Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
December 2022
December 2022
To navigate our FAQs, click on the appropriate drop-down to find the answer to your question. If you still have questions after reading through, please feel free to reach out to us at care@itsaugust.co.
What is August?
August is a lifestyle period brand making sustainable period care that actually works.
We’re on a mission to reimagine period care and destigmatize periods for ALL. Our journey began in January 2020, when we started gathering our Gen Z community together to identify gaps in period care. We spent two years working towards democratizing period health education and building our Inner Cycle community before finally launching sustainable and comfortable products in June 2021.
Our pads, tampons, and liners are toxin-free, chemical-free, fragrance-free, pesticide-free, hypoallergenic, and biodegrade within 12 months. Our pads and liners are plastic-free with BPI-certified compostable wrappers and our tampons are made of 100% organic cotton and fitted with a BPA-free applicator.
We deeply value inclusivity and transparency and actively work to ensure that August is and continues to be a brand that is inclusive of anyone who menstruates – regardless of gender, race, culture, ability, and socioeconomic background.
Why are you called August?
August stands for dignity and respect, and the word August (besides being a month of the year) translates to “majestic dignity.” We believe caring for your well-being is a noble pursuit, and at August, we hope to help ALL menstruators unlock their full potential and internalize this dignity throughout the month, every month.
What’s the difference between a subscription and a one-time purchase?
A subscription purchase means you can choose to receive your custom-built box every month or every three months. This is a perfect option if you don’t want to worry about running out of period products. You can modify or cancel your box anytime through your account. Plus, all subscribers receive a 10% discount.
A one-time purchase means you will only receive your custom-built box once. This is a great option if you want to try the products before starting a subscription.
What payment methods do you accept?
We currently accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay! If paying with Apple Pay, please make sure your shipping address is correct :)
Do you accept HSA/FSA cards?
While period products are HSA/FSA eligible, our payment partner currently does not accept HSA/FSA cards. If you need any information for HSA/FSA reimbursement, please reach out to care@itsaugust.co, and we’ll send over the necessary information.
How do I change my address for an existing order?
Customers cannot change their shipping address for orders that are already confirmed. If you notice that your address is wrong on your order confirmation, please reach out to care@itsaugust.co ASAP and include your correct, full address (including your apartment or unit number if applicable). While we will try our best to correct your address before your order ships, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to change it in time.
How do I change or cancel my order?
Customers cannot change or cancel an order that has already been confirmed. If you would like to cancel a confirmed order, please reach out to care@itsaugust.co ASAP. While we will try our best to cancel your order before it ships, we cannot guarantee we will be able to. Once your order ships, we can no longer cancel it or offer a refund. Similarly, if you would like to change something about your order, please reach out to care@itsaugust.co ASAP, and we will see what the best solution will be.
Is there an order minimum?
The current order minimum is 20 units of product. For example, you could order one regular tampon box (8 units) and one 12-pack of day pads (12 units) and that would qualify as the minimum amount of units. Our tampons currently come in boxes of 8 units, our pads have boxes of 4 and 12, and our liners have boxes of 8 and 24.
How do I apply my discount code?
Here are the directions to apply your promo code, step by step.
Step 1: Click on the shopping bag in the top right-hand corner of your screen.
Step 2: ‘Your Bag’ will pop up on the right-hand side of your screen. You will see a white text box that says “Promo Code”
Step 3: In that white text box, type in your promo code. Then click the arrow to the right of the white text box to apply it.Step 4: The discount should be reflected under the subtotal. Click on the neon yellow ‘CHECKOUT’ button, and that should lead you to another page where you can enter your payment details.
Where is August available?
August is currently available online at itsaugust.co/shop as well as in a few stores/boutiques across the US.
We are also proud to announce that August period products can now be found in all 250+ WeWork locations in the US and Canada.
Is August available in stores?
You can find August products in Foxtrot locations across the DC and Chicago area, Brik+Clik in NYC, and some Treat + XWell (Xpress Spa) locations in the US. Additionally, some of our products are available on the delivery app Getir, serving the NYC area.
Is August available internationally?
August is available to some international countries through Shop Mayple.
Shop Mayple is available in the following countries: Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bouvet Island, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City, Vietnam.
Does August offer wholesale pricing?
August offers wholesale pricing to schools and businesses. Please reach out to care@itsaugust.co about any inquiries.
Are there samples available?
