Frequently Asked Questions

Shopping at Mindful Mercantile is meant to feel simple and thoughtful. Whether you are brand new to refilling or have been reusing jars for years, this space exists to help you make everyday choices with more intention and less overwhelm.

Our FAQ is here to answer common questions, explain how things work, and offer guidance along the way. If you do not see what you are looking for, please ask. We are always happy to help in person.

  • No. Mindful Mercantile is an in-store retail and refill shop only. All products are purchased, refilled, and discussed in person at our physical location. This allows us to provide guidance, answer questions, and ensure proper product handling.

  • Refilling allows you to reuse containers instead of buying new ones each time. You can:

    • Bring your own clean, dry container

    • Purchase a bottle from us and refill it in the future

    Refills are priced by weight or volume and dispensed in store by our team.

  • Yes — we love when customers bring their own containers.

    However, containers must be completely clean, dry, and free of residue before refilling. This is essential for product safety and quality.

    Our staff may decline refilling any container that appears:

    • Damp or wet

    • Dirty or sticky

    • Damaged, cracked, or unsuitable for the product

  • Even small amounts of water or leftover product can:

    • Contaminate the refill

    • Affect shelf life or performance

    • Cause separation, mold, or spoilage

    Because we cannot control what previously lived in your container or how it’s been stored, container condition directly impacts product quality once refilled.

  • No worries — it happens.

    You’re welcome to:

    • Purchase a new container in store

    • Return later with a clean, dry container

    This helps us keep refilling safe and consistent for everyone.

  • No. All refill purchases are final.

    Once a product is dispensed — especially into a customer-provided container — it cannot be returned or exchanged due to safety and sanitation standards.

  • Because many of our products are personal-use or refillable:

    • Opened or used items cannot be returned

    • Unopened, unused retail items (non-refill, non-personal care) may be eligible for exchange or store credit within 7 days, with receipt

    Refunds are not offered.

  • We understand preferences vary. For that reason:

    • Scent preference, texture, or performance expectations are not grounds for returns

    • We encourage asking questions before purchasing

    • Samples may be available for select products — just ask

  • Yes — but with intention.

    We’ll help ensure:

    • Containers are appropriate for the product

    • Labels are clear so nothing gets confused at home

    • You’re set up for success between refills

  • Many of our products are family-friendly, but every household is different.

    We’re happy to:

    • Recommend gentler options

    • Discuss ingredient considerations

    • Help you choose what works best for your family

  • Yes. We regularly host:

    • Educational workshops

    • Seasonal events

    • Community gatherings

    These are designed to help people learn, connect, and build confidence in low-waste living.

  • Everyone’s body and home are different.

    • We recommend patch testing personal care products

    • Ingredient lists are available — please review them carefully

    • Mindful Mercantile cannot guarantee products will be suitable for all individuals

    We offer a wide array of unscented products that work with most individuals.

  • Not at all. If you can fill a bottle, you can shop here.

    Our team will walk you through:

    • Choosing the right product

    • Selecting or weighing a container

    • Understanding how refills work

    Most first-time visits take just a few extra minutes — and after that, it’s second nature.

  • We offer thoughtfully selected:

    • Household cleaners

    • Laundry care

    • Dish and hand soaps

    • Personal care and body products

    • Low-tox home essentials

    • Curated gifts and seasonal goods

    Everything is chosen with ingredient transparency, effectiveness, and environmental responsibility in mind.

  • You don’t have to figure it out alone.

    We’re happy to:

    • Explain differences between similar products

    • Recommend options based on your home, family, or lifestyle

    • Help you transition gradually from conventional products

    There’s no pressure to change everything at once.

  • Yes — and often more so.

    Many refill products are:

    • Concentrated

    • Free from unnecessary fillers

    • Designed to work with simple routines

    Effectiveness doesn’t have to come at the cost of health or the environment.

  • Low-tox products often:

    • Avoid synthetic fragrances

    • Use plant-based ingredients

    • Skip dyes and optical brighteners

    That can mean lighter scents, natural separation, or subtle variation; all signs of simpler formulations doing real work.

  • Like any product, refills have a recommended shelf life, which depends on:

    • The product itself

    • Storage conditions

    • Container cleanliness

    We’re happy to share best-by guidance and storage tips to help your refills last as long as possible.

  • For many customers, yes.

    Refilling often:

    • Costs less over time than buying new bottles

    • Reduces waste and repeat packaging costs

    • Encourages buying only what you need

    It’s a practical return to how household goods were once purchased, thoughtfully and without excess.

  • Not at all.

    People shop at Mindful Mercantile because they want:

    • Fewer harsh ingredients

    • Simpler routines

    • Less clutter

    • Products they can feel good about using

    Sustainability is a benefit, not a requirement.

  • We focus on:

    • Transparency over trends

    • Education over overwhelm

    • Community over convenience

    You’ll find real conversations, real guidance, and products chosen with care — not marketing buzzwords.

  • That’s the best way to do it.

    Many people start with:

    • Hand soap

    • Dish soap

    • Laundry detergent

    Small changes add up, and we’ll help you build from there.