Returns & Refund Policy
At CAEL – Capital Automotive Equipment, we specialize in professional-grade automotive equipment designed for commercial and industrial use. Due to the size, weight, freight costs, and handling requirements of these products, special return conditions apply.
By placing an order with CAEL, you agree to the terms outlined in this Returns & Refund Policy.
1. Order Cancellations
Orders may be cancelled prior to shipment.
Approved cancellations are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover non-refundable payment processing and administrative costs.
Once an order has been shipped, scheduled for shipment, or assigned to a freight carrier, it can no longer be cancelled and will be subject to the return provisions outlined below.
Deposits and payments for custom-built, made-to-order, special-order, or non-stock equipment are non-refundable.
2. Return Eligibility
Return requests must be submitted within 30 days of the delivery date.
All returns require prior written authorization from CAEL. Products returned without authorization will be refused.
To qualify for a return, equipment must:
- Be unused and uninstalled
- Remain in its original packaging
- Include all accessories, manuals, hardware, and components
- Be free from damage, modifications, or signs of use
- Be in new and resalable condition
CAEL reserves the right to reject any return that does not meet these requirements.
3. Non-Returnable Products
The following items are not eligible for return:
- Installed equipment
- Assembled equipment
- Equipment bolted or anchored to the floor
- Equipment connected to electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or fuel systems
- Custom-built or special-order products
- Products returned after 30 days from delivery
- Consumable, maintenance, or wear items
- Products with missing serial numbers or identification labels
- Products damaged by misuse, improper installation, abuse, neglect, or modification
- Items returned without prior authorization
4. Installed or Used Equipment
For safety, liability, and product integrity reasons, equipment that has been:
- Installed
- Assembled
- Operated
- Tested
- Bolted to the floor
- Connected to power, air, hydraulic, or fuel systems
cannot be returned under any circumstances.
Such equipment may only qualify for warranty service if covered under the manufacturer's warranty program.
5. Restocking Fee
Returns approved for reasons other than manufacturer defect, shipping damage, or warranty-covered issues are subject to a 20% restocking fee.
The restocking fee covers:
- Inspection and testing
- Warehouse handling
- Repackaging
- Inventory processing
- Administrative costs
The restocking fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
6. Freight & Shipping Charges
Due to the size and weight of automotive equipment, customers are responsible for:
- All return freight charges
- Original outbound shipping costs, including orders that originally qualified for "free shipping"
- Additional carrier fees resulting from missed appointments, refused deliveries, storage charges, or address corrections
If CAEL arranges return transportation, all freight charges will be deducted from the final refund amount.
Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
7. Refused Shipments
Customers who refuse delivery of a non-damaged shipment will be responsible for:
- Original outbound shipping costs
- Return freight charges
- Carrier penalties and fees
- Applicable restocking fees
Any remaining balance will be deducted from the refund amount.
8. Freight Damage & Delivery Inspection
Customers must inspect all shipments immediately upon delivery.
Before signing the Bill of Lading (BOL) or delivery receipt:
- Inspect packaging for visible damage
- Verify shipment quantities
- Check for missing parts or packages
If damage is discovered:
- Clearly note all damage on the delivery receipt.
- Take photographs of the packaging and damaged product.
- Retain all original packaging materials.
- Notify CAEL within 24 hours of delivery.
Failure to report freight damage within 48 hours may result in denial of the freight claim.
If the delivery receipt is signed without noting visible damage, the shipment will be considered received in good condition.
9. Return Authorization Process
To request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA), contact our support team:
Email: Help@capitalautoequipment.com
Please provide:
- Order number
- Customer name
- Product name
- Reason for return
- Photos of the equipment and packaging (if applicable)
Most requests are reviewed within one business day.
If approved, return instructions and an RMA number will be provided.
Returns shipped without an authorized RMA may be refused and returned at the sender's expense.
10. Refund Processing
Once the returned product is received and inspected, CAEL will determine whether the return meets all return eligibility requirements.
Approved refunds are generally processed within 7 business days after inspection.
Refunds will be issued to the original payment method and will be reduced by any applicable:
- Restocking fees
- Return freight charges
- Original shipping charges
- Carrier surcharges
- Administrative fees
Processing times may vary depending on the customer's financial institution.
11. Warranty Coverage
Most equipment sold by CAEL includes a limited manufacturer's warranty for the original purchaser.
Unless otherwise stated, warranty coverage generally applies only to replacement parts and components.
Warranty coverage does not include:
- Labor costs
- Installation costs
- Removal costs
- Travel expenses
- Freight or shipping charges
- Equipment downtime
- Consequential or incidental damages
Please refer to the applicable Warranty Policy for complete warranty terms and conditions.
12. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes
Customers agree to contact CAEL and provide an opportunity to resolve any issue before initiating a chargeback, payment dispute, or claim with their credit card company, bank, or payment provider.
Submitting a chargeback for products delivered in accordance with this policy may result in collection activity and recovery efforts as permitted by law.
13. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, CAEL's liability for any claim arising from the sale, delivery, installation, use, or return of any product shall not exceed the purchase price of the product.
Under no circumstances shall CAEL be liable for:
- Lost profits
- Lost business opportunities
- Loss of use
- Equipment downtime
- Labor expenses
- Indirect damages
- Incidental damages
- Consequential damages
14. Collection Costs & Legal Fees
Buyer agrees to pay all costs, expenses, collection fees, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by CAEL in:
- Collecting unpaid balances
- Enforcing contractual obligations
- Recovering equipment
- Defending chargebacks or payment disputes
- Enforcing this Returns & Refund Policy
15. Contact Information
For return requests, warranty assistance, or refund questions, please contact:
CAEL – Capital Automotive Equipment
Email: Help@capitalautoequipment.com
Please have your order number available when contacting customer support.
