DROPPIN’ HZ CAR AUDIO – RETURN, REFUND, EXCHANGE & CANCELLATION POLICY

Effective Date: Immediately
Last Updated: 11/20/2025

1. DEFINITIONS

1. “Company,” “We,” “Us,” “Our” refers to Droppin’ HZ Car Audio.
2. “Customer,” “You,” “Your” refers to any individual or entity purchasing products from Droppin’ HZ Car Audio.
3. “Return Authorization,” “RMA,” “Return Authorization Form” refers to the written approval issued by the Company authorizing a return or exchange.
4. “Exchange Authorization,” “EA” refers to the written approval issued by the Company authorizing an exchange.
5. “Original Packaging” refers to all manufacturer-supplied materials, including boxes, foam inserts, manuals, stickers, accessories, and protective coverings.
6. “New Condition” means unopened, unused, never powered, never mounted, and resellable as factory-new.
7. “Used Condition” means any item opened, powered, mounted, installed, modified, altered, or otherwise incapable of being sold as new, as determined solely by the Company.
8. “Custom-Built Items” refers to items built-to-order or produced specifically for a customer, including but not limited to custom alternators, DC Audio subwoofers, recone kits, YINLONG cases, custom enclosures, and wire cut to custom lengths.
9. “Business Days” means Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST, excluding federal holidays.

2. GENERAL RETURN POLICY

1. Return Window
   Customers may request a return for eligible items within 30 calendar days of the carrier-confirmed delivery date. This timeframe is strict and non-negotiable unless otherwise stated by the Company in writing.
2. Eligibility Requirements
   To qualify for return consideration, all of the following conditions must be met:
   • Item must be in New Condition.
   • Item must be unopened, never powered, never mounted, and never installed.
   • Item must include all Original Packaging and materials.
   • Customer must obtain a valid RMA Form prior to shipping the item back.
   • Customer must provide photo documentation of the item and packaging before approval.
   • Item must be shipped within 7 days of RMA approval.
   • Customer is fully responsible for the item until it is delivered back to the Company.
3. Restocking Fee
   All approved returns are subject to up to a 20% restocking fee, at the Company’s sole discretion.
4. Non-Refundable Charges
   The following are never refundable, under any circumstances:
   • Original shipping charges
   • Insurance fees
   • Package protection fees
   • Any third-party fees paid to carriers or processors
5. Return Shipping Responsibility
   Customer is solely responsible for all return shipping costs. If the item is lost, damaged, stolen, mishandled, or improperly packaged during return transit, the customer remains 100% financially liable.

3. USED ITEM EVALUATION POLICY

1. Any returned item that is opened, used, mounted, installed, or otherwise not resellable as new will be classified as Used Condition, solely at the Company’s discretion.
2. Used items do not qualify for standard returns or exchanges.
3. For used items the Company may, at its discretion:
   • Issue up to 50% store credit, based on condition, or
   • Decline the return entirely and require the customer to pay return shipping back to them.
4. Misrepresentation of product condition may result in refusal, forfeiture, or additional fees.

4. EXCHANGE POLICY

1. Exchanges are permitted only under the same 30-day window as returns.
2. Items eligible for exchange must meet all requirements listed in Section 2.2.
3. Opened or used items are not eligible for exchange.
4. All approved exchanges are subject to an Exchange Restocking Fee equal to the original outbound shipping cost paid by the Company to ship the initial item.
5. Customer is responsible for all return shipping costs associated with an exchange.
6. All exchange credits are issued as store credit only, never to the original payment method.
7. Exchange credit is applied only after:
   • Item is returned;
   • Item passes inspection; and
   • All applicable fees have been applied.
8. The Company will not cross-ship exchange items under any circumstances.
9. Non-exchangeable items include, but are not limited to:
   • Custom-built items
   • Recone kits
   • Wire sold by the foot
   • Batteries (lithium, LiFePO4, sodium)
   • B-stock
   • Open-box
   • Clearance
   • Final sale items

5. NON-RETURNABLE / FINAL SALE ITEMS

The following items are final sale and cannot be returned, exchanged, or canceled under any circumstances:

• Lithium, sodium, and lithium-ion based batteries
• Custom-built items
• Recone kits once installed
• Wire sold by the foot or custom lengths
• Subwoofer enclosures (loaded or unloaded)
• B-stock / open box
• Clearance / closeout / hot deals
• Any item marked “Final Sale”

6. LITHIUM & SODIUM BATTERY POLICY

1. Due to federal shipping and hazmat regulations, all lithium and sodium-based batteries are final sale.
2. No returns, exchanges, or cancellations are permitted.
3. Shipping damage claims must be reported immediately. The Company will instruct the customer on the proper filing procedure, which may involve the carrier or manufacturer.

