Refund policy

REFUND & RETURNS POLICY
Brighton Commerce

Last Updated: June 2026

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1. REFUND ELIGIBILITY & TIMELINE

1.1 Standard Return Window
All requests for refunds or returns must be initiated within 30 days of the original purchase date. Requests submitted after 30 days will not be accepted, regardless of reason.

1.2 Non-Returnable Items
The following items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE under all circumstances:
- Items opened, used, applied, or tested in any way
- Items with damaged, missing, or altered original packaging
- Items purchased during final sale or clearance events
- Digital products or downloadable content
- Customized or personalized items
- Perishable or consumable items (cosmetics, supplements, wellness products)
- Items without original proof of purchase

1.3 Opened/Used Products 
Any product that shows evidence of use, opening, application, or consumption is ineligible for refund. This includes but is not limited to: creams, serums, shampoos, supplements, topicals, or any product where the seal has been broken or contents partially consumed.

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2. VALID RETURN REASONS

2.1 Acceptable Grounds for Return
Returns are accepted ONLY for the following reasons, with proof:
- Defective or damaged product (arrived damaged, manufacturer defect evident)
- Wrong item shipped (verifiable error on our part)
- Item not as described in critical specifications (color, size, ingredient list mismatch)

2.2 Return Reason Verification
We reserve the right to inspect returned items and request photographic evidence to verify claims. Refunds will not be processed until items are received and inspected.

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3. RETURN PROCESS & SHIPPING

3.1 Return Authorization
Before returning any item, you must contact info@brightoncommerce.shop with:
- Order number
- Item(s) being returned
- Reason for return with photographic evidence

Unauthorized returns will not be accepted and may be refused at our discretion.

3.2 Return Shipping
- Customer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to our error (wrong item, defective product)
- Items must be returned in original, unused condition with all original packaging
- We recommend using tracked, insured shipping
- Risk of loss during return transit is the customer's responsibility

3.3 Return Address
[To be provided by customer upon approval—no blanket return address]

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4. REFUND PROCESSING

4.1 Timeline
Once a returned item is received and inspected:
- Inspection period: 5-7 business days
- Refund approval/denial notification: within 10 business days of inspection completion
- Refund issuance (if approved): 5-10 business days via original payment method
- Refund appearance in account: 5-10 business days (varies by bank)

Total estimated timeline: 25-35 business days

4.2 Refund Amount
- Full purchase price refund (minus original shipping) if return is due to our error
- 50% of purchase price refund (minus outbound and return shipping) for all other valid returns
- No refund of shipping costs for customer-initiated returns

4.3 Non-Refundable Shipping
Original shipping costs are non-refundable except in cases where the return is due to Brighton Commerce error (wrong item shipped, defective product).

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5. DAMAGE, LOSS & INSPECTION DISPUTES

5.1 Damaged Returns
Items received in damaged condition will not be refunded. Customer is responsible for proper packaging. We recommend purchasing shipping insurance.

5.2 Inspection Results
Our inspection of returned items is final. If inspection reveals the item has been used, opened, or damaged beyond manufacturer defect, the return will be denied.

5.3 Dispute Resolution
All refund decisions are final. Disputes regarding inspection results or eligibility will be resolved at our sole discretion. No appeals process exists beyond our initial determination.

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6. PAYMENT DISPUTES & CHARGEBACKS

6.1 Chargeback Policy
Initiating a chargeback, payment dispute, or reversal with your payment provider while a refund request is pending or under review is strictly prohibited. Doing so will:
- Automatically disqualify you from any refund
- Result in denial of current and future return requests
- May result in account suspension or blacklisting

6.2 Chargeback Cooperation
If a chargeback is filed after we have issued a refund, you authorize us to reclaim funds and suspend your account. You are responsible for all associated chargeback fees and legal costs.

6.3 Full Resolution Requirement
Customers must choose ONE path only:
- Direct refund request through Brighton Commerce, OR
- Chargeback/payment provider dispute (not both)

Pursuing both paths simultaneously will result in immediate refund denial and possible account restriction.

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7. EXCEPTIONS & DISCRETION

7.1 Brighton Commerce Authority
We reserve the right to:
- Deny refund requests at our sole discretion
- Refuse service to customers with a history of abuse, fraud, or false claims
- Request additional documentation, photos, or proof before processing
- Void this policy for accounts with suspicious activity patterns

7.2 Fraud Prevention
Patterns of behavior suggesting abuse (excessive returns, false damage claims, chargeback history) will result in permanent refund ineligibility and account suspension without notice.

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8. FINAL SALE ITEMS

Items marked "Final Sale" or "Clearance" are not returnable or refundable under any circumstances, including for defect or damage.

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9. CONTACT & CLAIMS

9.1 Return Requests
All return requests must be submitted to: info@brightoncommerce.shop
Subject line: "Return Request - [Order Number]"

Include:
- Order number
- Item name/SKU
- Reason for return
- Photos of item and packaging

9.2 Response Time
We will respond within 48 hours. Failure to receive a response does not authorize return shipment.

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10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

10.1 Our liability for any refund-related claim is limited to the original purchase price of the item.

10.2 We are not liable for:
- Delays in refund processing
- Loss or damage during customer's return shipment
- Inability to reach us via email (provide 48-hour response window)
- Third-party payment processor errors or delays

10.3 No Consequential Damages
Brighton Commerce is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including lost profits or business interruption.

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11. POLICY MODIFICATIONS

Brighton Commerce reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without notice. Modifications take effect immediately upon posting. Continued purchase after policy changes constitutes acceptance of new terms.

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12. GOVERNING TERMS

This refund policy is governed by the Terms & Conditions of Brighton Commerce. In the event of conflict, the more restrictive provision applies. All disputes arising from refunds are subject to binding arbitration, not litigation.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By making a purchase from Brighton Commerce, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Refund & Returns Policy in its entirety.

For questions: info@brightoncommerce.shop