📖Overview

At Automotive DIY, we want every customer to be completely satisfied with their purchase. Whether you bought a tool kit, subscribed to our Video Academy, or purchased a diagnostic scanner, we stand behind our products and services.

💡 Our Promise

If you're not satisfied with your purchase, we'll work with you to make it right — whether that means a full refund, exchange, or store credit.

This policy covers physical products (tools, kits, diagnostic devices) and digital services (subscriptions, courses, guides). Please read through each section carefully to understand your rights and our refund terms.

⏰Refund Timeframes

Refund eligibility depends on the type of purchase and how much time has passed since your order. Here's a quick reference:

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Product / Service Type Refund Window Refund Type
Physical Tools & Kits 30 days Full Refund
OBD2 Scanners & Electronics 30 days Full Refund
Video Academy Subscription 14 days (first billing cycle) Full Refund
Online Courses 14 days Full Refund
Tool Rentals 3 days (pro-rated) Partial Refund
Expert Chat Sessions 24 hours (if unused) Partial Refund
Used/Consumed Products 7 days (defective only) Replacement Only

⚠ī¸ Note: Refund requests submitted after the specified window may still be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Contact our support team for assistance.

✅Eligible Items for Refund

The following items qualify for a full refund within the stated timeframes, provided they meet the conditions below:

Physical Products (Tools, Kits, Scanners)

  • Item is returned in original packaging with all accessories included
  • Product is in unused, new condition — no signs of wear or damage
  • Return is initiated within 30 days of delivery
  • Order confirmation or receipt is provided
  • Serial numbers and product tags are intact and unaltered

Digital Products (Subscriptions, Courses)

  • Refund requested within 14 days of initial purchase
  • For courses: less than 25% of content has been accessed or completed
  • For subscriptions: requested during the first billing cycle
  • No abuse of refund policy (repeated purchases and refunds)

✅ Good to know: If a product arrived damaged or defective, you qualify for a full refund or free replacement regardless of usage. Just contact us with photos of the issue.

❌Non-Refundable Items

Certain items cannot be refunded for health, safety, or practical reasons. These include:

  • Used or worn tool kits — items showing clear signs of use, oil, grease, or rust
  • Consumables — lubricants, sealants, fluids, and cleaning products once opened
  • Custom-ordered items — products made to specification or personalized
  • Discounted/clearance items — unless defective (see our damaged goods section)
  • Completed courses — online courses where more than 75% of content has been viewed
  • Expert Chat sessions — once the consultation session has been completed
  • Gift cards — purchased gift cards are non-refundable

⚠ī¸ Important: Items purchased from third-party sellers on our marketplace are subject to the individual seller's refund policy. Contact the seller directly or through our support team for assistance.

📝How to Request a Refund

Follow these simple steps to initiate your refund. Our support team will process your request within 1-3 business days.

  1. Contact Support

    Reach out via our contact page, email us at refunds@automotivediy.com, or use our live chat. Include your order number and reason for refund.

  2. Receive Return Authorization

    Our team will review your request and issue a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number along with a prepaid shipping label (for eligible domestic returns).

  3. Package and Ship

    Securely package the item in its original packaging, include the RMA number on the outside of the box, and ship using the provided label. Keep your tracking number.

  4. Inspection & Processing

    Once we receive your return, our warehouse team inspects the item within 2 business days. If everything checks out, your refund is processed immediately.

  5. Refund Issued

    Refunds are issued to the original payment method. Credit cards: 5-10 business days. PayPal: 3-5 business days. Store credit: instant.

đŸ“Ļ Return Shipping

For defective or damaged items, we cover all return shipping costs. For change-of-mind returns, original shipping fees are non-refundable, and you'll be responsible for return shipping (unless you're in the US, where we provide a free return label).

🔄Exchanges

Need a different size, a different model, or a replacement for a defective item? We offer hassle-free exchanges:

  • Size / Model Exchanges: Within 30 days, we'll ship the correct item at no additional cost. You'll receive a return label for the original item.
  • Defective Exchanges: We'll send a replacement immediately upon notification — no need to return the original first. We'll provide a separate return label for the defective item.
  • Price Difference: If the exchange item costs more, you'll be charged the difference. If it costs less, you'll receive a refund for the difference.
  • International Exchanges: Processing may take 1-2 additional weeks due to customs and shipping.

🚚Shipping Cost Policy

Shipping and handling fees are generally non-refundable for change-of-mind returns. However, the following exceptions apply:

  • Damaged in transit: Full refund including all original shipping costs
  • Wrong item shipped: Full refund including shipping, plus we'll cover return shipping
  • Defective product: Full refund including shipping, free return label provided
  • Late delivery (over 14 business days): Shipping costs refunded upon request
🌍 International Orders

International returns may incur additional costs including customs duties and taxes. These are the responsibility of the customer unless the return is due to a defect or error on our end.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Once we receive and inspect your return, refunds are processed within 1-2 business days. The time it appears on your bank statement depends on your payment method: credit/debit cards (5-10 business days), PayPal (3-5 business days), store credit (instant), and Apple Pay / Google Pay (3-5 business days).
Products must be returned in unused, new condition with original packaging. Light testing is acceptable — for example, plugging in a scanner or opening a tool kit to verify contents. However, items with signs of actual use (oil stains, wear marks, missing parts) cannot be refunded and must go through our exchange/replacement process instead.
If we shipped the wrong item, we'll send the correct product right away at no charge. You'll receive a prepaid return label for the incorrect item. No refund is necessary unless you prefer to keep the wrong item — in which case we can issue a partial refund at our discretion.
Yes! You can request a full refund for your Video Academy subscription within 14 days of your initial purchase or during your first billing cycle, whichever comes first. After the first billing cycle, you can cancel anytime and won't be charged again, but refunds for subsequent months are prorated based on unused time.
Yes, we offer store credit as an alternative. In fact, we provide a 10% bonus on store credit — for example, a $100 refund becomes $110 in store credit. Store credit is issued instantly and never expires. You can use it on any product or service on our site.
Tool rentals can be canceled within 3 days of the rental start date for a pro-rated refund based on the unused rental period. After 3 days, rentals are non-refundable. If a rented tool is defective, we'll replace it at no charge or refund the full rental period.
International customers should contact our support team to receive a Return Authorization and specific instructions. You'll be responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective. Please note that international returns may take 2-4 weeks to process due to customs and longer shipping times. Some countries may have additional import duties on returned items.

Still Have Questions?

Our customer support team is here to help with any refund-related inquiries.

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Email

refunds@automotivediy.com

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Live Chat

Available 7 AM - 10 PM EST

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Phone

1-800-DIY-CARS