REFUND AND RETURNS POLICY

Wave Outboard Riders – Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Section 1: Our Commitment to You

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At Wave Outboard Riders, we want you to be completely satisfied with your outboard motor purchase. We understand that buying a used outboard online — especially shipping across the country or internationally — requires trust.

This policy outlines your rights, our responsibilities, and exactly how returns and refunds work.

We comply with:

  • Google Merchant Center requirements (30-day return window, clear fee disclosure, accessible policy page)

  • US federal and state consumer protection laws

  • International return standards for our customers outside the USA

If you have any questions about this policy, contact us:

  • Email: support@waveoutboardriders.com

  • Phone: (510) 470-7899

  • Mail: 4901 Central Ave, Richmond, CA 94804, USA

Section 2: 30-Day Return Window (GMC Requirement)

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You Have 30 Days From Delivery to Initiate a Return

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Google Merchant Center requires a minimum 30-day return window for all products sold through Shopping ads and free listings . We exceed this requirement.

Return window: You have 30 calendar days from the date of delivery to notify us that you wish to return your outboard.

Example: If your outboard is delivered on March 15th, you must contact us by April 14th to initiate a return.

How to initiate a return:

  1. Email support@waveoutboardriders.com with your order number and reason for return

  2. Include photos of the outboard in its current condition

  3. We will respond within 24 hours with return authorization and shipping instructions

Returns initiated after 30 days will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We may offer store credit or a partial refund at our discretion.

Section 3: Conditions for Returns

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What We Accept and What We Don’t

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Google requires that return policies apply to both defective products AND general cases such as buyer’s remorse . We honor both.

Returns We Accept (Full Refund)

Situation A: Buyer’s Remorse (Changed Your Mind)

  • You have 30 days from delivery to return the outboard

  • Outboard must be in the same condition as when received

  • Outboard must not have been installed, run, or modified

  • Original packaging and included components must be present

  • Customer pays return shipping (see Section 5)

Situation B: Defective or Not As Described

  • You have 30 days from delivery to report the issue

  • We cover return shipping costs (see Section 5)

  • Full refund including original shipping charges

  • Includes: engine fails compression test, missing components not disclosed, undisclosed damage

Situation C: Wrong Item Shipped

  • You have 30 days from delivery to notify us

  • We cover return shipping and ship the correct item at no cost

  • Full refund if you prefer not to receive the correct item

Returns We Do NOT Accept

The following situations are not eligible for return or refund:

  • Outboard has been installed or run (fuel in the system, mounting bolts tightened, electrical connections made)

  • Outboard has been modified, disassembled, or repaired by a third party

  • Damage caused by improper installation, neglect, or accident after delivery

  • Cosmetic issues disclosed in the product listing (we photograph all flaws)

  • Return requested after 30-day window

  • Custom-ordered or special-order parts (non-stock items)

Non-Defective vs. Defective – What’s the Difference?

 
 
Condition Return Eligible? Who Pays Shipping? Restocking Fee?
Buyer’s remorse (changed mind) Yes, within 30 days Customer pays None
Outboard not as described Yes, within 30 days We pay None
Defective (compression, mechanical issues) Yes, within 30 days We pay None
Wrong item shipped Yes, within 30 days We pay None
Installed or run No N/A N/A
Damaged by customer No N/A N/A
After 30 days Case-by-case Customer pays May apply

Section 4: Restocking Fees

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We Do Not Charge Restocking Fees

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Google Merchant Center requires clear disclosure of any restocking fees .

Wave Outboard Riders charges ZERO restocking fees on all returned outboards.

The full purchase price (excluding return shipping for buyer’s remorse returns) will be refunded to your original payment method.

What this means for you: If you return an outboard within 30 days, you will not be charged a fee for us to restock it. You only pay for return shipping (if returning due to buyer’s remorse).

Section 5: Return Shipping Costs – Who Pays?

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Clear Disclosure of Shipping Responsibility

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Google requires merchants to clearly state who bears the cost of return shipping . Here is our policy:

 
 
Reason for Return Who Pays Return Shipping? Refund Includes Original Shipping?
Buyer’s remorse (changed mind) Customer pays No – original shipping not refunded
Defective or not as described We pay – we provide prepaid label Yes – full refund including original shipping
Wrong item shipped We pay – we provide prepaid label Yes – full refund including original shipping

For buyer’s remorse returns:

  • You arrange and pay for return shipping to our Richmond, CA address

  • We recommend using a tracked freight carrier (same as we used for delivery)

  • The outboard must be properly crated to prevent damage in transit

  • If the outboard arrives damaged due to improper packing, we may deduct repair costs from your refund

For defective or incorrect returns:

  • We will email you a prepaid return shipping label

  • Use the original packaging or equivalent crating

  • Drop off at the carrier’s location or schedule pickup

Section 6: Refund Processing Time

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When You Will Receive Your Money Back

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Google requires merchants to disclose refund processing timeframes .

Our timeline:

 
 
Step Timeframe
Return received at our shop Day 0
Inspection of returned outboard 1-3 business days
Refund processed Within 5 business days of inspection approval
Refund appears in your account 3-7 business days (depends on your bank/payment provider)

Total time from return delivery to refund in your account: 8-15 business days maximum.

Refund method: Refunds are issued to the original payment method used at checkout (credit card, PayPal, financing account).

Partial refunds: If the outboard is returned with damage not present at shipment, or missing components, we may issue a partial refund after deducting repair or replacement costs. We will notify you before processing any partial refund.

