Refund Policy
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Our Commitment: At Marine Wildlife Explorer Japan, customer satisfaction is our priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and are committed to ensuring you are completely satisfied with your purchase. This Refund Policy outlines our procedures for returns, refunds, and exchanges.
1. Return Eligibility
1.1 General Return Policy
We accept returns of most products within 30 days of delivery, provided the following conditions are met:
- Product is in its original condition, unused and unworn
- Product is in its original packaging with all tags and labels attached
- Product has not been damaged, altered, or modified
- All accessories, manuals, and components are included
- Proof of purchase (order number or receipt) is provided
1.2 Extended Return Period
Products purchased during holiday periods (November 1 - December 31) may be returned until January 31 of the following year, subject to the same conditions outlined above.
1.3 Non-Returnable Items
The following items cannot be returned for hygiene, safety, or practical reasons:
- Opened or used snorkel mouthpieces or mask skirts
- Swimwear or wetsuits that have been worn in water
- Digital products, downloads, or online courses
- Gift cards or vouchers
- Personalized or customized products
- Items marked as "final sale" or "non-returnable"
- Products purchased from third-party sellers
Important: For health and safety reasons, products that have been used in water or come into contact with bodily fluids cannot be returned unless they are defective or not as described.
2. Return Process
2.1 How to Initiate a Return
To return a product, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Contact Us
Email us at info@vintagerepairde.com or call +50095411 within 30 days of receiving your order. Provide your order number, item(s) you wish to return, and reason for return.
Step 2: Receive Return Authorization
We will review your request and, if approved, provide you with a Return Authorization Number (RAN) and return shipping instructions. Do not return items without a RAN.
Step 3: Package Your Return
Securely pack the item(s) in original packaging if possible. Include all accessories, manuals, and documentation. Write the RAN clearly on the outside of the package.
Step 4: Ship the Return
Ship the package to the address provided in your return authorization. Use a trackable shipping method and retain your shipping receipt. You are responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to our error or a defective product.
Step 5: Inspection and Processing
Once we receive your return, we will inspect it within 5-7 business days. If approved, your refund will be processed according to Section 3 below.
2.2 Return Shipping Costs
Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility, except in the following circumstances:
- Product received was defective or damaged
- Wrong product was shipped to you
- Product does not match its description on our website
- We made an error in fulfilling your order
In these cases, we will provide a prepaid return shipping label or reimburse your return shipping costs upon approval of your return.
2.3 Return Address
Returns must be sent to the address provided in your Return Authorization email. Do not send returns to the address listed on our website, as it may not be our returns processing center.
3. Refunds
3.1 Refund Processing Time
Once your return is received and inspected, we will:
- Send you an email confirmation of receipt
- Complete inspection within 5-7 business days
- Approve or deny the refund based on our return policy
- Process approved refunds within 5-10 business days
Please note that your bank or credit card company may take additional time (5-10 business days) to post the refund to your account. Total refund processing may take 2-3 weeks from the date you ship your return.
3.2 Refund Method
Refunds will be issued to your original payment method:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Refunded to the original card used for purchase
- PayPal: Refunded to your PayPal account
- Other Payment Methods: Refunded according to the payment provider's policies
We cannot issue refunds to different payment methods or accounts than were used for the original purchase.
3.3 Refund Amount
Approved refunds include:
- Full product price paid
- Original shipping costs (if the return is due to our error)
Refunds do not include:
- Return shipping costs (unless the return is due to our error)
- Original shipping costs (if returning for reasons other than our error)
- Gift wrapping or special packaging fees
- Customs duties or import taxes (these must be claimed separately from customs authorities)
3.4 Partial Refunds
In certain situations, only partial refunds may be granted:
- Products showing obvious signs of use beyond normal inspection
- Products returned more than 30 days after delivery
- Products missing original packaging, tags, or accessories
- Products damaged due to mishandling (not defects)
- Items returned without all original components
The refund amount will be reduced by a restocking fee of 15-30% depending on the condition of the returned item. We will notify you of any partial refund before processing.
3.5 Refused or Rejected Returns
We reserve the right to refuse returns that:
- Do not include a valid Return Authorization Number
- Are received more than 30 days after delivery
- Are not in returnable condition as outlined in Section 1.1
- Are non-returnable items as listed in Section 1.3
- Show evidence of misuse or abuse
Refused returns may be sent back to you at your expense, or you may authorize us to dispose of them.
4. Exchanges
4.1 Exchange Policy
We offer exchanges for defective or damaged products, or if you received the wrong item. To request an exchange:
- Contact us within 30 days of delivery
- Provide order details and description of the issue
- Follow the return process outlined in Section 2
4.2 Size or Color Exchanges
If you wish to exchange a product for a different size, color, or model:
- Return the original item following our standard return process
- Place a new order for the desired item
- Your refund will be processed once we receive and inspect the return
This ensures you receive the new product quickly without waiting for return processing. If the new product is more expensive, you will be charged the difference. If it is less expensive, the refund will reflect the lower price.
