Frequently Asked Questions
About Collective Autonomy
Who are you?
Collective Autonomy is owned and operated by Kim Coupe who started the business in 2021 as a Christmas pop up at Epiq Marketplace in Lennox Head. The permanent store was opened in September 2023 in downtown Lennox Head.
Is Collective Autonomy an artists collective?
We get asked this a lot! And no, we are not an artists collective or a collective store. Collective Autonomy is a gift store and gallery owned by the one person, founder Kim. We do stock a huge range of local products and art from makers and artists however so we understand the confusion! Read more about Collective Autonomy here.
What makes Collective Autonomy different to other gift stores?
At Collective Autonomy we very carefully consider the brands that we stock. We steer clear of mass produced trends destined for landfill, and instead opt for heirloom quality pieces that are made by the hands of our local neighbours. We stock timeless homewares and gifts that can be passed down through generations. We showcase unique creations made by hand not pumped out by machines. We celebrate products that leave out toxic synthetic fragrance and champion the aromatherapy benefits of pure essential oils. We support our locals first and only stock Australian brands whose values we align with. We think about the “end of life” of each product and take this into consideration when choosing brands - can it be recycled or upcycled when it no longer serves it function? There is so many more aspects to what we do and why we do it, but it is the brands that we do choose to say yes to that helps make Collective Autonomy a gift store for considered gifting. We consider what we sell so that you can give a unique gift that has more meaning than what you’d get at the big retailers.
Shipping
How is shipping calculated?
Shipping is calculated by our carrier Australia Post based on the weight and size of your parcel and the location of the delivery. We offer free shipping on purchases over $180 excluding bulky items and large artworks.
How long does shipping take?
Standard shipping takes 5–7 business days. Express shipping (2–3 business days) is available at checkout. Orders placed before 12pm AEST ship the same day.
Does Collective Autonomy deliver gifts Australia-wide with express shipping options?
Yes we do! Please select express shipping at checkout.
Do you ship internationally?
At this stage we only ship to Australia.
What does my order come shipped in?
We proudly use completely recycled and recyclable packing boxes and paper tape. At times we will also use reused boxes from our suppliers so that those boxes can have another life before being recycled. If your order arrives in a satchel, we use Australia Post satchels which are 80% post consumer recycled content.
How can I purchase original artworks from Collective Autonomy and will you ship artworks?
You can purchase any of the beautiful artworks from our gallery via our website. If you do purchase online, we will send you a separate invoice for shipping based on your address. We find that Australia Post charges high rates for large items like artworks so we choose to find you the best price via a courier instead. Once you purchase your artwork, we will be in contact with a number of options for a courier service to deliver your beautiful artworks. You are also welcome to organise your own courier for artworks.
Gifting
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes we do, you can purchase a gift voucher in store or online to be used in store or online! Our gift vouchers last for 3 years once purchased, if your voucher expires we are unable to redeem it so please use it up quickly. Gift vouchers can be used in multiple transactions. Gift vouchers are not redeemable for cash and we do not refund gift voucher purchases for change of mind.
Do you provide gift wrapping?
Absolutely, and we love to make gifts look beautiful. Please add a note into your cart (before checkout) with which items you need gift wrapped and we will happily wrap those for you free of charge. We strictly use only recyclable wrapping paper and recyclable sticky tape, so no need to peel off non-recyclable sticky tape before popping your paper in the recycling. The “ribbon” we use is either natural jute twine or natural raffia ribbon which is completely home compostable. If you do not have access to composting services, you can discard the twine in your general rubbish and it will naturally decompose in landfill over a few months. We encourage you to reuse the gift wrapping and ribbons you receive in your order! Reusing helps to preserve energy, water and raw materials by bypassing both the resource heavy recycling process as well as the production of new wrapping materials.
Do you have free gift wrapping in store?
Yes we do! We are more than happy to provide free gift wrapping in store. Please be aware however that during busy times we may ask you to return to pick up your gifts so we can serve other customers. In this instance we will ask for your number and name so we can call you when your gifts are ready.
We are happy to wrap gifts from other stores for you for a $2 charge per small gift and a $5 charge per large gift.
Can you include a personal message for a gift?