7. RETURN AUTHORIZATION (RMA) REQUIREMENTS

1. No return will be accepted without a valid Return Authorization Form.
2. Customers must request an RMA via:
   • Website return form (required),
   • Email to info@droppinhzcaraudio.com, or
   • Phone at 540-682-4522.
3. Social media messages are not valid methods of communication.
4. RMA approval is not a guarantee of refund. All returns are subject to inspection.
5. Unauthorized returns may be refused or subject to additional fees.

8. SHIPPING & CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY

1. Customer is solely responsible for the item until it is delivered to the Company.
2. The Company strongly recommends purchasing shipping insurance. If the customer declines insurance, they assume all risk.
3. The Company does not require signature service; the customer may elect to use it.
4. The Company may offer purchase of a return label, but the customer remains fully liable for item condition and loss/damage.

9. INCORRECT ADDRESS / DELIVERY ISSUES

1. Customer is responsible for providing accurate and complete shipping information.
2. Any delivery issue caused by customer error (including incorrect address, incomplete address, failed signature delivery, or failure to retrieve package) is 100% the customer’s responsibility.
3. Customer is liable for:
   • Redirect fees
   • Re-delivery fees
   • Return-to-sender charges
   • Reshipping costs
   • Any carrier-imposed fees
4. No refunds will be issued for orders returned due to customer error unless processed under the standard return policy and subject to all applicable fees.

10. REFUSED OR RETURNED-TO-SENDER PACKAGES

1. If a customer refuses delivery or the package is returned to the Company:
   • Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
   • Customer is responsible for all return shipping and carrier fees.
   • A Refused Package Fee of up to 50% may apply.
   • Refunds are not guaranteed and will follow the Used Item Evaluation Policy if packaging is compromised.

11. ABANDONED RETURNS

1. If an item is deemed ineligible for return and the customer refuses to pay reshipping:
   • Customer has 14 days to pay for the return shipment.
   • After 14 days, the item is deemed abandoned.
   • The customer forfeits all ownership rights.
   • The Company assumes full ownership of the abandoned item.
   • No refund, credit, or compensation will be issued.

12. REFUND PROCESSING TIMELINES

1. Inspection may take up to 14 business days from the date the return is delivered to the Company.
2. Refunds issued to the original payment method typically appear within 3–5 business days, subject to the customer’s bank or payment processor.
3. Store credit from exchanges or used item evaluations is issued within 2–3 business days after inspection is completed.

13. STORE CREDIT POLICY

1. Store credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may only be used toward future purchases at Droppin’ HZ Car Audio.
2. Store credit will not be converted into cash, chargebacks, or external refunds.

14. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

1. The Company may require the customer to submit:
   • Photos
   • Videos
   • Serial number verification
   • Packaging images
   • Testing evidence
   • Carrier documentation
2. Missing documentation may delay or void approval.
3. The Company may record or photograph the unboxing and inspection of all returned items.

15. CHARGEBACK & DISPUTE POLICY

1. Filing a chargeback while a return, exchange, or inspection is pending will result in the immediate voiding of the return.
2. All customer service assistance is suspended until the chargeback is fully resolved.
3. Filing a chargeback in place of following this policy constitutes misuse of the chargeback process.
4. By submitting any return or exchange, the customer acknowledges, accepts, and agrees to all terms in this policy.
5. The Company reserves the right to provide card processors with:
   • RMA documentation
   • Customer acknowledgment forms
   • Photographic evidence
   • Order logs
   • Communication logs
   • Delivery scans
   • Policy acceptance confirmations
   To dispute fraudulent or invalid chargebacks.

16. ORDER CANCELLATION POLICY

1. Cancellations are never guaranteed, regardless of order status.
2. Cancellations may only be requested via:
   • Email: info@droppinhzcaraudio.com
   • Phone: 540-682-4522
3. Messages sent through social media platforms will not be accepted.
4. If the order has been processed, sent to the warehouse, or transmitted to a vendor for drop shipment, cancellation may not be possible—even if the order has not shipped.
5. If cancellation is approved, a cancellation fee of up to 5% may apply.
6. Once a tracking number exists or the order is in transit, cancellation is not possible. The customer must follow the Return Policy instead.

17. RIGHT TO MODIFY POLICY

1. Droppin’ HZ Car Audio reserves the right to update, revise, or modify this policy at any time without prior notice.
2. The version posted on the website at the time of return, exchange, or dispute will govern the transaction.

18. CUSTOMER ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT

By placing an order with Droppin’ HZ Car Audio, the customer:

• Acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to this policy in full.
• Accepts full responsibility for compliance with this policy.
• Waives any claim of ignorance or non-receipt of policy terms.
• Understands that submitting a return, exchange, or cancellation request constitutes full acceptance of all terms herein.