FAQs ▸ Returns
Quick answers to common questions about returns, refunds, and return shipping on ShopEarl
How do I start a return on ShopEarl?
Go to your Orders page, find your order, and select "Return Item." Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery for any unrestricted part in the same condition as received. Some parts (i.e. airbags and seat belts) are covered by the Restricted Parts Policy and cannot be returned. If you need help, contact our support team after submitting your return request.
Read more: How to Start a Return
How do I contact support about a return?
All returns start online — go to your Orders page, find your order, and select "Return Item." If the seller doesn't respond within 3 business days, contact our support team by phone or email, and we'll step in on your behalf to ensure the return doesn't stall.
Read more: How to Start a Return
Can I exchange a part instead of returning it?
Exchanges are not guaranteed on ShopEarl due to the unique nature of many of our parts. To get a different part, return the original and place a new order.
Read more: How to Start a Return
What is ShopEarl's return policy?
ShopEarl accepts returns within 30 days of delivery. The part must be in the same condition as received — not installed, altered, or damaged after delivery. Some parts (i.e. airbags and seat belts) fall under our Restricted Parts Policy and cannot be returned.
Can I return a part I already installed?
Parts that have been installed or altered cannot be returned unless the seller agrees. A partial refund may be possible in some cases. Contact our support team to discuss your situation.
Can I return a part after 30 days?
Returns are not guaranteed after 30 days. Some sellers may accept late returns at their discretion. Contact us and we will reach out to the seller on your behalf.
Where is my return label?
After your return is initiated, the seller will provide a return label, a return address, or a BOL (for freight). Check your email (including spam) and your order page for details. If it's been more than 3 business days since you initiated your return, contact us.
Read more: I Haven't Received My Return Label
Should I ship the part back before I get the return label?
No. Do not ship the part back until you have received the return label or return address from the seller. Shipping without authorization may affect your refund.
Read more: I Haven't Received My Return Label
How long do I have to ship the part back after I receive the return label?
You have 15 days from the date the return label is issued to ship the part back. If the part is not shipped within 15 days, the return may be closed. Make sure to hold on to your tracking number as proof of shipment.
Read more: I Haven't Received My Return Label
How long does it take to get a refund on ShopEarl?
After the seller receives your return, they have 3 business days to inspect and issue your refund (10 business days for engines, transmissions, and control modules). Bank processing adds up to 10 days after that.
Read more: When Will I Get My Refund?
Where is my refund? It's been a while since I returned the part.
Check your order page for the latest refund status. Remember that after the seller issues the refund, bank processing can take up to an additional 10 days. If the expected timeline has passed, contact us with your order number.
Read more: When Will I Get My Refund?
Can I get my refund sent to a different payment method?
No. Refunds are always issued to the original payment method used for the purchase. We are unable to send refunds to a different card, bank account, or payment method. If the original payment method is no longer available — for example, a card or account that has since closed — you will need to contact your bank or card issuer to recover the funds. ShopEarl cannot redirect a refund to a different method.
Read more: When Will I Get My Refund?
Will I get a full refund for my return?
It depends on the reason. If the part was damaged or defective on arrival, you receive a full refund and the seller covers return shipping. If you received the wrong part or the part doesn't fit, this requires a verification process — our team reviews the listing and your order to determine whether the seller was at fault (full refund, seller covers shipping) or whether the part matched the listing but wasn't what you needed (full part price refunded minus return shipping cost). If you changed your mind, ordered the wrong part, or no longer need it, you receive the full part price minus the return shipping cost. No restocking fees in any case. However, if the part is returned in a different condition than it was sold — for example, showing signs of installation or alteration — the seller may issue a partial refund to account for the change in condition.
Read more: When Will I Get My Refund?
I think I received the wrong part. What should I do?
Start a return through your Orders page. In most cases, the listing was accurate but the part wasn't what you expected — that's a standard return and the buyer pays return shipping. If the seller genuinely shipped a different part than what was listed, that's a fault-based return — the seller pays shipping and you get a full refund. The seller has 3 business days to review your request.
Read more: The Part I Received Doesn't Seem Right
The listing was accurate but the part isn't what I needed. Is that the same as receiving the wrong part?
No. If the listing accurately described the part but it's not what you needed, that's a standard return — you pay return shipping (deducted from your refund). "Wrong part" only applies when the seller shipped a different part than what was shown in the listing.
