Return Policy and RA Request Form

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the correct item to meet your needs. If you need to return an item, please follow these guidelines so that we can obtain a prompt refund and assist you in finding the correct item.

Requesting a Return Authorization is as simple as submitting a request at the bottom of this page.

Please Read This Important Information:

• RA (Return Authorization) Request Deadline: The request for RA must be initiated within 30 days from the date of shipment of your item to be authorized.  In rare situations where an RA is requested 30 days after the date of shipment and might be considered, the product will be subject to a 20% restock fee and will be store credit only.
• Refusal of Shipment: Once an item has left our warehouse, we are not able to cancel the order. If you change your mind about an item, you still need to request an RA to guarantee credit back to your account. Refusal of a shipment may incur a 20% restock fee.
• Return Without Authorization: If you return an item without obtaining a return authorization, it may be returned to you, which could incur the shipping cost and a 20% restocking fee.
• Special Orders:  Special Orders are not returnable.  Please take care in making sure you are getting exactly what you need before ordering.

Return Situations Which Require Special Handling:

• Damaged in Transit:  For items damaged in transit, please contact us immediately for assistance with special handling and filing of required paperwork to have your item replaced. Disputes of damaged products have to be reported to the carrier for resolution.
• Incorrectly Shipped Items:  For items you received that did not match your original order specifications, please contact us for return and replacement handling.
• Warranty Issues:  We will assist our customers with any warranty issues on products purchased through First Choice Marine, but we do not express or imply any warranty beyond that of the manufacturer. All defective products will observe manufacturer-specific policies.
• Free Freight Orders:  Orders shipped within our Free Shipping Program that are returned, either partially or in whole, are subject to a restocking fee to reimburse outgoing freight.  Free Freight Orders are shipped free based on a completed sale.  We are happy to work with you on returns of those items (that fall under our other guidelines), but are not able to absorb freight for returned orders. 

Return Process Policies (after Requesting Return Authorization):

• Return deadlines: Once RA is sent to you, the item must be returned within ten days. Items not returned within 10 days of receipt of RA are subject to a 20% restock fee.
• Return location: Be sure and follow return authorization instructions carefully, including the location to return your item.  Failure to return the item as instructed can result in additional shipping charges deducted from your credit.
• Condition of return items: Items returned for credit must be returned in new, unused, uninstalled, and saleable condition, including any retail packaging.  Open any packaging with care when receiving your order so as not to damage it, should you need to return the product. Items returned that do not meet this requirement are subject to a 20% restock fee.
• Packaging, insuring, and tracking: You must send the return package signature required and insured at your expense (unless it is defective or the result of our error in shipment). Packaging of the returned item is very important. Obtaining tracking is a good idea and if you do, please email or call us with that number so we can expect your return.
• Original manufacturer boxes/packaging: Items must be returned in original packaging, including any manufacturer boxes. Please return these inside another box or wrapped and do not apply stickers, stamps, or labels to manufacturer boxes, i.e. prop boxes.  This may void your RA and incur a 20% restock fee.
• Damaged return package: In the case of a returned item that is damaged in return shipment, you will be notified, and if you insured the package, you should be reimbursed by the shipper of the product. They retain the right to pick up the package for inspection. Although at that time it is no longer our responsibility, we will do everything possible to assist you in your damage claim. With proper packaging of your return item, this should not be an issue.
• Checkout+: If you opted in to Checkout+, your return shipping label is included, allowing you to return any item(s) in your order for a refund or exchange for free! Return requests should be submitted through our customer portal. If you opted out of Checkout+, no worries! You are still able to submit your return through our portal. However, you are responsible for all return shipping charges. Return labels should be purchased through our customer portal. 

Product Specific Policies

• Boat Covers, Bimini Tops & Custom Fit Engine Covers: Since these items are usually made upon order and considered special order items, they are all subject to restocking fees. With your RA#, you will also receive specific restock fee information. Most restock fees are 25% and some are more. Please feel free to contact us for assistance in placing your order to ensure you get the correct item prior to ordering. 
• Propellers: Props that have been installed are not returnable. Boat Propellers can be a little difficult to look up and source. That is why we have provided the Solas Prop Finder to assist you in selecting the correct propeller to fit your application.  Special order props are not returnable.
• Tools: Tools are non-returnable.  
• Electrical Items: Electrical items are non-returnable.
• Batteries: Batteries will be prorated per the manufacturer's stated warranty policy.
• Books, DVDs, Software, Electronic Charts, & Shop Manuals: All books, DVDs, software, electronic charts, and shop manuals are non-returnable.
• Closeout Items: All closeout items sales are final with no returns allowed. These items will be indicated in the status bar as "Available While Supplies lasts" and can be found on our Closeouts page.
• Life Rafts & Inflatable Boats: All life rafts and inflatable boats are non-returnable.
• Chemical Products:  Any chemical category product is non-returnable, no exceptions, please.

Please note that In All Cases Above, if you have received a defective item, we will gladly assist you in obtaining a replacement so long as it falls within the manufacturer’s warranty. If you received an item damaged in shipment we will work with you to resolve that also.
 


What happens next?

• Receiving Your Returned Package: Upon receipt of your package at our location or a distributor warehouse, it is inspected.  If there is no damage and the product inside the box is in a new, saleable condition (exceptions are returns of damaged goods with specific defects as itemized in the RA request) your RA will be honored. From the date of receipt, it may take up to five days to process to accounting.
• Processing of Credits: Credit will be processed to your original method of payment unless thirty days have lapsed, and then you will be issued a check via mail. Please allow up to ten days for the credit or check to be issued after accounting receives authorization to process.
• Ordering of Replacement Items: We will gladly assist you in locating the item that is a better fit for your needs or to replace a damaged or defective item. You may order that on a new order and we can process your credit accordingly for the return item or you can elect to apply your credit to the new item once the return process is complete. We are unable, however, to send out a replacement item without either payment or applied credit in any situation.

NOTE: ALL returns and cancellations may be subject to a 3% restocking fee to cover credit card fees that are no longer refunded by credit card companies. Store credit will not carry a restock fee.

We encourage you to use our online tools for locating your marine parts and accessories, including our engine parts finder, propeller finder, as well as articles and Buyer's Guides (found at the bottom of the page). We are always glad to answer a question or point you in the right direction for information to make that decision. Please remember to read the title of the item thoroughly and carefully. The title will always be the best source of information for ordering. 

Thank you for shopping First Choice Marine for all your marine parts, accessories, and electronics needs.