Frequently Asked Questions

🚚 Shipping & Orders

How long does shipping take?

Every item is made to order with care, so please allow 7–13 days for your order to be made before it ships. Once it’s ready, you can track its journey through the free Shop app.

How much is shipping?

Shipping is always a flat $5.99—no matter the size of your order. No hidden fees.

How can I track my order?

Every item is made to order, which means production takes about 7–13 days before your order is ready to ship. Once it's on the way, you can follow its journey through the Shop app by Shopify.

The Shop app is free, secure, and gives you real-time shipping updates. Just make sure to use the same email you used at checkout, and your order should automatically appear in the app.

There won’t be a separate tracking email, so if you'd like updates, downloading the app is currently the best way to stay informed.

Can I update my shipping address after I order?

Because every item is made to order and processing begins quickly, I’m not able to make changes to the shipping address once an order is placed.

Please double-check your address at checkout—I want your order to get to the right place!

What if my package is lost or never arrives?

I know it’s stressful when something you’re waiting for doesn’t show up. I’m here to help and will do everything I can to make it right.

Please email me at stephanie@survivorsays.com with the subject line “LOST PACKAGE” and include your order number and shipping address. I’ll check the tracking info, and if it looks like the package is lost in transit, I’ll work with my printing partner to file a claim. If the claim is approved, a replacement will be sent at no cost to you.

Be sure to reach out within 20 days of the estimated delivery date so I can take care of it in time.

You’re not just an order number—I may run this on my own, but I take every issue personally.

I promise to do everything I can to make things right.

Can I cancel my order?

Because every item is made to order and goes into production quickly, I’m not able to cancel or modify orders once they’re placed.

I completely understand how easy it is to make a mistake—I’ve been there! If you’d like, I’m happy to offer a discount on your next order as a thank-you for your understanding.

Do you ship internationally?

At this time, Survivor Says ships only within the United States. I hope to offer international shipping in the future, so stay tuned!

What are the Customer Care Hours?

Customer care is available Monday–Friday, 9:00–10:00 AM, and is reserved for order-related emails.

This dedicated time helps me respond thoughtfully while also focusing on designing, running the shop, and keeping Survivor Says moving forward. If you email outside these hours, I’ll reply during my next available Customer Care time.

For feedback (and I always appreciate positive messages), the best place to reach me is Instagram: @survivor_says. I can’t always guarantee a reply right away, but I truly appreciate every message and do my best to read them all.

🔁 Returns, Exchanges & Order Issues

Can I return or exchange my order?

Because every item is made to order, my printing partner does not accept returns or exchanges unless the item is defective.

That said, if your order wasn’t quite what you hoped for, I’d be happy to give you a discount on your next order as a small way of showing my appreciation.

Your support means so much to this small, one-woman-run brand.

What if my item arrives damaged or defective?

Survivor Says works with a professional print partner to fulfill orders. While issues are rare, if your item arrives damaged or misprinted, I’ll do everything I can to help.

To be eligible for a replacement, my printing partner has a quick process in place, with specific steps: please email me at stephanie@survivorsays.com within 10 days of receiving your order with the subject line “RETURN INQUIRY.” Include:

Your order ID number
Clear photos of the issue (item laid flat, in natural light)

Replacements can only be approved if:

The item was misprinted
The item was damaged (not due to shipping)
The wrong size, color, or product was sent
The print does not match what you ordered

Because my printing partner works within tight time frames to address issues, please be sure to reach out within 10 days so we can give you the best chance at getting a replacement approved.

Thanks for following these steps—it really helps me help you, and I’ll always do my best to make things right.

What if I change my mind after ordering?

Because every item is made to order, my printing partner begins production almost immediately after your order is placed. This means I’m not able to change or cancel orders once they’re submitted. Please double-check details like size, color, and design before checking out to make sure your order is exactly how you want it.

🛍️ Product Info

Fit and Sizing Help

Most items are true to size, but fit can vary slightly depending on the style or product. I always recommend checking the size chart listed on each product page before placing your order.

