Product inspection, return and refund policy
1. Product Quality & Inspection
Our Commitment
At Inker Empire, we take pride in the quality of our stationery products. Every item undergoes a two-step quality check before shipping:
- Initial inspection during packaging
- Final visual check before sealing
What We Check:
- Item completeness (all components included)
- Visible defects or damages
- Functionality (for applicable items)
- Packaging integrity
2. Your Inspection Upon Receipt
We recommend you:
Immediately Upon Delivery:
- Inspect packaging for signs of damage or tampering
- Film/photograph the unboxing process for valuable items
- Check all items against your packing slip
- Test functionality of any mechanical items (pens, erasers, etc.)
Within 24 Hours:
- Report any shipping damage to the carrier and us
- Report any missing items from your order
- Note any manufacturing defects not apparent at first glance
3. Return Eligibility
We Accept Returns For:
- Damaged items received
- Defective products (manufacturing flaws)
- Incorrect items shipped
- Unopened, unused items in original packaging within 30 days
Non-Returnable Items:
- Opened ink cartridges or used writing instruments
- Personalized/customized items (monogrammed, engraved)
- Digital products (downloads, printable)
- Sale/clearance items (unless defective)
- Gift cards
- Opened paper/stationery sets with broken seals
4. Return Timeframe
- Standard returns: 30 days from delivery date
- Damaged/defective items: 14 days from delivery date (for reporting)
- Holiday season: Extended to January 31 for items purchased between November 15 - December 25
5. Return Process
Step 1: Request Authorization
- Email returns@inkerempire.com with:
- Order number
- Item(s) to return
- Reason for return
- Photos of the issue (if applicable)
- We'll respond within 48 hours with:
- Return Authorization (RA) number
- Return instructions
- Eligible refund amount
Step 2: Prepare Your Return
- Include all original packaging, accessories, and documentation
- Repackage securely - use original packaging if possible
- Include the RA number clearly visible on the outside
- Do not write directly on manufacturer's packaging
Step 3: Ship Your Return
- Use a trackable shipping service (we recommend DHL or EMS)
- Ship to our returns center (address provided with RA)
- Email us the tracking number once shipped
- Insure the package for its full value
6. Return Shipping Costs
|
Return Reason |
Who Pays Shipping |
Restocking Fee |
|
Damaged/Defective Item |
We pay (prepaid label provided) |
None |
|
Incorrect Item Shipped |
We pay (prepaid label provided) |
None |
|
Change of Mind/Unwanted Item |
Customer pays |
15% (if opened) |
|
International Returns |
Customer pays |
15% (if applicable) |
Note: Original shipping costs are non-refundable for change-of-mind returns.
7. Refund Process
Inspection Period:
- Returns are inspected within 3-5 business days of receipt
- We'll notify you once inspection is complete
Refund Methods:
- Original payment method: Credit/debit card (processed within 5-10 business days)
- Store credit: Issued immediately upon approval (optional)
Refund Timeline:
- Approval notification: Within 2 days of inspection
- Credit card refund: 5-10 business days to appear on your statement
- Store credit: Instant via email
Partial Refunds Issued For:
- Missing components or accessories
- Items not in original condition
- Signs of use or damage caused by customer
8. Exchange Policy
We offer exchanges for defective/wrong items only:
- Contact us within 14 days of delivery
- We'll ship the replacement immediately (expedited shipping for our errors)
- Return the original item within 30 days
Note: For size/color exchanges on non-defective items, please return for refund and place a new order.
9. Damaged or Defective Items
Immediate Action Required:
- Take photos of:
- Damaged shipping box
- Damaged product packaging
- The defective item
- Any missing parts
- Contact us within 48 hours at support@inkerempire.com
- Do not discard any packaging or materials
Our Response:
- Email response: Within 24 hours
- Replacement shipped: Within 2 business days of claim approval
- Return of damaged item: Optional (we may not require return)
10. International Returns
Additional considerations for international customers:
- Customs documentation: Mark as "Returned Goods" to avoid duties
- Return address: Use the specific address provided (varies by region)
- Duties/taxes: Not refundable by Inker Empire
- Timeline: Allow 2-3 weeks for international return processing
11. Non-Returnable Situations
Items will not be accepted for return if:
- Used, altered, or damaged by customer
- Missing parts or accessories
- Returned without RA number
- Received after 30-day window
- From unauthorized retailers
12. Quality Guarantee
Beyond returns, we offer:
- 6-month warranty on mechanical writing instruments
- Lifetime craftsmanship guarantee on leather goods
- Customer satisfaction resolution for any quality concerns
13. Dispute Resolution
If unsatisfied with our return decision:
- Escalate to returns manager via email
- Provide additional evidence if available
- We will re-inspect if new information is provided
- Final determination within 10 business days
14. Contact Information
Returns & Exchanges:
Email: findus@inkerempire.com
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
General Customer Service:
Email: findus@inkerempire.com
Website: https://inkerempire.com/contact
15. Policy Updates
We may update this policy to reflect:
- Changes in carrier requirements
- Legal or regulatory updates
- Improvements to our process
Changes will be posted here with updated effective date.
Summary of Key Points:
- 30-day return window for most items
- Original packaging required for full refund
- Return authorization required before shipping back
- Photos recommended for damaged/defective claims
- Refunds to original payment method within 5-10 business days
- International customers responsible for return shipping
By purchasing from InkerEmpire.com, you agree to this Return & Refund Policy