MEP Central Return Policy

Effective Date: 01/01/2025
Last Updated: 10/01/2025

Overview

MEP Central is a multi-vendor marketplace connecting buyers with independent mechanical, electrical, and plumbing suppliers. Each supplier on our platform maintains their own inventory and is solely responsible for processing returns, issuing refunds, and handling customer service related to their products.

This return policy establishes the general framework and minimum standards that all MEP Central suppliers must follow. Individual suppliers may have additional specific policies that will be clearly communicated on their product listings and order confirmations.

General Return Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for return, ALL of the following conditions must be met:

1. Time Limit

Returns must be initiated within 30 calendar days of the delivery date. Returns requested after 30 days from delivery will not be accepted under any circumstances.

2. Packaging and Condition Requirements

Products must be in their original, unopened, and undamaged packaging to be eligible for return.

Specifically, returned items must:

Remain in the original manufacturer's packaging with all seals intact
Include all original materials, manuals, accessories, and components
Show no signs of installation, use, or attempted installation
Have all manufacturer labels, tags, and identification intact
Be free from damage, modifications, or alteration

Items that have been removed from packaging, opened, installed, or used in any way are NOT eligible for return.

3. Proof of Purchase

A valid MEP Central order number and receipt must be provided to initiate any return.

Non-Returnable Items

The following items are NOT eligible for return under any circumstances:

Special Order & Custom Items

Custom-fabricated ductwork or sheet metal products
Special-ordered equipment or components not regularly stocked
Custom-configured HVAC systems or packages
Cut-to-length materials (copper tubing, refrigerant lines, duct pipe, etc.)
Any item ordered to customer specifications

Consumables & Chemicals

Refrigerants (R-410A, R-32, R-22, NU-22, or any other refrigerant gases)
Sealants, adhesives, caulks, and expanding foams
Chemicals, coil cleaners, treatments, and lubricants
Vacuum pump oil and compressor oil
Paints and primers
Pipe dope, thread sealant, and flux

Electrical Components & Safety Items

Opened electrical components (contactors, capacitors, transformers, relays)
Wire and cable that has been cut or removed from the spool
Fuses and circuit breakers removed from packaging
Safety equipment (masks, gloves, coveralls, safety glasses)
Thermostats that have been mounted or wired

Hygienic & Filtration Products

Air filters and media filters removed from packaging
Indoor air quality products once installed or used
HEPA filters and UV bulbs removed from packaging

Cut or Modified Materials

Ductwork that has been cut, modified, or fabricated
Sheet metal that has been cut or formed
Pipe or tubing that has been cut to length
Insulation that has been cut or opened
Any material altered from its original manufactured form

Clearance & Discontinued Items

Items marked as "Clearance," "Final Sale," or "As-Is"
Discontinued products or close-out merchandise
Open-box or refurbished items

Installed or Registered Equipment

Equipment that has been installed, commissioned, or connected to utilities
Products with activated or registered warranties
Equipment showing evidence of refrigerant charging or system connection

Exceptions: Defective Products & Shipping Errors

The following situations are exceptions to the standard return policy:

Defective or Damaged Products

If you receive a product that is defective or damaged during shipping:

Contact the supplier immediately upon delivery (within 48 hours recommended)
Document the damage with photographs
Do not attempt to install or use the defective product
The supplier will arrange for replacement or return at no cost to you
Supplier warranties and manufacturer warranties apply to defective equipment

Incorrect Items Shipped

If you receive an incorrect item that does not match your order:

Contact the supplier within 5 business days of delivery
Provide your order number and photos of the item received
Keep the item in its original packaging
The supplier will arrange for return pickup and ship the correct item at no additional cost

Note: Buyer's remorse or ordering the wrong item does not constitute a shipping error.

Return Process

Step 1: Contact the Supplier

Returns must be initiated by contacting the supplier directly through your MEP Central account
Navigate to "My Orders," select the order, and click "Request Return"
Provide your order number, item details, and reason for return
Suppliers will respond within 2-business days regarding return authorization

Step 2: Return Authorization (RMA)

If your return is approved, the supplier will issue a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
Do not ship any items without an RMA number – unauthorized returns will be refused
Follow all instructions provided by the supplier regarding packaging and shipping

Step 3: Ship the Return

Package the item securely in its original packaging
Clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of the box
Ship the item to the address provided by the supplier
Retain your shipping tracking number
Customer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective or incorrectly shipped

Step 4: Inspection & Refund

The supplier will inspect the returned item upon receipt
If the return meets all eligibility requirements, a refund will be processed
Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 7-10 business days after approval
You will receive email confirmation once your refund has been processed

Restocking Fees

Suppliers may assess a restocking fee on eligible returns:

Standard restocking fee: 15-25% of the purchase price
The specific restocking fee will be communicated when your return is authorized
No restocking fees apply to defective products or shipping errors

Shipping Costs & Responsibilities

Return Shipping

Customer is responsible for return shipping costs on standard returns
Return shipping is free for defective items or supplier errors
Customers must use a trackable shipping method
Risk of loss or damage during return shipping is the customer's responsibility until the supplier receives the item

Original Shipping Costs

Original outbound shipping charges are non-refundable except in cases of defective products or supplier errors
If you received free shipping on your original order, the actual shipping cost may be deducted from your refund

Refund Processing

Refund Timeline

Refunds are processed within 7-10 business days after the supplier receives and inspects the returned item
Additional processing time may be required by your financial institution
Refunds are issued to the original payment method only

Refund Amount

Your refund will include:

Product purchase price (minus any applicable restocking fees)
Original shipping costs (only if the return is due to defect or supplier error)

Your refund will NOT include:

Return shipping costs
Original shipping costs (unless return is due to defect or supplier error)
Installation costs or labor charges
Any damages or fees resulting from improper use or installation attempts

Supplier Responsibility & Platform Role

Supplier Obligations

Each supplier on the MEP Central platform is solely responsible for:

Reviewing and approving/denying return requests
Issuing RMA numbers and return instructions
Inspecting returned items
Processing refunds and credits
Handling all customer communication regarding returns
Maintaining adequate inventory for exchanges
Complying with applicable laws and regulations

MEP Central Platform Role

MEP Central serves as the marketplace platform and:

Facilitates communication between buyers and suppliers
Provides the technology infrastructure for processing returns
Establishes minimum return policy standards
May mediate disputes between buyers and suppliers
Does NOT handle physical returns or process refunds directly

Dispute Resolution

If you have a dispute with a supplier regarding a return:

First, attempt to resolve the issue directly with the supplier
If unresolved, contact MEP Central Support through your account
Provide documentation including order number, photos, and communication history
MEP Central will review the situation and may mediate between parties
MEP Central's decision in disputes will be final

Professional Contractor & Business Accounts

Business accounts may have different return terms negotiated directly with suppliers:

Some suppliers offer extended return windows for established contractor accounts
Volume purchasers may receive reduced or waived restocking fees
Project-based returns may be handled with special accommodation
Contact your account representative to discuss business-specific return terms

Warranties

Manufacturer Warranties

Manufacturer warranties are separate from this return policy
Many products include manufacturer warranties covering defects for specified periods
Warranty claims must be submitted directly to the manufacturer according to their terms
Warranty information is included with product documentation

Supplier Warranties

Some suppliers may offer additional warranties beyond manufacturer coverage
Supplier warranty information will be clearly stated on product listings
Extended warranty options may be available at time of purchase

Important Notes for MEP Equipment

HVAC Equipment Considerations

Refrigerant Systems: Any equipment showing evidence of refrigerant charging, vacuum testing, or line set connection is considered installed and non-returnable
Commissioning: Equipment that has been commissioned or had controls programmed is non-returnable
Electrical Connections: Equipment with electrical connections made (beyond test fitting) is considered installed

Compatibility & Application

Customers are responsible for verifying equipment compatibility with their application
Review specifications carefully before purchase
Consult with licensed professionals regarding proper equipment selection
Returns will not be accepted due to improper equipment selection or sizing errors

Code Compliance

Customers are responsible for ensuring products meet local building codes and regulations
Products cannot be returned due to local code restrictions discovered after purchase

State-Specific Regulations

This return policy complies with applicable state and federal regulations. Customers in certain states may have additional protections under state consumer protection laws. Nothing in this policy limits or waives rights provided by applicable law.

Policy Updates

MEP Central reserves the right to update this return policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the MEP Central website. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when the most recent changes were made. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

For Return Questions or Assistance:

Access your order: Log into your MEP Central account at [website]
Contact supplier: Use the "Request Return" function in your order history
Platform support: support@mepcentral.com
Phone support: [Phone Number] (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT)

Mailing Returns:

Do not send returns to MEP Central. All returns must be sent to the individual supplier's address as provided in your RMA authorization.

Summary of Key Points

✓ 30-day return window from delivery date
✓ Original, unopened packaging required – no opened or used items
✓ Each supplier handles their own returns – contact them directly through your account
✓ Restocking fees apply – typically 15-25%
✓ Many items are non-returnable – refrigerants, chemicals, cut materials, special orders, etc.
✓ Defective items are covered – contact supplier immediately
✓ RMA number required – do not ship without authorization

By making a purchase on MEP Central, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Return Policy.

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