Refund Process

Overview

At AutomotiveDIY, we stand behind every product and service we offer. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, we want to make the refund process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Our refund policy is designed to protect your interests while ensuring fairness for all parties.

✅ Our Promise

We aim to process all approved refund requests within 3–5 business days. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're committed to resolving any issues quickly and fairly.

This page outlines our complete refund process, eligibility criteria, timelines, and frequently asked questions. Please review it carefully before submitting a refund request.

Refund Eligibility

Before initiating a refund request, please check whether your purchase qualifies under our policy. The table below breaks down eligibility by product or service category.

✅ Physical Tool Kits

Full refund within 30 days of delivery if unused and in original packaging.

✅ Video Academy Subscription

Full refund if requested within 14 days of purchase. Pro-rated refund thereafter.

✅ OBD2 Diagnostic Tools

Full refund within 30 days. Must include all accessories and original box.

❌ Digital Guides & E-Books

Non-refundable due to digital nature. Content can be accessed indefinitely.

❌ Used/Opened Consumables

Oil, fluids, filters, and other consumables opened and used are not eligible.

✅ Tool Rentals

Full refund if cancelled 48 hours before scheduled rental pickup date.

⚠️ Important Note

Custom or personalized products (e.g., engraved toolboxes, custom-printed manuals) are generally non-refundable unless they arrive damaged or defective. Please contact us immediately if this applies to your order.

How to Request a Refund

We've streamlined our refund process to make it as simple as possible. Follow the steps below to submit your request.

1

Log Into Your Account

Sign in to your AutomotiveDIY account and navigate to your Order History. Locate the order you'd like to return and click "Request Refund."

2

Select a Reason

Choose the most applicable reason from our dropdown menu. Common reasons include: defective product, wrong item received, changed my mind, or not as described.

3

Provide Details & Upload Photos

Describe the issue in detail and upload any supporting photos. For defective items, clear images of the damage help us process your request faster.

4

Receive Confirmation Email

You'll receive an automated email confirming we've received your request, along with a unique Refund ID number for tracking purposes.

5

Return the Product (If Required)

If a physical return is needed, we'll email you a prepaid shipping label. Pack the item securely and drop it off at the nearest carrier location.

6

Refund Issued

Once we receive and inspect the returned item (or approve your no-return request), your refund will be processed to the original payment method within 3–5 business days.

💡 No Account? No Problem

If you checked out as a guest, you can still request a refund by emailing refunds@automotivediy.com with your order number, email address used at checkout, and reason for the refund.

Refund Timelines

Processing times vary depending on the type of product and payment method used. Here's a general breakdown:

Product / Service Type	Review Time	Refund Time	Speed
Video Academy Subscription	1–2 business days	Immediate to 3 business days	Fast
Physical Tool Kits	2–3 business days (after receipt)	3–5 business days	Normal
OBD2 Diagnostic Tools	2–3 business days (after receipt)	3–5 business days	Normal
Tool Rentals (Pre-cancel)	1 business day	3–7 business days	Fast
Expert Chat Sessions	1–2 business days	3–5 business days	Normal
Online Courses	3–5 business days	5–7 business days	Standard

🔴 Payment Method Note

Credit/debit card refunds may take an additional 3–7 business days to appear on your statement, depending on your bank's processing speed. PayPal and digital wallet refunds are typically faster.

Return Shipping & Costs

When a physical return is required, we want to minimize the hassle for you. Here's how return shipping works:

Defective or damaged items: We provide a free prepaid return shipping label. Simply print it, attach it to the package, and drop it off.
Wrong item sent: Same as above — free return shipping covered by us.
Changed my mind / buyer's remorse: Standard return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility. You may use our discounted label or your own carrier.
International returns: Customers outside the contiguous U.S. are responsible for return shipping costs, unless the item is defective or incorrect.

💡 Return Window

You must initiate your return within 30 calendar days of the delivery date. After this window, the refund request may not be honored unless special circumstances apply.

How You'll Receive Your Refund

Refunds are always issued to the original payment method used at checkout. Here's what to expect based on your payment type:

Credit / Debit Card: Refund credited back to the card. May take 3–7 business days after processing to appear on your statement.
PayPal: Refund sent back to your PayPal account. Typically appears within 1–3 business days.
Digital Wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay): Refund processed to the linked payment source. Allow 3–5 business days.
Gift Card: Refund issued as store credit to a new gift card code, emailed within 24 hours of approval.

If your original payment method is no longer available (e.g., card was cancelled), contact our support team and we'll issue the refund via an alternative method or gift card.

What's Non-Refundable

Certain products and services are excluded from our refund policy due to their nature. These include:

Digital downloads (e-books, printable guides, digital manuals)
Opened or used consumable products (oil, filters, fluids, adhesives)
Custom or personalized items (unless defective)
Subscription services after the 14-day initial refund window
Purchase of used/refurbished items (sold "as-is")
Shipping and handling fees (unless the error was on our end)
Expert Chat sessions that have already been completed

⚠️ Exceptions

We make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. If your situation doesn't fit neatly into our policy, reach out to us — we'll do our best to find a fair resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Check our FAQ below for quick answers to common refund questions.

Most refunds are processed within 3–5 business days after we approve your request. For physical returns, the clock starts once we receive and inspect the returned item. Payment method and your bank may add an additional 3–7 business days for the funds to appear in your account.

Physical tool kits must be returned in original, unused condition with all packaging intact. If you've used the tools, they won't qualify for a standard refund. However, if the tools were defective, we'll gladly replace them or issue a refund regardless of usage.

We apologize for the inconvenience! Damaged items are fully refundable or replaceable — your choice. Email us with photos of the damage and your order number at refunds@automotivediy.com. We'll issue a prepaid return label and process your refund or replacement within 48 hours.

Yes! Within the first 14 days of your subscription, you can request a full refund and cancellation. After 14 days, we offer a pro-rated refund for the remaining unused portion of your billing cycle. You can also choose to keep the account active with no refund.

If the refund is due to a defect, damage, or our error (wrong item), return shipping is free — we'll provide a prepaid label. For "change of mind" returns, the customer covers standard return shipping costs.

If you haven't received a response to your refund request within 48 hours, please check your spam folder first. If it's not there, reply to your original request email or contact us at refunds@automotivediy.com with your Refund ID. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days.

Absolutely! During the refund request process, you'll have the option to select "Exchange" instead of "Refund." We'll process the exchange and ship the replacement item. If the exchange costs more, you'll pay the difference. If it costs less, the difference will be refunded to you.

No problem — gifts are fully refundable within 30 days of delivery as long as they're unopened and in original condition. The refund will be issued to the original purchaser's payment method. You can also request a gift card exchange instead.