Automation Pioneer Refund and Return Policy
Return & Refund Policy: Automation Pioneer
Effective Date: June 30, 2026
Last Updated: June 30, 2026
1. Overview
At Automation Pioneer, customer satisfaction is one of our highest priorities. We strive to provide high-quality industrial automation, process control, instrumentation, electrical, networking, and related products to customers worldwide.
This Return & Refund Policy explains the conditions under which products may be returned, exchanged, canceled, or refunded. By placing an order through Automation Pioneer, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this policy.
This policy applies to purchases made directly through:
Email quotations
Telephone orders
Purchase orders
Other authorized Automation Pioneer sales channels
2. Return Authorization (RMA)
No product may be returned without prior written authorization from Automation Pioneer.
Customers requesting to return a product must first obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number by contacting:
Email: sales@automationpioneer.com
When requesting an RMA, please provide:
Order number or invoice number
Customer name
Company name (if applicable)
Part number(s)
Quantity being returned
Reason for the return
Photographs, if the item is damaged or defective
Returns received without an approved RMA may be refused and returned to the sender at the customer’s expense.
3. Return Eligibility
To qualify for a return, products must generally meet the following conditions:
Returned within the applicable return period.
In original condition.
Unused and uninstalled unless the return is due to a verified defect.
Returned with all original accessories, manuals, and documentation.
Returned in the original manufacturer’s packaging whenever possible.
Properly packaged to prevent damage during transit.
Automation Pioneer reserves the right to inspect all returned products before approving any refund, replacement, or credit.
Approval of an RMA does not constitute acceptance of the return or acknowledgment that the product is defective.
4. Inspection Process
Upon receipt of a returned product, Automation Pioneer will perform an inspection to determine the condition of the product and verify the reason for the return.
Inspection may include:
Visual examination
Functional testing
Technical evaluation
Verification of serial numbers
Manufacturer consultation, when necessary
Typical inspection times are:
Standard returns: 3–7 business days
Technical evaluations: 5–15 business days
Manufacturer evaluations: dependent on the manufacturer’s turnaround time
Customers will be notified once the inspection has been completed.
5. Non-Returnable Products
Unless required by applicable law or otherwise agreed in writing, the following items are generally non-returnable:
Special-order products
Custom-manufactured items
Made-to-order products
Products manufactured specifically for the customer
Software licenses
Downloadable software
Calibration services
Programming services
Engineering services
Products marked “Non-Returnable”
Hazardous materials
Chemicals and specialty fluids
Opened or partially used chemical containers
Electrical components damaged by improper installation
Products modified after shipment
Clearance or liquidation items
Obsolete or discontinued products sold “as-is”
Automation Pioneer reserves the right to determine whether a product qualifies as non-returnable.
6. Defective Products
If a customer believes a product is defective, the customer must notify Automation Pioneer promptly after discovery.
Automation Pioneer may request:
Photographs
Video evidence
Diagnostic reports
Installation details
Operating conditions
Serial numbers
Error codes
Defective products may require inspection by Automation Pioneer, the manufacturer, or an authorized repair facility before warranty eligibility is determined.
Replacement products may be shipped before inspection only at Automation Pioneer’s sole discretion.
7. Products Damaged During Shipping
Customers should inspect shipments immediately upon delivery.
If visible shipping damage exists:
Note the damage on the carrier’s delivery receipt before signing.
Photograph the damaged package.
Retain all packaging materials.
Notify Automation Pioneer within 48 hours of delivery.
Failure to report shipping damage promptly may affect our ability to file a claim with the carrier.
If damage occurred during transit, Automation Pioneer will work with the customer and the carrier to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
8. Incorrect Products
If Automation Pioneer ships the wrong product, customers should notify us within seven (7) calendar days after delivery.
Once verified, Automation Pioneer will, at its discretion:
Ship the correct product,
Arrange return shipping for the incorrect product, or
Issue an appropriate refund or credit.
