed, and in its original condition. You'll just need to cover the return shipping.

Because our products are made to order, we strongly recommend checking the size guide and your selected color, size, and shipping address before placing your order.

If you need help with a return or a different size, contact us before sending anything back and we'll walk you through the next step.

Can I exchange my T-shirt for another size or color?

Because every T-shirt is made to order, we don't currently offer direct exchanges. However, you can return an eligible, unworn item within 14 days of delivery and place a new order for your preferred size or color. Standard return shipping costs apply.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

Once we've received and inspected your return, we'll let you know when your refund has been approved and processed.

Your bank or card provider may take additional time to post the refund to your account.

What happens if my order arrives damaged, defective, misprinted, or incorrect?

Please email us at compassandkite@gmail.com within 30 days of delivery and include your order number, a short description of the problem, and clear photos showing the issue.

If we made a mistake or your item arrived damaged or defective, we'll work with our production partner to make it right with an appropriate replacement or refund.

In most cases, you won't need to return a damaged or defective item. We'll let you know if anything else is needed to resolve the issue.

Can I cancel or change my order after I place it?

Contact us as quickly as possible.

Because products can move into production soon after an order is placed, we can't guarantee cancellations or changes once fulfillment has begun. If production has not started yet, we may still be able to help.

Please double-check your size, color, product, and shipping information before completing checkout.

Can I change my shipping address after ordering?

Email us immediately at compassandkite@gmail.com if you notice an error.

We may be able to update the address before your package ships, but we can't guarantee address changes once an order has entered fulfillment, and an address generally cannot be changed after the package has shipped.

If an order has to be reshipped because an incorrect or incomplete address was entered at checkout, additional shipping charges may apply.

Sizing & Product Care

How do your T-shirts fit?

Our unisex T-shirts have a modern, relaxed everyday fit.

Choose your usual size for a comfortable standard fit, or size up if you prefer something looser or more oversized. We strongly recommend checking the size guide on the product page before ordering.

How should I care for my T-shirt?

For the longest life, machine wash cold with similar colors and turn the shirt inside out when possible. Tumble dry on low or hang dry.

Do not iron directly over the printed design, and do not dry clean.

Are Compass & Kite mugs dishwasher and microwave safe?

Our current ceramic accent mugs are microwave and dishwasher safe. Hand washing can help keep the printed design looking its best for as long as possible.

Always check the individual product description in case care instructions differ for a particular mug.

How should I care for an art print?

Keep your print away from prolonged direct sunlight, moisture, and high humidity. If it needs dusting, use a soft, dry cloth.

Unless otherwise stated on the product page, frames are not included with our art prints.

Will the colors look exactly the same as they do on my screen?

We work hard to represent our products accurately, but screens display color differently.

Small variations in color, print placement, texture, or appearance can occur between a digital mockup and the finished physical product. These natural differences are part of the printing process and don't normally indicate a defect.

Coloring Books & Other Products

How do Compass & Kite coloring books work?

Our coloring books are currently purchased through Amazon. If you click Buy on Amazon, your purchase, shipping, and any return will be handled through Amazon rather than directly through Compass & Kite.

Still Have a Question?

We're happy to help.

Use the Contact page on our website or email us at compassandkite@gmail.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.