How Long Do Refunds Take? | RelightDepot

Refund Timelines

Once a return or cancellation is approved, here's what to expect for your refund.

Refund Process Overview

Refunds on product returns at RelightDepot follow this sequence, beginning with your return request:

  1. You request a return through our support team.
  2. We work with the vendor to issue an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) for the product.
  3. You return the material to the address on the RMA, referencing the RMA number on the package.
  4. The vendor receives the return and inspects it.
  5. We confirm the refund amount, accounting for any applicable restocking fees.
  6. We process the refund back to your original payment method.
  7. Your bank or card issuer posts the credit to your account.

Each step takes time. The total timeline from when you request the return to when you see the credit on your statement typically runs 2 to 4 weeks on a standard product return, and it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly the vendor issues the RMA, transit time on the return shipment, and how quickly your financial institution posts the credit.

Refund Timelines by Scenario

Order Cancelled Before Shipment

If you cancel an order before it ships, we process the refund promptly. You should see the credit back on your card or in your account within:

  • Credit card: 3 to 7 business days after we process the refund
  • ACH/wire: Contact us for timeline based on your payment method

Order Returned After Delivery

After we issue an RMA and you ship the product back:

  1. The vendor receives and inspects the return (can take 3 to 7 business days after delivery).
  2. We confirm the refund amount with the vendor.
  3. We issue the refund (1 to 2 business days).
  4. Your bank posts the credit (3 to 5 business days).

Total expected timeline: 7 to 14 business days from when the vendor receives the return.

Warranty Replacement vs. Refund

If your warranty claim results in a replacement unit, there is no financial refund. The replacement ships once the claim is approved and the vendor processes it.

If your warranty claim results in a credit or refund, the same timeline above applies once the claim is resolved.

Damaged or Wrong Item Received

If we sent the wrong item or your order arrived damaged, we handle this as a priority. Once confirmed:

  • A replacement is arranged as quickly as possible.
  • If a refund is preferred, we process it within 1 to 2 business days of resolving the claim.
  • Your bank still takes 3 to 5 business days to post the credit.

Why Refunds Can Take Longer

A few factors that can extend the timeline:

  • Vendor inspection backlog: Some vendors are slower to process returns, especially during peak seasons.
  • Shipping transit time: The vendor doesn't start the clock on your refund until they receive the item.
  • Bank processing: Credit card issuers and ACH processors have their own timelines that we can't control. Some banks take longer to post credits than others.

How We'll Keep You Informed

Once your return is received and the refund is processed on our end, we'll send you a confirmation email with the refund amount. If you haven't heard from us and your expected refund window has passed, contact us.

Questions?

Email support@relightdepot.com, call 888-548-6387 (Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 8 PM ET), or submit a ticket at https://help.relightdepot.com/portal/en/newticket.

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