9. Customer Ordering Errors
Customers are responsible for verifying:
Manufacturer
Part number
Revision level
Voltage
Specifications
Configuration
Compatibility
Quantity
Products ordered incorrectly by the customer may be eligible for return only if they meet this policy’s return requirements and are not designated as non-returnable.
Restocking fees may apply.
10. Order Cancellation
Customers may request cancellation of an order by contacting:
Cancellation requests are subject to Automation Pioneer’s review and approval.
Orders may be canceled without charge only if processing has not begun and the product has not been allocated, ordered from the supplier, manufactured, or shipped.
Once order fulfillment has begun, cancellation fees may apply.
Special-order, custom-built, and manufacturer-ordered products generally cannot be canceled after production or procurement has commenced.
11. Cancellation Fees
If an order has entered processing, Automation Pioneer may deduct reasonable costs incurred, including but not limited to:
Supplier cancellation charges
Manufacturer cancellation fees
Administrative processing costs
Credit card processing fees (where permitted by law)
Currency conversion losses
Import or export costs
Freight charges already incurred
Customs brokerage fees
Packaging costs
Customers will be informed of applicable cancellation charges before cancellation is finalized.
12. Restocking Fees
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the following guidelines generally apply:
| Return Period | Restocking Fee |
|---|---|
| Before shipment | No charge |
| Within 30 days of delivery | No restocking fee (if product qualifies for return) |
| 31–60 days after delivery | Up to 20% of the purchase price |
| More than 60 days after delivery | Generally not eligible for return |
Automation Pioneer reserves the right to adjust restocking fees based on product condition, manufacturer requirements, or other relevant circumstances.
13. Return Shipping
Unless the return is due to Automation Pioneer’s error or an approved warranty claim, customers are responsible for:
Return shipping costs
Insurance
Customs charges
Import duties
Export documentation
Carrier fees
Customers should use a trackable shipping service.
For products valued at $500 or more, Automation Pioneer strongly recommends purchasing shipping insurance.
Automation Pioneer is not responsible for products lost or damaged during return transit.
14. Packaging Requirements
Returned products must be packaged to prevent shipping damage.
Customers should:
Use protective packaging.
Avoid writing directly on the manufacturer’s packaging.
Include the approved RMA documentation inside the shipment.
Remove or cover old shipping labels when possible.
Products damaged due to inadequate return packaging may be refused or subject to reduced credit.
15. Refund Processing
Once a returned product has been received, inspected, and approved, Automation Pioneer will process the applicable refund.
Refunds are issued using the original payment method whenever possible, including:
Credit Card
Debit Card
ACH Transfer
Wire Transfer
PayPal
Company Account Credit (where applicable)
Refund processing typically occurs within 5–10 business days after approval. Depending on your financial institution, additional time may be required for the funds to appear in your account.
If the original payment method is no longer available, Automation Pioneer will work with the customer to determine an appropriate alternative method.
16. Partial Refunds
In certain circumstances, only a partial refund may be issued, including but not limited to:
Products returned with missing accessories.
Products returned without original packaging.
Items showing signs of installation, wear, or misuse.
Products damaged due to improper customer handling.
Returns received outside the applicable return period but accepted at Automation Pioneer’s discretion.
Returns subject to manufacturer-imposed restocking fees.
Any applicable deductions will be communicated to the customer before the refund is finalized.
17. Warranty Claims
Warranty claims are handled in accordance with Automation Pioneer’s Warranty Policy or the manufacturer’s warranty, where applicable.
Customers submitting a warranty claim may be asked to provide:
Proof of purchase
Product serial number
Photographs or videos of the issue
Installation details
Operating conditions
Diagnostic information
Error codes, if applicable
Automation Pioneer reserves the right to inspect the product or return it to the manufacturer for evaluation before approving a repair, replacement, or warranty credit.
Warranty coverage does not apply to products damaged by:
Improper installation
Misuse or abuse
Unauthorized repair or modification
Improper storage
Accidents
Electrical surges
Fire, flood, or other environmental conditions
Normal wear and tear
18. International Returns
International customers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable import and export regulations when returning products.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, customers are responsible for:
Export documentation
Customs declarations
Duties and taxes
Import brokerage fees
Return shipping costs
Insurance
Automation Pioneer is not responsible for delays caused by customs authorities or international carriers.