Section 7: International Returns (Outside USA)

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For Customers in Canada, Mexico, and Other Countries

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We ship outboards internationally on a case-by-case basis. Returns from outside the USA follow the same 30-day window but have additional considerations.

For international returns due to buyer’s remorse:

  • Customer pays all return shipping costs (often $300-$800 depending on destination)

  • Customer is responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or brokerage fees

  • Refund is issued in USD at the exchange rate on the date of refund

For international returns due to defect or error:

  • We pay return shipping costs up to the amount we paid to ship the outboard to you

  • Any additional shipping costs beyond that amount are customer’s responsibility

  • Customs duties and taxes paid at import are generally not refundable by us (contact your local customs office)

Important: International customers should contact us at support@waveoutboardriders.com before purchasing to confirm return shipping expectations for your specific country.

Section 8: Return Address

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Where to Send Returns

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Google requires a physical return address on all return policies .

Send all returns to:

Wave Outboard Riders – Returns Department
4901 Central Ave
Richmond, CA 94804
United States of America

Phone for return questions: (510) 470-7899

Important: Do not send returns without first obtaining a Return Authorization (RA) number from us. Returns sent without an RA number may experience delays in processing.

Section 9: How to Properly Pack a Return

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Preventing Damage During Return Shipping

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To ensure your refund is processed quickly and without deductions, please follow these packing guidelines:

  1. Use the original pallet and crate if you still have it

  2. Drain all fluids (fuel, lower unit oil) before shipping – carriers require this

  3. Remove the propeller and pack it separately in bubble wrap

  4. Wrap the cowling (engine cover) separately to prevent scratching

  5. Use heavy-duty ratchet straps to secure the engine to the pallet

  6. Wrap the entire assembly in stretch wrap to keep components together

If you no longer have the original crate: Contact us for crating instructions. Improperly packed returns that arrive damaged may be subject to a damage deduction from your refund.

Section 10: Exchanges

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Swapping for a Different Outboard

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We accept exchanges under the same 30-day window.

Exchange process:

  1. Initiate a return as described in Section 2

  2. Specify that you want an exchange, not a refund

  3. Return the original outboard (customer pays return shipping for exchanges due to buyer’s remorse)

  4. Once the returned outboard is received and inspected, we ship the exchange outboard

  5. You pay any price difference (or we refund the difference if the exchange is less expensive)

Exchange shipping costs:

  • Customer pays return shipping for the original outboard

  • We pay shipping for the exchange outboard to you

Section 11: Damaged in Transit

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What to Do If Your Outboard Arrives Damaged

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If your outboard arrives with visible damage to the crate or the engine itself:

  1. Note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing

  2. Take photos of the damage before unboxing

  3. Do not install or run the engine

  4. Contact us immediately at support@waveoutboardriders.com with your order number and photos

We will file a claim with the freight carrier on your behalf. You will not be left with a damaged engine.

If you sign for delivery without noting damage, the carrier may deny the claim. Always inspect before signing.

Section 12: Warranty Returns vs. Standard Returns

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*12-Month Warranty Claims Are Handled Separately*

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If your outboard develops a mechanical issue after 30 days but within our 12-month warranty period, this is a warranty claim, not a standard return.

For warranty claims:

  • See our full Warranty Policy for details

  • Contact support@waveoutboardriders.com with “Warranty Claim” in the subject line

  • We will arrange diagnosis, repair, or replacement at our shop

  • Return shipping for warranty service is covered by us

This Returns Policy applies only to the first 30 days after delivery. After 30 days, the Warranty Policy governs.

Section 13: Cancellations

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Changing Your Mind Before Shipment

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Before the outboard ships:

  • You may cancel your order for a full refund at any time before the outboard is crated and labeled for shipment

  • Contact us immediately at support@waveoutboardriders.com or (510) 470-7899

After the outboard ships:

  • You cannot cancel once the outboard is with the carrier

  • You must receive the outboard, then initiate a standard return (see Section 2)

  • You will be responsible for return shipping costs (buyer’s remorse)

Section 14: Non-Returnable Items

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Products That Cannot Be Returned

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The following items are not eligible for return:

  • Parts and accessories that have been installed or opened from original packaging

  • Custom-ordered parts (non-stock items ordered specifically for you)

  • Gift cards

  • Outboards with installed or run status (fuel in system, mounting bolts tightened)

  • Clearance or final sale items (explicitly marked on product page)

Section 15: California and USA Consumer Rights

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Your Rights Under State and Federal Law

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As a California-based business, we comply with all applicable state and federal consumer protection laws.

California Civil Code § 1723 – Our 30-day return policy meets or exceeds California’s requirements for online retail returns.

Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act – Our 12-month warranty (separate policy) complies with federal warranty standards.

No waiver of rights: Nothing in this policy waives your rights under applicable consumer protection laws. Where state or federal law requires different terms, the law governs.

Section 16: Policy Updates and Changes

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We May Update This Policy

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We reserve the right to update this Return and Refund Policy at any time. Changes take effect immediately upon posting to this page.

For products purchased before a policy change: The policy in effect at the time of your purchase applies.

Last updated: January 15, 2026

Section 17: Contact Us With Questions

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We’re Here to Help

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If you have any questions about this policy, need to initiate a return, or want to check the status of a return, contact us:

Email (fastest): support@waveoutboardriders.com

Phone: (510) 470-7899

Mail: Wave Outboard Riders – Customer Service, 4901 Central Ave, Richmond, CA 94804, USA

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm PT, Saturday 9am-2pm PT

When contacting us about a return, please have ready:

  • Your order number

  • Date of delivery

  • Photos of the outboard (if applicable)

  • Brief description of the reason for return