At this time, we don't offer sample products, but if you shop on our website itsaugust.co/shop, the pads come in boxes of four and the liners and tampons come in boxes of eight. So you'll be able to try August products out that way :)
I want to still support August, but the pricing is a bit out of my budget? What should I do?
Great question!! We always want to be here for you <3 Here are some suggestions.
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If you subscribe to August, you’ll automatically receive 10% off every month! You can choose the frequency of when the box shows up, what’s in it, and it will all be shipped right to your door. You can always switch up what’s in your box by logging into your account at itsaugust.co/account at least 24 hours before your next box renews. And if you have too much product, you can always opt to skip your subscription box for a month by changing the date your box next renews.
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How the pricing works is that the more you buy, the more you save!!
a. You can come together with your friends/family to place a bigger order and all save together <3 The more items you order, the cheaper the per unit price will be :)
b. All orders over $35 will have free shipping!! So stock up on a few months of period care products at a time!!
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Don’t forget to subscribe to our email and text lists - so you can stay up to date on all our latest promos! This can be done via the homepage of our website.
What is the tampon tax? Does August charge the tampon tax?
The ‘tampon tax’ is an extra charge placed on menstrual products, despite them being similar to products that cis-men use for hygienic purposes.
August believes that this unfair sales tax has got to go! So, if you are ordering from any of the U.S. states that still have a tampon tax in place, we will cover it.
How do I track my order?
Once your package leaves our warehouse, you should receive a shipping confirmation email with your tracking information! If it’s been five days since the order was confirmed and you haven’t received tracking, please reach out to care@itsaugust.co.
Do you offer free shipping?
We offer free shipping on orders over $35.
How much is shipping?
Shipping costs $5.99 per order. Free shipping is offered for orders over $35!
Where do you ship to?
We currently only ship to the United States directly through our website. For international shipping, please see Shop Mayple.
Do you offer expedited shipping?
For the time being, we only offer standard shipping, which takes approximately 5-7 business days.
Where do your products ship from?
Our products are shipped from our Middletown, PA warehouse and orders are typically processed within 1-3 business days.
What shipping carriers do you use?
We mostly use UPS for shipments, but we also use DHL, USPS, and FedEx.
How long will it take to receive my package?
Once the order leaves our warehouse in Pennsylvania, the delivery time is estimated to be 5-7 business days, depending on where you live in the US. Keep an eye out for an email from care@itsaugust.co with tracking information as soon as it’s shipped!
My tracking link says my order is being returned to sender. What should I do?
Your order is most likely being returned to our warehouse due to an insufficient address. Please reach out to care@itsaugust.co and include your full address (including your apartment or unit number if applicable). Please contact us within 30 days of being notified that your package is being returned to the warehouse.
It’s been over 10 days since my order was placed and it hasn’t arrived yet. What should I do?
Please reach out to care@itsaugust.co and include your full address (including your apartment or unit number if applicable). We’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
What is your return policy?
We do not accept any returns at this time and all items are final sale. Period care items are hygiene products and our factories are not equipped to determine if returns are safe for reshipment.
If you experience difficulties with receiving your order, please reach out to us at care@itsaugust.co within 30 days of the original attempted delivery and we will do our best to resolve the issues.
What happens if my products arrive damaged?
We do try our best to secure our packages, however, some factors like shipping and handling are outside of our control, and issues like this can happen. Please send an image of the damaged item(s) to care@itsaugust.co within 30 days of receiving it and we’ll go ahead and process a reshipment.
Where are your pads/liners made? What are they made of?
Our pads are manufactured in China and are made out of 100% organic cotton sourced from Turkey, biodegradable fluff pulp, FDA-approved food-grade glue, and Japanese super absorbent polymer (also biodegradable!).
Where are your tampons made? What are they made of?
Our tampons are manufactured in Germany and made from 100% organic cotton sourced from Turkey. They are fitted with a BPA-free plastic applicator. The raw materials are carefully screened and approved from a legal and product safety point of view by an Eurotox Registered Toxicologist who is approved by the German Association for Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT).
Can you explain the sizing of the August products? What’s the difference between the pad sizes?
We have one liner size and three pad sizes:
- Liners — 155mm long with no wings and 5mL absorbency
- Day pads — 245mm long with one set of wings and 60mL absorbency
- Night pads — 285mm with two sets of wings and 80mL absorbency
- Long Night pads - 360mm with two sets of wings and 100mL absorbency
And three tampon sizes:
- Light tampons — Holds up to 6 mL of liquid
- Regular tampons — Holds 6-9 mL of liquid
- Super tampons — Holds 9-12 mL of liquid
How should I dispose of my August products?