We are more than happy to handwrite a note for your gift recipient in any purchased card. Just find the card you’re after, add to cart, and then in your cart write in the "Special Instructions" box. We will ensure your special message is beautifully written inside the card. If you forget to add the message please send us a quick email at hello@collectiveautonomy.com.au
Do you offer corporate gifting?
Yes we do! We would love to organise a corporate gift based specifically on your business’s needs. Email Kim at hello@collectiveautonomy.com.au to discuss further.
Our Products
Are the products at Collective Autonomy Australian-made or ethically sourced?
All of the products stocked at Collective Autonomy are from Australian brands. Most items are made in Australia however a few brands do use ethical manufacturers from across the globe. You can find more information on each product, including where it is made under the “brand values” dropdown on each product page.
Are the products at Collective Autonomy eco-friendly?
Yes, the majority of the products stocked at Collective Autonomy are eco-friendly. We also choose to support local makers as part of our values and at times will stock a small local business making amazing products even if it doesn’t fall under the “eco-friendly” banner. Our reasoning for this is that it is sustainable in itself to be supporting local businesses. If a product is made locally the product has reduced travel miles compared to another product that could be made overseas but with greater “green” credentials. Sustainability is an ever changing ideal with a continually changing baseline on what is considered sustainable. So when we can encourage our local makers to improve an aspect of their business we do not hold back on that conversation. If you’d ever like clarification on the credentials, or why we choose to stock any of any of our suppliers, please get in contact by sending us an email at hello@collectiveautonomy.com.au
How do you choose your suppliers?
Collective Autonomy prides itself on being a gift store that offers a unique curation of gifts from Australian sustainably focussed brands. We believe in loving your neighbours, so where we can, we support local first. If the right product can’t be found in our region - the Northern Rivers - we will extend our search to the rest of Australia.
There are many considerations that go into the brands that we stock however the biggest questions we ask when assessing a potential stockist are:
Is this brand local to the Northern Rivers or Australia?
Does this product solve a problem by offering a sustainable alternative to generic gifts?
Is this brand conscious about how their product is packaged? Is the packaging made from recycled materials or is it recyclable?
Is this product free from synthetic fragrances?
Does this brand give back to society or the environment through charity partnerships?
I want to stock my products at Collective Autonomy - how can I apply?
Does your brand answer yes to most of the questions in the above drop down? If so, please apply via our makers enquiry form here. Please note we will not consider applications from businesses outside of Australia, or stock any products containing synthetic fragrance / perfume.
We kindly ask that businesses only contact us with maker enquiries by using either the maker enquiry form or emailing us. DM's on social media can be lost, and we prefer that you don't cold call us in the store as it can be disruptive to our work day. Any reps, makers or artists who visit us in store will be directed to our website and email address. We look forward to hearing about your brand or product!
I want to exhibit my art at the Collective Autonomy Gallery - How can I apply?
Collective Autonomy exhibits artwork from artists in the local Northern Rivers region. Our exhibitions run on three month rosters. If you are an artist and would love to see your art in our gallery and online please send Kim an email with images of your work and a link to your website or social media at hello@collectiveautonomy.com.au.
Contact Us
How can I contact Collective Autonomy?
The fastest way to get in contact is to email us or drop in to the store during business hours. Although we love getting DM’s via social media channels, please know that they may get lost in our inbox. Contact us via email hello@collectiveautonomy.com.au
What is Collective Autonomy’s phone number?
As we manage both a physical store and this online store during business hours, we do not have a store phone number. This is to ensure we are present while in the shop and providing the best in store experience for our customers. The fastest way to contact us is to email us directly at hello@collectiveautonomy.com.au
WHAT are COLLECTIVE AUTONOMY’s OPENing hours?
Our current store hours are:
Monday - Wednesday
9:30am - 4pm
Thursday
9:30am - 3pm
Friday
9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday
9:30am - 1pm
Sunday
Closed
How do I find the Collective Autonomy gift store and gallery?
Collective Autonomy is a destination store located at 4/64 Ballina Street, Lennox Head, NSW, 2478. Lennox Head is a stunning coastal village just 20 minutes south of Byron Bay and 10 minutes north of Ballina. You can find us on the western side of Ballina street, in the alleyway next to the Chemist. Our neighbours are Vinnies, so drop in there after Collective Autonomy to extend your sustainable shopping experience!