Legal
Returns & RMA Policy
The written return process for shortage, obsolete and hard-to-find components — what qualifies, what does not, and who pays.
Last updated: October 2026
Schontek Inc. accepts returns on non-conforming, defective and transit-damaged parts. Request an RMA within 30 days of delivery by emailing Sales@schontek.com with your order number, part number, quantity and a description of the issue; ship the parts back within 14 days of RMA approval. Return shipping on a confirmed defect or a wrong part is covered by us, and approved refunds are processed within 7 business days of receipt and inspection.
A written RMA process is one of the controls buyers use to separate an independent distributor from a broker. Our receiving-inspection and traceability practice is described on the quality page and the AS6081 counterfeit-avoidance page.
Do you accept returns on shortage and obsolete parts?
Yes — for non-conforming, defective and transit-damaged parts, within 30 days of delivery and with an RMA number issued before shipment.
Returns are accepted under the following conditions:
- Non-conforming parts: parts that do not match the description in the purchase order (wrong part number, manufacturer, or specifications).
- Defective parts: parts that fail functional testing upon receipt.
- Shipping damage: parts damaged during transit — report within 3 business days with photographic evidence.
How do I start an RMA?
Email Sales@schontek.com with your order number, part number, quantity and a description of the issue. We issue the RMA number before you ship anything back.
- All returns require a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number issued by Schontek Inc. before shipment.
- Returns without an RMA number will not be accepted and may be returned to sender at your expense.
- Parts must be returned within 14 days of RMA approval.
- Parts must be in original, unopened packaging unless the return is for a confirmed defect.
What cannot be returned?
Custom-sourced or special-order items, parts altered by the buyer, and requests made after the 30-day window.
- Custom-sourced or special-order items (non-cancellable, non-returnable unless defective).
- Parts that have been soldered, modified, or otherwise altered by the buyer.
- Parts returned beyond the 30-day window.
Who pays return shipping?
We cover it for confirmed defects and wrong parts; the buyer covers it for non-qualifying returns.
- Return shipping costs for confirmed defects or wrong parts are covered by Schontek Inc.
- Return shipping for non-qualifying returns is the responsibility of the buyer.
- All returns must be shipped with tracking and insurance.
What happens after the parts come back?
We inspect the return and apply the resolution below. Approved refunds are processed within 7 business days of receipt and inspection, to the original payment method.
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Wrong part shipped | Full replacement at no additional cost |
| Defective part (verified) | Replacement or full refund (buyer’s choice) |
| Shipping damage (carrier-attributed) | Assistance with carrier claim; partial credit at Company discretion |
What if I suspect a part is not authentic?
Tell us before you install it. A part that does not match the purchase-order description is returnable under this policy, and we keep lot-level traceability records for what we shipped.
Our incoming inspection includes decapsulation where source risk and part construction warrant it, and we keep lot-level traceability records. X-ray, XRF and electrical testing are arranged through accredited third-party laboratories when the application requires them. The controls and their limits are described in full on the AS6081 counterfeit-avoidance page.
Who do I contact?
Email Sales@schontek.com with your order number — that is the address the RMA number is issued from. Sales@schontek.com
Primary Sources
- SAE AS6081 Avoidance, detection, mitigation and disposition of fraudulent/counterfeit electronic parts — the disposition half is what an RMA process implements (SAE International)
Links above go to the standards bodies that publish these specifications and to each manufacturer's official site.