Our pads/liners and tampons should only be disposed of in regular trash/waste. The pad and liner wrappers are compostable. However, before putting them in the compost, please be sure to remove the inner paper liner and the paper tab.
What certifications does August have?
August has the following certifications with more to come in the future.
- One Percent for the Planet
- FDA
- GOTS
- BPI Certified Compostable (for the pad wrappers)
- ISO 9001
How should I store my August products?
Since August pad/liner wrappers are water soluble, it’s best to store August products in a dry, cool environment away from moisture and in the original box when possible.
Do August products expire?
You can find the expiration date of August tampons on the individual box. The shelf life of our pads is four years from purchase.
What products are on the roadmap for August?
August has many exciting things in store. We are always looking to expand our period care line and have received so much great feedback from y’all! If you have any suggestions, drop us an email at care@itsaugust.co and/or join the Inner Cycle.
I have feedback about the products. Where should I send this?
Yes! Thank you! We want to hear from you! Please send any feedback to care@itsaugust.co.
How can I stay updated about new product releases?
If you haven't already, we would love for you to join our community, the Inner Cycle, where events and unfiltered period discussions are always happening. We always post product dev updates there first! Hope to see you there :)
In addition, you can sign up for our email and text lists on our website. To subscribe to our text list, text “August” to 243-41. Message rates may apply.
We also announce new product updates on our socials!
How do you source your ingredients?
Our organic cotton used in both our pads and tampons is sourced from Mersin, Turkey!
Are August products organic?
August products are made of 100% organic cotton.
Do August products have titanium dioxide?
August products do not contain titanium dioxide. Here is a helpful article we wrote about it.
Are August products bleached?
Our products are bleached with peroxide. (No chlorine bleach!) This article explains this a bit more thoroughly and actually cites our med board member, Dr. Alyssa Dweck!
"First, organic tampons are typically made from 100 percent organic cotton unlike regular tampons, which are made of rayon and/or non-organic cotton. Organic tampons are also bleached with peroxide, while conventional tampons are bleached to be bright-white with chlorine. According to Dweck, when tampons are bleached with chlorine, it creates dioxin as a byproduct. Dioxin is a known carcinogen (a substance that is capable of causing cancer) and possible hormone disruptor, but—and this is a big but—the FDA requires all tampon manufacturers to monitor dioxin levels, Dr. Dweck says, so it's not something you need to worry about, says Dr. Dweck."
What merch options do you have?
We have staple pieces (such as our hoodies and zipper pouches) and limited edition items (such as our cramp clamps and August caps). We will have more limited edition merch in the future!
Can I exchange/return merch?
All merch is final sale. We don’t accept exchanges or returns. If your item arrives damaged, please reach out to care@itsaugust.co and include a picture.
Do you have a sizing chart for your hoodies? (In inches)
DESCRIPTION | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BODY LENGTH FROM HIPS | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 31.5 | 32.5 |
CHEST WIDTH 1” BELOW ARMHOLE | 20.5 | 21.0 | 23.0 | 24.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 |
SLEEVE LENGTH FROM CENTER BACK TO HEM | 34.5 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 |
What subscription plans do you offer?
We currently offer once a month and once every three months subscriptions. You can pause, edit or cancel your subscription from your account home.
How do I start a subscription?
You can start a subscription by heading to itsaugust.co/shop and building a box. Select either a monthly or quarterly subscription and proceed to checkout!
When am I charged for my subscription?
If you sign up for a monthly or quarterly subscription, it will renew automatically. You will be charged for your subscription on the renewal date as stated in your account home.
How do I log into my account to see my subscription?
You can log into your account via itsaugust.co/account.
Troubleshooting logging in -
- Go to itsaugust.co/account and enter your email address.
- Click on the Magic Link sent to your inbox to log in to your account.
- Go back to the original tab where you first opened your account rather than staying in the tab that was opened from your email.
- Click on the person icon in the top right corner to bring up your Account Home. If it says no subscriptions are active and you believe you have a subscription, there is a good chance you created your August account with another email or mistyped your email address when first creating your account. Please reach out to care@itsaugust.co for more assistance.
I’m having trouble logging into my account. What should I do?
Double-check if you have entered the correct email address associated with your August order.Please make sure to check your spam or junk folder for the Magic Link login. If you are still having trouble, please email us at care@itsaugust.co with your name, the email you think you used, your shipping address, and a past order number if possible.