Since all items are made to order, I’m not able to offer returns or exchanges for sizing issues—so thank you for taking a moment to double-check before purchasing!

How do I care for my Survivor Says apparel and gear?

Please do not follow the care instructions on the tag. Those were applied before printing and may damage the item. Use the instructions below for best results:

Printed Apparel

Wash inside out at 86°F (30°C) with like colors on a gentle cycle
Tumble dry low, inside out — or best of all, lay flat to dry
No bleach, no fabric softener
Do not wring or spin aggressively
Do not dry clean

Embroidered Apparel

Machine wash cold, inside out, gentle cycle with mild detergent
Don’t soak or let sit in a wet pile
Avoid rubbing embroidered areas if stained
Can be tumble dried on cool or dry cleaned

Hats

Spot clean with a damp cloth
Hand wash cold if needed
Do not use brushes

Bags

Backpacks, fanny packs, and duffle bags:

Hand wash cold only
No bleach, tumble drying, or dry cleaning
Low heat ironing is okay (if needed)

Totes and drawstring bags:

Hand wash cold is strongly recommended
If lightly soiled, machine washing cold may be okay, but it’s not guaranteed
No bleach, tumble drying, or dry cleaning
Low heat ironing is okay

Blankets

Machine wash cold on gentle cycle with like colors
No bleach or dry cleaning
Best to hang dry; low tumble dry if necessary

Yoga Mats

Wipe clean with a soft cloth using mild soap and water
Do not soak or machine wash
Air dry completely before rolling or storing
Avoid harsh cleaners or scrubbing tools

Water Bottles

Hand wash only

Can I customize or personalize an item?

At this time, Survivor Says designs can’t be customized or personalized. Each piece is created with a lot of thought and heart to represent strength, visibility, and the experiences of those facing medical challenges.

That said, I’m working on offering limited personalization options in the future—so stay tuned!

I’m grateful that you see something special in the designs—thank you for that. - Stephanie

Are your products eco-friendly?

Survivor Says partners with a professional print-on-demand company that uses water-based, non-toxic inks and produces every item only when it’s ordered. That means there’s no warehouse full of unused inventory—nothing gets made unless it’s truly wanted, which helps reduce waste and overproduction.

Some materials are also made using ethically sourced or recycled fabrics, and packaging may include recycled components depending on the facility.

While not every part of the process is perfect, I choose to work with partners who care about sustainability and are actively working to improve their impact.

💳 Payments & Privacy

What payment methods are accepted?

Survivor Says accepts a variety of secure payment options, including major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and other trusted digital payment methods. All payments are processed through Shopify’s secure checkout or trusted third-party providers to keep your information safe.

Is my personal and financial info safe?

Yes. Survivor Says uses Shopify’s secure checkout system, which protects your information using industry-standard encryption and fraud prevention tools. Your credit card number is never visible to me or stored on my site.

Payments are processed through trusted third-party providers like Shopify Payments and PayPal, so your sensitive information stays protected.

I take your privacy seriously and appreciate your trust.

The Story Behind the Brand

Who is the designer behind Survivor Says?

Hi, I’m Stephanie — a survivor, fighter, and the creator of Survivor Says. I was diagnosed with leukemia in high school and had to have a bone marrow transplant. I now live with an invisible disability, which continues to shape how I see the world and the importance of feeling seen. I never knew I could draw until I had cancer, and I began sketching as a way to bring a little joy into tough moments. Survivor Says is my way of turning those experiences into designs that inspire, uplift, and connect people—whether they’re going through their own battles, supporting someone they love, or simply want a reminder of their own strength.

What is the brand Survivor Says all about?

Survivor Says is my heart on a shirt. It’s about representation, inspiration, and sparking connection. As a survivor myself, I know what it’s like to face medical hardships and still want to feel proud, strong, and seen. I create designs for people going through their own battles, their supporters, and anyone who loves an uplifting message. Whether it’s something playful or powerful, each design carries meaning—most often, it’s to make someone smile, feel strong, and know they matter. Survivor Says is my way of turning my own experiences into something others can wear with pride and joy.

What’s the meaning behind the name Survivor Says?