4.3 Out-of-Stock Exchanges
If the product you wish to exchange is out of stock, we will:
- Offer a full refund
- Provide store credit for the purchase amount plus 10% bonus
- Notify you when the product is back in stock
- Suggest alternative products if available
5. Defective or Damaged Products
5.1 Reporting Defects or Damage
If you receive a defective or damaged product, please contact us immediately (within 7 days of delivery) at info@vintagerepairde.com. Provide:
- Order number
- Description of the defect or damage
- Clear photos showing the issue
- Photos of the packaging (if damaged in shipping)
5.2 Resolution Options
For defective or damaged products, we will offer:
- Replacement: We will send a replacement product at no cost, including expedited shipping
- Repair: For certain products, we may offer repair services
- Full Refund: Including original shipping costs and prepaid return label
5.3 Manufacturer Warranties
Some products come with manufacturer warranties that extend beyond our 30-day return period. For warranty claims:
- Contact us with your warranty claim details
- We will facilitate the warranty process with the manufacturer
- Follow the manufacturer's warranty procedures
- Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation
Quality Guarantee: We thoroughly inspect all products before shipping. However, if you discover a defect or quality issue, we will make it right. Your satisfaction is our priority.
6. International Returns
6.1 International Return Process
International customers may return products following the same process outlined in Section 2. Additional considerations include:
- Return shipping costs are customer's responsibility unless the return is due to our error
- Customs forms must be completed accurately marking items as "returned goods"
- Customers are responsible for any customs duties or fees incurred during return shipping
- We recommend using trackable, insured shipping methods
6.2 International Refunds
International refunds:
- Are issued in USD to the original payment method
- Do not include customs duties or import taxes paid (these must be reclaimed from your local customs authority)
- Do not include original international shipping costs (unless return is due to our error)
- May be subject to currency exchange rate fluctuations
7. Cancellations
7.1 Order Cancellation Before Shipping
You may cancel your order before it ships by:
- Contacting us immediately at info@vintagerepairde.com
- Providing your order number
- Requesting cancellation
If your order has not yet been processed for shipping, we will cancel it and issue a full refund to your original payment method within 5-7 business days.
7.2 Order Cancellation After Shipping
Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled. You may:
- Refuse delivery (the package will be returned to us)
- Accept delivery and follow the standard return process
Refunds for refused deliveries will be processed once we receive the returned package, minus original shipping costs and any return shipping fees charged by the carrier.
8. Store Credit
8.1 Store Credit Option
Instead of a refund to your original payment method, you may choose to receive store credit, which offers benefits:
- 110% of your purchase amount (10% bonus)
- No expiration date
- Can be used for any products on our website
- Transferable to other customers (can be gifted)
- Applied automatically at checkout
8.2 How to Request Store Credit
When initiating your return, simply indicate that you prefer store credit instead of a refund. We will issue a unique store credit code once your return is approved.
9. Special Circumstances
9.1 Lost or Stolen Packages
If your package is marked as delivered but you did not receive it:
- Check with neighbors or building management
- Verify the delivery address on your order
- Contact the shipping carrier to file a claim
- Contact us within 7 days of the delivery date
We will investigate with the shipping carrier. If the package is confirmed lost, we will either send a replacement or issue a full refund at no cost to you.
9.2 Damaged in Transit
If your package arrives damaged:
- Take photos of the damaged packaging and product
- Contact us immediately with photos and order details
- Keep all packaging materials for carrier inspection if needed
We will file a claim with the carrier and send a replacement immediately or issue a full refund including shipping costs.
9.3 Wrong Item Received
If you receive the wrong item:
- Contact us immediately with your order number and photos of the received item
- We will send the correct item with expedited shipping at no cost
- We will provide a prepaid return label for the incorrect item
- You may keep the incorrect item until you receive the correct one
10. Gift Returns
10.1 Returning Gifts
Products received as gifts can be returned following the same process as regular returns. Gift returns will be issued as:
- Store credit to the recipient
- Refund to the original purchaser (with purchaser's authorization)
10.2 Gift Exchanges
Gift recipients may exchange items for different sizes, colors, or products by contacting us with the gift receipt or order number.
11. Contact Information
For questions about returns, refunds, or exchanges, please contact us:
Marine Wildlife Explorer Japan
Returns Department
41C Beer Artery
Dimitrichester, TAS 2638
Japan
Email: info@vintagerepairde.com
Phone: +50095411
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM JST
Registration Number: 88544690
12. Policy Updates
We reserve the right to update this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our website after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
Returns initiated before policy changes will be processed according to the policy in effect at the time of purchase.
Our Promise: We are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction with every purchase. If you have any concerns about a product or our return process, please contact us. We value your business and will work diligently to resolve any issues promptly and fairly.