MahaChai Private Limited

Privacy & Return
Policies

Transparent practices, honest policies. Everything you need to know about how we handle your data and your orders.

Effective: 01 January 2025 · Last updated: 28 May 2026
We take your privacy seriously — as seriously as we take our chai.

MahaChai Private Limited ("MahaChai", "we", "us", or "our") operates the website mahachai.in, including its integrated e-commerce store and Chai Pass loyalty programme. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and the rights you hold over your data.

By accessing mahachai.in or placing an order with us, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

Your data belongs to you. We never sell your personal information to third parties. We collect only what is necessary to serve you better.
What we collect and why

We collect information in two ways — information you give us directly, and information automatically collected when you use our website.

Information you provide:

  • Name, email address, phone number, and delivery address when you register or place an order
  • Payment details (processed securely via our payment gateway — we do not store card numbers)
  • Chai Pass membership details including preferences and visit history
  • Franchise inquiry information submitted via our contact forms
  • Feedback, reviews, or messages you send us

Information collected automatically:

  • IP address, browser type, and device information
  • Pages visited, time spent on the site, and clickstream data via cookies
  • Location data (only if you allow it) to suggest nearby MahaChai outlets
  • Order history and product preferences
Every byte of data is used to improve your chai experience
PurposeData UsedLegal Basis
Process and deliver your ordersName, address, phone, payment infoContract performance
Manage your account & Chai PassEmail, preferences, visit historyContract performance
Send order updates & receiptsEmail, phoneContract performance
Send promotional offers (with consent)Email, phone, preferencesConsent
Improve our website & servicesAnonymous usage data, cookiesLegitimate interest
Prevent fraud & ensure securityIP address, device infoLegitimate interest
Legal complianceTransaction recordsLegal obligation
Small files, transparent purpose

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on mahachai.in. Cookies help us remember your cart, login status, and preferences, and allow us to understand how visitors use our website.

  • Essential cookies — required for the website to function (cart, login, session)
  • Analytics cookies — help us understand site traffic and behaviour (Google Analytics)
  • Marketing cookies — used to show relevant ads on other platforms (only with your consent)

You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings at any time. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect site functionality.

We share only what is necessary, with trusted partners

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

  • Delivery and logistics partners — to fulfil your orders
  • Payment gateway providers — to process payments securely
  • Cloud and hosting providers — to operate our website infrastructure
  • Marketing platforms — only where you have consented to promotional communications
  • Legal authorities — when required by Indian law or a valid court order

All third-party partners are contractually required to handle your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Your data is protected with industry-standard security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or disclosure. These include SSL/TLS encryption on all data transmissions, secure payment processing via PCI-DSS compliant gateways, restricted access to personal data within our organisation, and regular security reviews.

While we take every reasonable precaution, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. In the unlikely event of a data breach that affects your rights, we will notify you promptly in accordance with applicable law.

MahaChai never stores your full credit or debit card number on our servers. All payments are handled by our encrypted payment gateway provider.
You are always in control of your data

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India) and applicable laws, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)
  • Withdraw consent to marketing communications at any time
  • Raise a grievance with us or with the Data Protection Board of India

To exercise any of these rights, email us at privacy@mahachai.in. We will respond within 30 days.

We keep data only as long as needed

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as required to fulfil the purposes described in this policy. Order and transaction records are retained for 7 years to comply with Indian tax and accounting regulations. You may request account deletion at any time; we will remove your data within 30 days, except where legal retention obligations apply.

We'll always keep you informed

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you by email or by posting a notice on mahachai.in at least 7 days before the changes take effect. Continued use of our website after that date constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Grievance Officer

MahaChai Private Limited
Central India Operations

📧 privacy@mahachai.in

Response Time

We acknowledge all privacy requests within 48 hours and resolve them within 30 days as required by law.

Effective: 01 January 2025 · Last updated: 28 May 2026
Every order should delight you. If it doesn't, we make it right.

At MahaChai, we stand behind every product we sell. Our return and refund policy covers products purchased through our website mahachai.in. For in-store purchases at MahaChai outlets, please speak directly with the store manager.

Our guarantee: If a product arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, we will replace it or issue a full refund — no questions asked.
What can and cannot be returned
Product TypeReturnable?Timeframe
Sealed packaged tea / chai products ✓ Yes 7 days from delivery
Damaged or defective items ✓ Yes 48 hours of delivery
Wrong item delivered ✓ Yes 48 hours of delivery
Opened or used food/beverage products ✗ No
Perishable / freshly prepared items ✗ No
Chai Pass (digital loyalty membership) Conditional Within 24 hrs, if unused
Merchandise / branded items (mugs, tumblers) ✓ Yes 7 days from delivery
To qualify for a return, these conditions must be met
  • The item must be in its original, unused, and sealed condition with all original packaging intact
  • A valid order ID and proof of purchase must be provided
  • The return request must be raised within the applicable timeframe (see table above)
  • For damaged or defective goods, photographic or video evidence must be shared at the time of raising the request
  • Items must not show signs of use, tampering, or mishandling after delivery
Damaged on arrival? Please photograph the damaged product and packaging immediately and email us at returns@mahachai.in within 48 hours of delivery.
Three simple steps

Step 1 — Contact us: Email returns@mahachai.in or call our customer care. Include your Order ID, the product name, reason for return, and photos (if the item is damaged or incorrect).

Step 2 — Approval: Our team will review your request and respond within 24–48 business hours. If approved, you will receive a Return Authorisation Number (RAN) and pickup instructions.

Step 3 — Pickup or drop-off: For eligible returns, we arrange a reverse pickup from your delivery address at no additional cost. Once received and inspected, we will process your refund or replacement.

Fast, hassle-free refunds to your original payment method
Refund MethodProcessing Time
UPI / Net Banking / Wallet2–4 business days after return approval
Credit / Debit Card5–7 business days (depends on your bank)
MahaChai Store CreditWithin 24 hours of approval (instant option)
Cash on Delivery ordersBank transfer within 5–7 business days

Refunds are processed to the same payment method used during purchase. Shipping charges (if any) are non-refundable unless the return is due to our error.

Prefer store credit? Choose MahaChai Store Credit as your refund method and receive your full refund amount within 24 hours — ready to use on your next order.
Changed your mind? We understand.

Orders may be cancelled free of charge within 2 hours of placing the order, provided the item has not yet been dispatched. To cancel, log into your account and use the "Cancel Order" option, or contact us immediately at support@mahachai.in.

  • If cancelled before dispatch — full refund issued within 2–4 business days
  • If cancelled after dispatch — the order cannot be cancelled; you may initiate a return once delivered
  • Subscription-based Chai Pass plans may be cancelled before the next billing cycle for a prorated refund
Items we cannot accept back

For hygiene and food safety reasons, the following cannot be returned unless defective or incorrectly delivered:

  • Any opened food, beverage, or consumable product
  • Freshly prepared or perishable items
  • Customised or personalised products
  • Items purchased during special sale events marked "Final Sale" or "Non-Returnable"
  • Gift cards and prepaid vouchers
Want a different product instead?

We offer direct exchanges for products of equal or lesser value, subject to availability. If the replacement product is of higher value, you will be asked to pay the difference. Exchange requests follow the same process as returns — email returns@mahachai.in with your order details.

Returns & Support

📧 returns@mahachai.in
📧 support@mahachai.in

Mon – Sat · 9 AM to 7 PM IST

Response Times

Return requests: 24–48 hrs
Refunds (store credit): within 24 hrs
Refunds (bank): 2–7 business days

Address

MAHACHAI PRIVATE LIMITED
Central India
mahachai.in