How can I make changes to my subscription?
You can make changes to your subscription by logging into your account on our website. You must confirm any changes via your account home by 12pm PT the day before your subscription renews if you want the changes reflected in the upcoming month’s August box (this includes changes to products, frequency, date, and shipping address). If you make changes to your subscription after your next box is already processed, your subscription changes will not reflect until the following month.
How do I change the date my subscription next renews?
You can make changes to your subscription renewal date through your account home. If you have trouble logging in, see the “How do I log into my account to see my subscription?” FAQ.
Once you are logged in, click “edit” under “Your Next Box.”
- This will take you to “edit your next box” where you will see a calendar that says “renews on.”
- Click on this calendar pop up to select a new subscription renewal date. Unfortunately you cannot select the current date to be your new subscription renewal day. For example, if you are editing on Nov 10, the earliest date you can choose for your subscription to renew is Nov 11.
- Please make sure to click save when you have completed all the changes you want to make.
How do I change my delivery frequency?
You can make changes to your delivery frequency through your Account home. If you have trouble logging in, see the “How do I log into my account to see my subscription?” FAQ.
Once you are logged in, click “edit” under “Your Next Box.”
- This will take you to “edit your next box.” Scroll down to the red box at the bottom of the page.
- You can select either the “every 1 month” or the “every 3 months” option.
- Please make sure to click save when you have completed all the changes you want to make.
Changes to your account need to be made at least 48 hours before your box ships.
How do I update my shipping address?
You can make changes to your shipping address through your account home. If you have trouble logging in, see the “How do I log into my account to see my subscription?” FAQ.
- Once you have entered your account home, scroll down to the “shipping address” and select the “edit” option
- From there, you can edit all parts of your shipping details, including name, postal code, and apartment/unit number.
- Please make sure to click save when you have completed all the changes you want to make.
Changes to your account need to be made at least 48 hours before your box ships!
How do I update my billing information?
You can make changes to your billing address through your account home. If you have trouble logging in, see the “How do I log into my account to see my subscription?” FAQ.
- Once you have entered your account home, scroll down to the box that is labeled “Payment Method” and select the “edit” option.
- You can update your card information, billing address, or both.
- Please click “submit” to save the information once you are done.
What if I’m moving or traveling?
Moving?
If you know your new address, you can go ahead and update it in your account home for future orders. If not, feel free to push the date your subscription next renews as explained in the “How do I change the date my subscription next renews?” FAQ.
Traveling?
You can change the date your subscription next renews as stated above.
I have a subscription, but when I log into my account, it says I have no active subscriptions and no past orders. What should I do?
There is a chance you entered your email address incorrectly when first creating a subscription. Please reach out to care@itsaugust.co with your name, email address, shipping address, and any past order number if possible, and we will help locate your account.
Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time. We usually encourage subscribers to cancel their subscriptions at least 48 hours before their subscription renews to guarantee that the cancellation has gone through.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel your subscription plan by logging into your account on our website (itsaugust.co/account). We usually encourage you to make changes to your subscription at least 48 hours before your subscription renews to guarantee that the change will be made in time before the next renewal. Canceling your subscription has no impact on previous orders generated and processed from the subscription.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to do this:
- Go to itsaugust.co/account and enter your email address.
- Click on the Magic Link sent to your inbox to log in to your account.
- Go back to the original tab where you first opened your account rather than staying in the tab that was opened from your email.
- Click on the person icon in the top right corner to bring up your Account Home. If it says no subscriptions are active and you believe you have a subscription, there is a good chance you created your August account with another email or mistyped your email address when first creating your account. Reach out to care@itsaugust.co for more assistance.
- Click “Cancel Subscription.” Please help us understand your reasons for canceling and follow the prompts to ensure cancellation.
- To check that your subscription is canceled, your account home should read “No Active Subscriptions."
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy: You must confirm your cancellation via your account home by 12pm PT the day before your subscription renews if you don’t want the upcoming month’s August box. If you confirm your cancellation after your next box is already processed, your subscription will not end until the following month.
Can I pause my subscription instead?
Yes! When you click the cancel subscription button in your account home, it will first ask if you want to pause your subscription instead. Follow the prompts to do so.
How can I engage with the August community?
You can engage with our community by joining our Geneva group chat, the #innercycle, where we have many different chat rooms and host weekly programming about periods and beyond!
What is the Inner Cycle community?
