Refund & Returns Policy

Short Chain Labs
Website: www.ShortChainLabs.com
Effective Date: 5/1/2026

1. Overview

This Refund & Returns Policy explains when and how Short Chain Labs (“Short Chain Labs,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) will accept returns and issue refunds for orders placed through www.ShortChainLabs.com. All products are Research Use Only (RUO) and not for human or animal consumption; because of their research‑grade and sensitive nature, our return and refund options are intentionally limited to protect product integrity and compliance.

By placing an order, you agree that all sales are subject to this Policy in addition to our Terms and Conditions.

2. General Policy – All Sales Are Final (With Limited Exceptions)

Due to the nature of research chemicals and peptides:

  • All sales are generally final.
  • We do not accept returns or provide refunds for:
    • Buyer’s remorse or change of mind
    • Dissatisfaction with subjective expectations (e.g., appearance, label style)
    • Claims inconsistent with the Research Use Only designation (e.g., personal “results” or “effects”)

Limited exceptions may apply only in the specific situations described below (e.g., damaged, defective, or incorrect products).

3. Exceptions – Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Products

Short Chain Labs may, in its discretion, offer a refund or replacement only if one of the following occurs:

  • The product arrives physically damaged (e.g., broken vial, leakage).
  • The product appears defective (e.g., compromised seal, contamination concerns).
  • You receive an item that is materially different from what you ordered (e.g., wrong product, incorrect concentration or volume).

To be considered for a refund or replacement under this section, you must:

  1. Notify us promptly:
    • Contact us within 24–48 hours of confirmed delivery, using the contact details on our website.
  2. Provide clear evidence:
    • Include clear photo and/or video evidence showing the damage, defect, or incorrect item, along with your order number.
  3. Preserve the product and packaging:
    • Do not discard the product, vial, or packaging until we confirm whether a return is required.

If your claim is approved, we may, at our option:

  • Issue a replacement of the same item (subject to availability), or
  • Issue a refund to the original payment method, or
  • Offer another resolution deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

4. Return Eligibility Requirements

Where we authorize a physical return of product, the following conditions must be met:

  • Items must be unopened, unused, and in original, sealed condition, except where the defect or damage itself involves the seal or container.
  • All original packaging, labels, and inserts must be included.
  • The return must be initiated and shipped back within the timeframe stated in our instructions (typically within 7–14 days of delivery, depending on the situation and product).
  • Products that have been opened, tampered with, reconstituted, used, or otherwise altered are ineligible for return.

Certain items may be designated as non‑returnable under all circumstances, such as:

  • Custom or special‑order materials
  • Items requiring strict temperature control, where return cannot ensure product integrity
  • Clearance or final sale items

If a return is authorized, you must follow the shipping instructions we provide. Unauthorized returns may be refused or discarded without credit.

5. Return Shipping Costs

If we determine that a return is due to our error (e.g., wrong item sent) or a verified product defect or damage:

  • Short Chain Labs may provide a prepaid return label or otherwise cover reasonable return shipping costs.

If a return is approved as a courtesy or for reasons other than our error (where allowed):

  • You may be responsible for all return shipping costs, and
  • We may require that you use a trackable shipping method for the return.

We are not responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit; refunds or replacements will only be processed after the returned item is received and inspected, where a physical return is required.

6. Orders Not Yet Shipped

In some cases, if your order has not yet shipped, you may request cancellation:

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted as soon as possible after order placement, preferably within 1 hour.
  • If the order has not entered the shipping or fulfillment process, we may cancel it and issue a full refund of the product and shipping charges.
  • Once an order has been processed for shipment or handed off to the carrier, it is generally no longer eligible for cancellation and will be treated as a regular order under this Policy.

Approval of pre‑shipment cancellations is not guaranteed and depends on timing and operational status.

7. Refund Method and Processing Time

When a refund is approved:

  • Refunds are generally issued to the original method of payment only; we do not issue cash refunds for card purchases or vice versa.
  • After approval and, if applicable, receipt and inspection of returned items, we typically process refunds within 3–10 business days.
  • Your bank or payment provider may require additional time to post the credit to your account.

Short Chain Labs is not responsible for delays caused by your bank, card issuer, or payment service.

8. Non‑Refundable and Non‑Returnable Situations

To protect research integrity, regulatory compliance, and product safety, Short Chain Labs will not issue refunds or accept returns in the following circumstances:

  • Products that have been opened, unsealed, reconstituted, or used in any way.
  • Products showing signs of tampering, misuse, or improper handling or storage.
  • Claims submitted outside the required reporting window (e.g., more than 24–48 hours after delivery for damage/incorrect items, or beyond any stated return window).
  • Returns initiated after the timeframe specified in our instructions (e.g., more than 7–14 days after delivery, depending on product and situation).
  • Buyer’s remorse, preference changes, or regret about ordering research materials.
  • Situations where the product has been used or is alleged to have been used for human or animal consumption or administration, contrary to our Research Use Only policies.
  • Products purchased from unauthorized resellers or third‑party marketplaces.

Short Chain Labs reserves the right to determine return and refund eligibility in its sole discretion, consistent with this Policy and applicable law.

9. Fraud, Abuse, and Policy Misuse

We monitor for patterns of activity that may indicate fraud, abuse, or attempts to misuse our refund policy, such as:

  • Repeated claims of damage or non‑delivery
  • Inconsistent photos or documentation
  • Requests that appear to conflict with our RUO usage restrictions

Short Chain Labs reserves the right to:

  • Refuse returns or refunds suspected of fraud or abuse.
  • Limit or terminate the ability of specific customers to place future orders.
  • Report suspicious activity to payment processors, financial institutions, or appropriate authorities, where warranted.

10. Relationship to Research Use Only (RUO) and Compliance Policies

All Short Chain Labs products are sold for Research Use Only, not for human or animal consumption. This Refund Policy does not create or imply any guarantee of “results” or outcomes for research or other uses.

  • Refunds are not provided based on subjective assessments of research outcomes or because results do not meet expectations.
  • Claims based on experiential or off‑label use (e.g., personal “effects”) are inconsistent with our policies and do not provide a basis for refunds.

Any misuse of products, including use inconsistent with RUO labeling, is at the customer’s own risk and outside the scope of any refund rights.

11. Changes to This Refund Policy

Short Chain Labs may update this Refund & Returns Policy from time to time to reflect changes in business operations, legal requirements, or industry practices.

  • The “Effective Date” at the top of this page indicates when the Policy was last revised.
  • Material changes may be communicated via our website or other reasonable means.

Your continued purchasing after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

12. Contact Information

If you believe your order qualifies for a refund or replacement under this Policy, or if you have questions:

Short Chain Labs
Website: www.ShortChainLabs.com

Please include your order number, detailed description of the issue, and any supporting photos or videos so we can review your request efficiently.