Payment method
All credit/debit card purchase are handled by PayPal Checkout.
Do I need to create a PayPal account to make a purchase?
Yes and no. If you’re making a purchase using a desktop computer / laptop, you will have the option to check out as a guest i.e. no PayPal account required.
However, for orders placed using a mobile phone browser, PayPal may ask you to create a PayPal account at checkout. This requires creating a username and password at checkout. We know it’s a bit of a hassle and wish we could override this default setting by PayPal. Our apologies for any inconvenience. (We promise our stories are worth this mini tech roadblock!)
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Deliveries to EU Member States* [Last updated 12 June 2021]
From 14 June 2021, we will no longer be able to process orders for deliveries to EU Member States.
Our initial joy of overcoming the international shipping hurdle from mid-2020 to early-2021 is met with a new roadblock. New VAT rules by the European Union requires sellers to register for Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS). This comes at an additional cost to not only the buyer, but is a true financial burden for small independent businesses like this one. IOSS Compliance fees can cost upwards of 800 Euros per year.
More information:
“According to the VAT rules applicable up until 1 July 2021, no import VAT has to be paid for commercial goods of a value up to EUR 22. The new VAT e-commerce rules will abolish this provision as of 1 July 2021. Thus, from 1 July 2021, all commercial goods imported into the EU from a third country or third territory will be subject to VAT irrespective of their value.” (Source: European Commission Taxation and Customs Union)
Can I pay for VAT when making a purchase?
Thank you for your consideration, but that is not possible unless we register with the IOSS.
Can’t you register with the IOSS?
At this time, no. The cost of registration and maintenance fees is simply not feasible for a small business such as this one. IOSS Compliance fees can cost anywhere from 800 Euros to 4,800 Euros per year.
In the meantime, are currently exploring solutions for this issue. If you wish to receive future updates about accessing the alternative narratives in Plates from within an EU State, please add your email address here.
*The EU Member States are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Shipping – general information – applicable to ALL countries
*COVID-19 update: unexpected delays may occur based on changing border laws
All orders will be processed between Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm (GMT+8).
All items ordered via the Plates web store will be shipped using regular post unless selected otherwise by the customer at checkout. Plates will not be held liable for any items lost/damaged in transit. Plates will not bear the postage cost of any uncollected/unclaimed parcels ‘returned to sender’.
In the event of a returned/unclaimed parcel, the buyer must contact us via email (hello@platesmagazine.com) to arrange for a separate shipping payment via PayPal in order for the parcel to be repacked and sent out again.
Shipping – Malaysia
Deliveries within Malaysia: 7–10 working days; no tracking number provided unless selected at checkout.
For tracked deliveries, a tracking number will be sent via email once the item has been dispatched.
International shipping – Singapore
Regular postal service (via Pos Malaysia): Approximately 3 weeks.
Private courier shipping (with tracking number): Est. 5 working days
International shipping – rest of the world
Regular shipping (no tracking number):
UK | 7 working days
US | Est. 2–3 weeks
All other countries | Est. 2–3 weeks
Private courier shipping (with tracking number):
Est. 4–8 working days (US/UK) and 8–12 working days (all other countries).
Will I be charged a customs fee?
Customs is a government agency responsible for regulating shipments entering a country. All shipments being sent to and from a country must clear customs first. Unfortunately we have no control over customs and import taxes. We do not collect this beforehand, and cannot give you an estimate of the cost as charges vary around the world. International customers are liable for all VAT, GST, import duties, customs, local sales taxes etc. should their respective countries, in which the order is being shipped to, require any additional payments in order to release your order from customs upon arrival.
Refund / return policy
All products are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. If you are unhappy with a recent purchase, please contact us hello@platesmagazine and we will try our best to resolve any queries. Thank you for your patience.
Can I cancel or amend my order?
Regretfully we cannot revoke or issue refunds for any online orders. If there is a change in shipping address, please write to us within 12 hours of placing the order and we will try our best to assist you (unless the parcel has already been dispatched). Please check the estimated shipping time and allow an additional 7 working days should your order be on hold at the customs department in your respective country.
I’ve received my order but it looks different
Please note colours in photographs on the website may appear may slightly different on your screen.
I’d like to sell Plates magazine in my store
That’s great news! Contact us at stockist@platesmagazine.com for wholesale purchase enquiries only. Please note we do not sell on consignment.
I’d like to distribute Plates magazine at my establishment / hotel / work place
Super! For bulk purchases, please email us at partnerships@platesmagazine.com.