To me, Survivor Says is like wearing your strength on your sleeve—literally. It’s a way to speak without saying a word.

The Word “Survivor”
It’s for anyone facing a medical hardship—whether you’re navigating it right now, living with it long-term, or have overcome it completely. “Survivor” is a word packed with strength, and I believe it belongs to anyone who’s had to dig deep and keep going.

The Word “Says”
Says is in the present tense because no matter where you are in your journey—even at the very beginning—you still have so much ahead of you, and so much to say. Your voice matters now, not just when you’ve “made it through.” It’s about speaking your truth in this moment, whether that truth is rooted in perseverance, carried by strength, and brightened by joy — Survivor Says has something for all of those feelings.

What inspires your designs?

Sadness is my greatest inspiration. I’ve faced moments where I felt unseen, misunderstood, or disconnected, and I know how deeply that can hurt. Every design comes from my own experience with medical hardships. I think about what would have made me feel seen during my hardest days and try to capture that in a way someone can wear—whether it’s to spark a smile or speak the words that feel too hard to say. My goal is simple: to turn pain into something powerful, and to remind anyone who wears my designs that they matter.

Why Eggs?!

When people see an egg, they often think of fragility—something that can be easily broken.

But like someone facing a medical hardship, an egg can endure heat, pressure, and change, emerging stronger than before.

Patients go through that same transformation, facing their own intense challenges and changes, proving their strength in ways that aren’t always visible on the outside. That unseen strength is what makes them unbreakable, even when life tries to prove otherwise.

And whether it’s sunny-side up, scrambled, or my personal favorite—smiling with a ribbon in hand—an egg is a reminder that even strength can come with a side of joy.

Do your designs support specific causes?

Although Survivor Says isn’t a foundation, I have made donations in the past and hope to make more in the future—especially for kids in the hospital. My focus is on creating designs that can inspire and uplift, while working toward the goal of giving back whenever possible.

Are your designs only for those going through a medical hardship?

Not at all. While Survivor Says is deeply inspired by those who’ve faced medical hardships, these designs are also for the loved ones who stand beside them, and for anyone who simply connects with the message. You don’t have to go through something hard to wear them—if a design makes you happy, you should wear it proudly. The word ‘survivor’ stands for strength, and supporting that strength is something anyone can be part of.

What makes Survivor Says different from other apparel brands?

Survivor Says was founded by someone who has faced cancer, multiple diseases, and lives with an invisible disability—bringing authenticity and lived experience to every design. These aren’t generic graphics; each piece is created with intention, designed to be worn as a voice, a statement, and a source of strength.

The brand redefines what it means to be a “survivor.” Here, survival starts the moment of diagnosis—because enduring that reality already demands courage. Designs capture that truth in ways that are bold, empowering, and sometimes playfully unexpected.

The signature egg mascot challenges the idea of fragility, showing how both eggs and patients can endure heat, pressure, and change—emerging stronger than before. It’s a powerful symbol of resilience that’s instantly recognizable and unique to Survivor Says.

Every design is more than clothing—it’s representation, connection, and a reminder that strength comes in many forms.

How can I follow Survivor Says?

Follow the brand: @survivor_says – for bright colors, inspirational quotes, and designs that bring encouragement and joy

Follow Stephanie personally: @survivorsays_steph – for a deeper look at life, healing, humor, and everything in between.

Want to be featured?

Got a moment of joy, courage, or inspiration you’d love to share? I’d be thrilled to hear it! Survivor Says was created to lift people up, make connections, and celebrate strength in all its forms.

When you email me, put "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line so I can spot it right away.

You can send it to stephanie@survivorsays.com or drop me a DM on Instagram @survivor_says.

(While I can’t guarantee every submission will be featured, I truly value and appreciate every story shared.)

How else can I support Survivor Says?

Aside from purchasing, you can support Survivor Says by:

Wearing your pieces proudly, posting about them, and telling people about Survivor Says
Following along and engage on social media
Sharing posts with friends and family
Subscribing to Survivor Says emails to stay connected and help the positivity grow