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Had an issue with SurfStitch?
Find the best path to resolve it quickly.
Find the best path to resolve it quickly.
SurfStitch is an Australian apparel and accessory store, selling mainly surf inspired items. SurfStitch offers two main methods to lodge a complaint including via email or by sending a message on their website. For returns, customers should be able to easily access their orders through the website and request a return themselves, but if you aren’t able to do this, you can submit a complaint using the methods stated.
The most common complaints from SurfStitch customers mention slow replies or difficulties getting a response, particularly when something goes wrong regarding deliveries and refunds. Other customers report refund delays, too many marketing texts, unrealistic delivery expectations and delays, and disputes with gift cards.
After you’ve submitted your complaint, you should receive confirmation from their team within their service hours. The customer service team at SurfStitch will assess and approve or reject your claim, which should typically occur within 10 business days - longer for more complex issues.
Outcomes typically look like reunds, store credit, or repairs, but if you aren’t satisfied with the final outcome, you can escalate the issue internally or eternally. Which is why when lodging a complaint with SurfStitch, it’s important that you document all communication and evidence throughout, as it will help with the process of initially submitting the complaint, as well as provide you with a paper trail if you want to bring your case to a third party.
How to submit a complaint with SurfStitch
Want to submit a complaint to SurfStitch? Here are the steps you need to take to get the outcome you want:
- Documentation: Keep note of your order number, item name/SKU, photos (faults/damage), tracking link (if relevant), and the outcome you want (refund, replacement, store credit, or a correction).
- Email: Send your complaint to the SurfStitch contact email: customerservice@surfstitch.com. SurfStitch states support operates online 9am–5pm AEST, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
- Website: Use “Send us a message” on the official contact page (name, email, phone, comment): SurfStitch contact page.
- For Returns Issues, Start with Your Order: Go to your account → Open the order → Select items → Click “Request Return”: SurfStitch account (orders & returns). This creates the cleanest case trail for anything tied to the SurfStitch returns policy.
- If “Request Return” Isn’t Visible Yet: SurfStitch notes it may not appear until the item is delivered. If you can’t access it, email support and ask them to create the return request for you.
- Set a clear deadline: Ask for a reply within (for example) 2 business days, and include your availability (AEST) to reduce back-and-forth.
Tip: Use a subject line like “Complaint – Order #[number]” and include your preferred resolution upfront.
SurfStitch positions itself as the first point of contact for purchases, customer queries, and returns, while also stating its website operates as a marketplace where some products are sold and/or fulfilled by independent Sellers.
Meaning that you complain to SurfStitch first, and SurfStitch coordinates with the relevant Seller where needed.
Next Steps:
- Confirmation and Responses: Handled online during SurfStitch’s stated service hours (9am–5pm AEST on weekdays).
- Faulty/Damaged/Not as described items: SurfStitch says you may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund under consumer guarantees. They may request photos or extra details to assess the issue faster.
- Change-of-Mind Returns: SurfStitch states returns are accepted on most items within 30 days of delivery if the item is unworn/unused/unwashed and packaging/tags/seals are intact where applicable.
- Return Approvals and Labels: Once assessed/approved, SurfStitch says it provides return instructions and, in most cases, a pre-paid return label (with exceptions for some bulky goods disclosed before purchase).
- Refund Preferences: SurfStitch notes change-of-mind returns may be issued as store credit, and if you want a refund back to the original payment method you should clearly request that in the return request. For faulty items (or where required by law), refunds are to the original payment method.
- Timing: SurfStitch indicates its refund process timing varies by payment provider, but is typically within 10 business days of approval.
- Dispute Clause: SurfStitch’s terms state you should contact customer service first, and that either party may take a matter to a tribunal or court at any time.
Common complaints against SurfStitch
Across major review platforms and forums, SurfStitch complaints typically look like:
- Slow Replies or Difficulty Getting Responses when something goes wrong (especially delivery and refunds).
- Refund delays after a return is sent (“return delivered but no refund yet”).
- Marketing Messages (SMS spam) and difficulty unsubscribing.
- Delivery Expectations and Delays, particularly around time-sensitive periods (for example, pre-holiday cut-offs).
- Gift Cards / Store Credit Disputes after SurfStitch’s administration and restart. This includes complaints about older credits not being honoured, based on SurfStitch’s published policy around pre-May 2025 gift cards/credits.
SurfStitch complaints submitted through Ajust
How other consumers SurfStitch complaints got resolved
A customer reported an older gift card wasn’t honoured after SurfStitch resumed trading, and SurfStitch’s terms state gift cards/store credits issued prior to May 2025 can’t be verified or honoured due to the administration and transition.
A customer said an incorrect size was resolved quickly by initiating a return from their account and following the structured exchange flow.
A customer reported no reply via the website portal, and the practical workaround was to email SurfStitch directly with “Complaint – Order #[number]”, evidence attached, and a clear response deadline.
If your initial request stalls, escalate your SurfStitch complaint:
1) Escalate Internally
- Reply to the original email thread and ask for a written final position on what they will/won’t do and why).
- If the issue relates to marketplace fulfilment, ask SurfStitch to confirm whether the Seller has assessed your return/refund and what evidence is still required to finalise it.
- For delivery delays or missing parcels, reference SurfStitch’s disclosure that delivery timeframes are estimates and orders can ship from partners, and ask them to initiate a carrier/partner enquiry and provide written updates.
2) Disputing Gift Cards/Credits
- State the exact issue date and attach proof of purchase. If it was issued after May 2025, ask for revalidation. If before May 2025, request confirmation of their final position in writing so you can take next steps.
SurfStitch sells to Australia and New Zealand customers and references consumer-law protections under both regimes.
- Australia: Consumer guarantee principles generally apply (repair/replace/refund depending on the failure). Regulators also note businesses can’t rely on “no refunds” wording to remove rights for faulty goods. If the retailer isn’t engaging or the outcome seems unfair, a common next step is escalating to your state/territory consumer agency, and then a small claims tribunal if needed.
- Spam Marketing (SMS/email): If your complaint relates to unwanted marketing messages, Australia’s spam regulator provides formal complaint pathways, including options specific to spam SMS.
- Contact SurfStitch (email + web form): SurfStitch contact page
- Returns policy (timeframes, refunds, and return instructions): SurfStitch returns policy
- Start a return from your account/orders: SurfStitch account
- Shipping & delivery information: SurfStitch shipping
- Terms & conditions (dispute resolution + gift card/credit rule): SurfStitch terms & conditions
- Customer service email (official): customerservice@surfstitch.com