Read more: The Part I Received Doesn't Seem Right
What should I do if my part arrived damaged?
Take photos of the damage right away. Then start a return through your Orders page and select "damaged or defective." The seller covers return shipping and you get a full refund. Note: the seller may need to validate the damage claim before approving the return.
Read more: My Part Arrived Damaged
My used part has some wear on it. Is that considered damage?
Used parts are expected to show signs of prior use — that's normal. Damage refers to issues that occurred during shipping or defects that weren't shown in the listing. If you're unsure, contact us.
Read more: My Part Arrived Damaged
Do I have to pay for return shipping?
It depends on the reason. If the seller shipped the wrong part or it was damaged/defective, the seller pays. If you changed your mind, ordered the wrong part, the part doesn't fit, or you no longer need it, you pay return shipping (deducted from your refund). No restocking fees either way. Note: restocking fees and partial refunds are different — ShopEarl never charges a restocking fee, but a partial refund may apply if the part is returned in a different condition than it was sold.
Read more: Return Shipping: Who Pays?
The part doesn't fit my vehicle. Who pays for return shipping?
It depends on why the part doesn't fit. In most cases, the listing was accurate but the part wasn't the right match for your vehicle — for example, your vehicle uses a different version of the part due to trim level, engine option, or production date. In that case, it's a standard return and the buyer pays return shipping (deducted from your refund). However, if the seller confirmed fitment through VIN verification and the part genuinely doesn't fit, or if the part is materially different from what was listed, the seller covers return shipping. Contact our support team if you're unsure which applies.
Read more: Return Shipping: Who Pays?
Does ShopEarl charge restocking fees?
No. ShopEarl does not allow restocking fees — a flat charge simply for returning an item is never permitted. However, a partial refund may apply if the part is returned in a different condition than it was sold. For example, if a part shows signs of installation or alteration, the seller may issue a partial refund to account for the change in condition. This is not a restocking fee — it reflects the actual difference in the part's condition.
Read more: Return Shipping: Who Pays?
The seller denied my return. What can I do?
Contact ShopEarl's support team with your order number and any photos or documentation that support your case. Our team will review the situation and can override the denial if it doesn't align with our marketplace policies.
Read more: The Seller Denied My Return — What Are My Options?
The seller hasn't responded to my return request. What should I do?
Sellers have 3 business days to respond to return requests. If they haven't responded within that window, contact us and we can step in on your behalf — including auto-accepting the return if needed.
Read more: The Seller Denied My Return — What Are My Options?
What happens if I refuse delivery of my part?
It depends on how your order ships. If it ships by small parcel (UPS, FedEx, etc.), do not refuse delivery — accept the package and start a return (refusing a small-parcel delivery charges you both the outbound and the return shipping cost). If it ships by LTL freight, only refuse delivery if the item is damaged on arrival or if ShopEarl or the seller instructed you to; otherwise you will be charged both the original outbound shipping cost and the return shipping cost. Either way, refusing delivery does not automatically trigger a refund. You or our team will need to open a return to process it.
Read more: What Happens If I Refuse Delivery?
Does refusing delivery automatically trigger a refund?
No. Refusing delivery does not automatically trigger a refund. You must open a return through your Orders page so the seller can process it. Once the return is opened, standard refund timelines apply.
Read more: What Happens If I Refuse Delivery?
My package was returned because I entered the wrong address. What happens?
It's handled as a standard return — the return shipping cost is deducted from your refund, with no restocking fee. Double-check your address at checkout to avoid this.
Read more: Return Shipping: Who Pays?
Can I return a restricted part?
No. Restricted parts such as airbags and seat belts are regulated as hazardous materials (HazMat), and it is against federal law to ship them back through normal channels — so all sales are final after shipment and no returns or refunds are accepted. If you need to cancel an order for a restricted part, cancellations may be possible before the part has shipped. However, if you believe you received the wrong restricted part (a part different from what was listed), contact ShopEarl support so we can investigate.
Read more: Restricted Parts: What Buyers Need to Know
What parts are restricted on ShopEarl?
On ShopEarl, the restricted parts are airbags and seat belts. The Restricted Parts Policy also covers batteries and other safety-critical components, though those are not sold on the platform today. If a part is restricted, this is noted on the listing page at the time of purchase. For more details, see the full Restricted Parts Policy.
Read more: Restricted Parts: What Buyers Need to Know