Shipping Policy
Most items are normally shipped the same business day for orders placed before 1 PM PST, paid with a credit card or PayPal without complication. Exceptions to this policy are expensive items, items that are specifically designated as “Normally shipped in 1-3 business days” in the item descriptions, drop shipped items, and back-ordered items. Payment complications include different shipping and billing addresses, billing information inconsistent with what’s on the credit card record, and orders that can’t be verified by phone. Orders placed during non-business hours such as evenings, weekends, and holidays are normally processed and shipped on the next business day.
Gigasonic.com offers several shipping choices to fit the customer’s needs. We currently ship by UPS for a majority of domestic shipments. We ship by US Postal Services (USPS) for anything below 2 lbs, APO/FPO, non-continental USA addresses, and international addresses. We ship by a trucking company only for very large packages. Gigasonic.com sometimes does drop shipping for customers.
Depending on shipping weight and location of the orders, Gigasonic.com uses USPS Express Mail, UPS Next day, or 2nd-day service for expedited shipping service selected by customers.
Shipping charges are calculated using the actual weight of items. A nominal charge is added for the packaging materials ($0.25-$3 depending on package size), labor, and handling ($1-5 per order)).
The more you buy, the less your shipping cost is as a percentage of your total amount, and on a per-unit basis. For example, shipping one keyboard may cost $10, however shipping four keyboards may cost only $20 ($5 per keyboard).
Due to errors in our weight database, the calculated shipping cost is occasionally, although rarely, wrong and Gigasonic.com reserves the right to correct such mistakes. Currently, this is affecting less than 1% of all the orders and the correction could be a decrease.
Gigasonic.com is not responsible for any physical damage to products by the shipping companies.
Shipping Damages
If you suspect an item was damaged during shipment please contact us. The problem will be handled through the proper channels (whichever shipping company was used). We will need to file a damage claim and get the money back for the item (this can only be done if the customer purchased “Shipping Insurance” during the time the order was placed). It will be best if you can get pictures of the damages and also provide as much detail about the damage and/or the situation. After a claim is filed we will follow the procedures as outlined by the appropriate shipping company. Each company has different policies therefore we will have to follow them until the claim is complete and credits are received for the damage. The credit will then be forwarded to the customer.
* This is the standard procedure for taking care of a damaged item. In some cases, we might have an alternative that might be easier for the customer to follow through with. In these situations, the claim may be handled differently.
UPS:
This is the most inexpensive way to ship is by UPS Ground.
Choose the Adult Signature Required option if you don’t want the UPS driver to leave your package at your doorstep, which is often important for residential deliveries to apartment complexes where you don’t expect anybody home during regular UPS delivery hours. Gigasonic.com is NOT responsible for any loss or damage due to packages left at your doorstep by UPS drivers.
US POSTAL SERVICES (USPS):
We use USPS for shipping to APO/FPO, non-continental USA addresses, and international addresses.
We offer USPS Priority Mail, which should take 2-3 business days for domestic delivery. Shipping and delivery confirmation email is provided once a package is shipped and delivered with tracking numbers. Once received, you can use the tracking number to track a USPS package here.
All USPS shipments may be delayed one business day. USPS does deliver on Saturdays free of extra charge.
NON-CONTINENTAL USA ADDRESSES:
Yes, we ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands addresses, using USPS. Our online shipping calculation may be wrong for these addresses, and manual correction may be required.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
We do ship to all other countries/regions provided that the customer prepays the order, including all shipping expenses. See International Order for more details.
DROP SHIPPING:
To expedite the shipping, sometimes it is necessary to ship products directly from the manufacturer or our distributors to our customers. We call this type of shipping “drop shipping.” We treat these orders the same as our regular orders, providing tracking and service as per normal, however, the original shipping address may not be our own address.
WALK-IN CUSTOMERS:
Yes, we do allow customers to pick up their orders to save shipping costs. However, we strongly suggest customers place an order first to allow us time to prepare the order. That will save you time when you are waiting. Please allow at least two hours after placing an order and 3-4 hours on Mondays. You should select “Pick-up. No Shipping Charge” as the shipping method on your order.
Return Policy
30 Days Worry-Free Replacement Guarantee
We will make sure you are satisfied with your purchase at GigaSonic. Everything you buy from us will be backed by our 30 Days Worry-Free Replacement Guarantee. You may return the product for replacement or credits within 30 days of your purchase if the product does not meet your expectation.
All returned items must include a Return Authorization Number, be in the original packaging complete with the warranty card and owner’s manual, and show no signs of wear or abuse; Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges.
Refunds
Refunds on purchases made with a credit card will be posted to the original credit card used at the time of sale.
Refunds on purchase made with PayPal will be posted to your PayPal account used at the time of sale.
Products returned to Gigasonic.com without proof of delivery or RA number may result in forfeiture of your refund.
Open Box
An open box fee equal to 25% of the purchase price will be charged on any opened item unless the item is defective and exchanged for the exact same item. The 25% open box fee will be assessed at the time of refund or exchange. Merchandise is only exchanged for the same item. All items must be in the original undamaged manufacturer packaging they arrived in. Non-Opened Box Returns will be charged a 15% restocking fee.
*If free shipping was offered and you are returning an item, you may be asked to cover the original shipping cost.
Not available for Return
Opened Software, clearance items, Records, unrepairable items such as Microphones, Headphones, and In-Earphones may NOT be returned for a refund. These items can be exchanged only if the product is defective on arrival (DOA).
Gigasonic.com will not accept the return of any item if the UPC code has been removed from the packaging.
Products returned to Gigasonic.com without proof of delivery or RA number may result in forfeiture of your refund.
Defective Items
If you suspect an item you purchased from us is defective, please contact us. We will help you troubleshoot or may pass you to the manufacturers directly. They will determine what the problem is with the product. If the Technical Support Representative determines a defect with the product, we will need his name along with a description of the problem. You can then contact us for a Return Authorization Number. We will either get your product repaired or get you a replacement depending on the manufacturer’s policy.
*GigaSonic is only responsible for covering one-way shipping cost.
*Should you need a replacement fast you will have to make a deposit for the item. Once we receive the defective unit we will release the deposit.
Refused Items
Shipping fees will not be refunded if the shipment is refused at time of delivery.
Gigasonic.com welcomes your questions and comments about privacy. Please send e-mail to [email protected].