19. Refused Deliveries
If a customer refuses delivery of an order without prior authorization from Automation Pioneer, the customer may be responsible for:
Round-trip shipping charges
Customs duties and brokerage fees
Carrier refusal charges
Restocking fees
Any manufacturer cancellation or return charges
Products refused at delivery are not automatically eligible for a full refund.
20. Undeliverable Shipments
If an order is returned because of:
An incorrect shipping address provided by the customer,
Failure to accept delivery,
Failure to pay customs duties or taxes,
Failure to respond to the carrier,
the customer may be responsible for all additional shipping, storage, customs, and handling costs incurred.
Automation Pioneer may deduct these costs from any applicable refund.
21. Export-Controlled Products
Certain products sold by Automation Pioneer may be subject to United States export control laws and regulations.
Returns involving export-controlled items may require additional documentation before authorization is granted.
Automation Pioneer reserves the right to refuse returns that would violate applicable export laws or government regulations.
22. Force Majeure
Automation Pioneer shall not be responsible for delays, cancellations, or inability to process returns or refunds caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
Natural disasters
Severe weather
Floods
Fires
Earthquakes
Pandemics
Government actions
Labor strikes
Transportation disruptions
Customs delays
Supplier shortages
Cybersecurity incidents
Utility or communication outages
Our obligations will be suspended for the duration of such events.
23. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Automation Pioneer shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from the purchase, return, or use of any product.
This includes, without limitation:
Loss of profits
Loss of production
Equipment downtime
Business interruption
Loss of contracts
Loss of goodwill
Data loss
Additional labor costs
Third-party service costs
Automation Pioneer’s total liability shall not exceed the purchase price paid for the product giving rise to the claim.
Nothing in this policy limits liability where such limitation is prohibited by applicable law.
24. Consumer Rights
Nothing in this Return & Refund Policy is intended to limit or exclude any rights that customers may have under applicable federal, state, or local consumer protection laws.
Where mandatory consumer rights provide greater protection than this policy, those rights shall prevail to the extent required by law.
25. Fraud Prevention
Automation Pioneer reserves the right to deny returns, refunds, or exchanges where fraudulent activity, abuse of this policy, or misrepresentation is suspected.
Examples include:
Returning products different from those originally shipped.
Altered or removed serial numbers.
Counterfeit or substituted products.
Repeated abusive return patterns.
False damage or defect claims.
Automation Pioneer may report suspected fraudulent activity to the appropriate authorities where permitted by law.
26. Policy Changes
Automation Pioneer reserves the right to modify or update this Return & Refund Policy at any time.
Changes become effective upon posting on our website unless otherwise stated.
The policy in effect on the date of purchase will generally govern that transaction unless otherwise required by law.
27. Contact Information
If you have questions regarding returns, refunds, warranty claims, or cancellations, please contact us:
Automation Pioneer
650 South Webster Avenue
Anaheim, California 92804
United States
Email: sales@automationpioneer.com
Website: https://www.automationpioneer.com
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Pacific Time), excluding company holidays.
28. Entire Return Policy
This Return & Refund Policy should be read together with Automation Pioneer’s:
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Legal Disclaimer
- Cookie Policy
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Return & Refund Policy
- Warranty Policy
- Shipping Policy
In the event of any conflict, the terms of a written sales agreement or purchase contract between Automation Pioneer and the customer will govern for that specific transaction.
Effective Date
This Return & Refund Policy is effective as of June 30, 2026, and supersedes all previous versions.
Automation Pioneer is committed to providing quality industrial automation products and exceptional customer service. We appreciate your business and will work diligently to resolve any return, refund, or warranty matter fairly, promptly, and professionally.
Questions about this policy?
Use the contact details in the document above, or reach our team through the contact page.
Contact us