The Inner Cycle community is a group of over 4.5k menstruators and non-menstruators from around the world having conversations every day to reimagine the period experience to be more empowering and inclusive.
How can I join the Inner Cycle?
You can join our innercycle community on the Geneva App here: https://bit.ly/3kv077o.
Does August have a referral program?
Yes, we do - give $5, get $5! You can find a referral link on your Account Home under the “Your Details” tab. For every new August customer that uses your referral link to purchase, they receive $5 off their order and you receive $5 in store credit. The referral link will only work if the person purchasing using your link has never purchased from August before.
I have questions related to periods. What are some resources I can look to?
We got you! Check out our searchable Ask August educational database and blog for medically verified information on menstrual health! Here are some our favorites:
- How To Use A Tampon
- How to Use A Pad
- Menstrual Period Disorders: An Overview
- Should I be scared of TSS? (Toxic Shock Syndrome)
What is August doing to support sustainability?
We do a lot to make the period care you know & love as sustainable as we can!
- We are carbon neutral! By investing in carbon offsets to fund renewable energy programs, we’re able to bring our emissions back down to net zero. We do this by contributing to GRID solutions and the Surfrider Foundation.
- We are committed to being fully transparent when it comes to the sustainability of our products because greenwashing is NOT it. Expect a full impact and sustainability update from us yearly.
- Our core ingredient, organic cotton, uses 91% less water, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and supports healthy soil and nearby waterways.
- We use vetted organic cotton, so you can ensure the people who made your products are paid a living wage and fairly compensated for their hard work.
- Innovative Products: Our products are sustainable without sacrificing quality. Meaning, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, chemical-free, and super absorbent products for YOU!
How does August give back?
We believe businesses have the responsibility to give back and work to reimagine capitalism. As we grow, we will actively uplift others with monetary and meaningful support.
We’re giving YOU the power to choose your impact! Before checking out, select one of our four non-profit partners to donate 1% of your purchase to (at no additional cost to you!). Because we know that 1% could never be enough, we have surprise donation days for different holidays where that 1% is multiplied 10x, 15x, or even 20x!
Here are our non-profit partners.
No More Secrets
No More Secrets, Mind Body Spirit Inc is a Philadelphia-based period non-profit on a mission to decrease stigmas, silence, and secrecy by increasing self-esteem, socialization and self-love.
Lynette and her daughter Nya created the nation’s first ever menstrual hub, The Spot. What started as a place to visit for free period care blossomed into a community institution and safe space for marginalized menstruators.
As you may have seen on socials, we recently visited Germantown in Philly to personally hand deliver period care to two of the local K-12 schools that we support.
Since our launch in 2021, we have donated over 150K period care products to menstruators in need with No More Secrets.
Point of Pride
Point of Pride helps the most vulnerable members of our community feel seen and supported through access to life-saving health and wellness services. Their programs include an annual trans surgery fund and HRT access fund, along with electrolysis support for trans femmes, free chest binders, and free femme shapewear.
The Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation's mission is to reduce plastic pollution, protect oceans, ensure fair beach access, support coastal preservation, and protect clean water. Over the past 10 years, they have removed 650,000 lbs of trash from oceans and beaches. They have more than 80 chapters across the US.
GRID
GRID delivers free, clean solar electricity to underserved communities while also cultivating a pathway to clean energy jobs. They are the nation's largest nonprofit solar installer, and they offer a variety of workforce development and service learning opportunities, from solar training to paid internships.
How can I get August products in my school?
To get the ball rolling, you can do the following:
- If you are not subscribed to our text list yet, text “August” to 243-41.
- Once you are subscribed, text “AAP” and follow the instructions :)
We want to make a couple of things clear - as an August Advocates member, you will work directly with your school (or non-profit) administration to purchase August products for the restrooms. At this time, we will only be working with schools in the US. Thank you again for taking the time to get involved with our August Advocates initiative. We can’t wait to potentially work with your school to make this happen!
Do you provide free period care in schools?
While the products would be free to you, your school would purchase the period care products, just like how they have to purchase toilet paper. Period products are essential!
How can we contact you?
You can contact us at care@itsaugust.co, via text (once subscribed to our text list), and also on Instagram DM’s @itsaugustco.
To subscribe to our text list, text “August” to 243-41. Message rates may apply.
Are you hiring?
The best place to find out is on our LinkedIn page. If there’s not a job there you want, please write us a job description for your dream job and send it to care@itsaugust.co.