Return & Exchange Policy

At ridechico.com (operated by Lin & Co., LLC), we want you to love your new bicycle or cycling gear. This comprehensive Return & Exchange Policy outlines our guidelines for returns, exchanges, refunds, and warranty claims—designed to be fair, transparent, and tailored to the unique needs of bicycle purchases. We prioritize your satisfaction while ensuring the safety and quality of our products.

1. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a return or exchange, items must meet the following criteria:

1.1 General Eligibility (All Products)

• Return Window: 30 days from the date of delivery (for unused, unassembled bicycles and unopened accessories).
• Exchange Window: 15 days from the date of delivery (for defective, damaged, or incorrect items) or 30 days (for size/model changes on unused products).
• Condition:
  • Bicycles: Must be unused, unassembled, and in original packaging (box, foam padding, manuals, tools, and all components included). No scratches, dents, or signs of wear on frames, components, or finish.
  • Accessories (helmets, locks, tools, etc.): Must be unopened, unused, and in original packaging (hygiene and safety standards prohibit returns of opened/used accessories like helmets).
  • E-Bikes: Battery must be unused (no charge cycles) and included with all original charging equipment.

1.2 Defective/Damaged/Incorrect Items

• Defective Products: Items with manufacturing defects (e.g., frame cracks, faulty gears, broken brakes, non-functional e-bike motors) are eligible for exchange or refund within 15 days of delivery. Proof of defect (photos/videos) is required.
• Damaged in Transit: If your bike arrives damaged (e.g., bent frame, crushed components), notify us within 48 hours of delivery (see Section 4 for details).
• Incorrect Items: If we ship the wrong size, model, or color, we’ll cover all costs for exchange or refund (including return shipping and replacement delivery).

1.3 Ineligible Items

Returns/exchanges are not accepted for:

• Used, assembled, or modified bicycles (even if unused but assembled—safety inspections cannot verify proper reassembly).
• Items with signs of wear, misuse, neglect, or damage from improper assembly/maintenance.
• Custom-ordered products (e.g., personalized frames, custom paint jobs, bulk orders with custom specifications).
• Opened/used accessories (helmets, gloves, padded shorts—hygiene/safety reasons).
• Items outside the 30-day return/15-day exchange window.
• Gift cards (non-refundable, non-exchangeable).

2. Return & Exchange Process

Follow these steps to initiate a return or exchange:

2.1 Step 1: Submit a Request

• Email us at vabivivi30@gmail.com with the following information:
  • Your full name, order number, and delivery address.
  • Product details (bike model, size, color, or accessory name).
  • Reason for return/exchange (e.g., “wrong size,” “defective frame,” “changed mind”).
  • Supporting evidence: Clear photos/videos of defects, damage, or incorrect items (required for defective/damaged claims).

2.2 Step 2: Receive Approval & Return Authorization (RA)

• We review requests within 2 business days. Approved requests will receive a Return Authorization (RA) number and return address:
  
  
  Lin & Co., LLC
  
  
  41 Magnolia Ave E, Mc Henry, MS 39561
• Write the RA number clearly on the outside of the package (packages without an RA number will be refused).

2.3 Step 3: Ship the Item Back

• Pack the item securely using the original packaging (if possible) or equivalent heavy-duty packaging (bicycles require reinforced boxes with foam padding to prevent transit damage).
• Include all original components (frames, wheels, tools, manuals, e-bike batteries/chargers, accessories). Missing parts may result in reduced refunds or rejected returns.
• Use a tracked, insured shipping service (we recommend UPS or FedEx) for bicycles—we are not liable for lost or damaged returns.
• Ship the item within 7 days of receiving the RA number (delays may affect eligibility).

2.4 Step 4: Inspection & Finalization

• Our team inspects returned items within 3–5 business days of receipt to verify eligibility (condition, defect validity, packaging).
  • Approved Returns: Refunds are processed via your original payment method (Shopify Payments, PayPal, etc.) within 3–5 business days. Refunds include the full purchase price (minus restocking fees, if applicable).
  • Approved Exchanges: We ship the replacement item within 48 hours of inspection (standard shipping is free; expedited shipping is available for an additional fee).
  • Rejected Returns: If the item is ineligible (e.g., used, missing parts), we will notify you and return the item to you at your expense.

3. Fees & Shipping Costs

3.1 Return Shipping Costs

• Defective/Damaged/Incorrect Items: We cover all return shipping costs (reimburse up to $100 for bicycles, $20 for accessories) upon receipt of a valid shipping receipt.
• Personal Reasons (e.g., wrong size, changed mind): You pay return shipping. We recommend insuring the shipment (bicycles are high-value items).
• International Returns: Not applicable—we only ship to the US (see Shipping Policy).

3.2 Restocking Fees

• Bicycles: A 10% restocking fee applies to non-defective returns (covers inspection, repackaging, and restocking costs). No restocking fee for defective/incorrect items.
• Accessories: A 5% restocking fee applies to unopened, non-defective accessory returns (no fee for defective/incorrect accessories).
• E-Bikes: A 15% restocking fee applies to non-defective e-bike returns (due to higher shipping and inspection costs).

3.3 Refund Deductions

• Refunds may be reduced if:
  • Items are returned without original packaging or missing parts (deduction based on replacement cost of parts).
  • Bicycles show minor damage from improper packaging during return shipping.

4. Damaged in Transit Claims

If your bike arrives damaged:

1. Inspect Immediately: Check the package and bike for damage upon delivery. Note any damage on the carrier’s delivery receipt (e.g., “crushed box,” “bent frame”).
2. Document Evidence: Take photos/videos of the package (including shipping label), damaged components, and overall condition of the bike.
3. Notify Us Within 48 Hours: Email vabivivi30@gmail.com with your order number, photos/videos, and delivery receipt.
4. Resolution Options: We will:
   • Send a replacement bike (free of charge) with expedited shipping.
   • Arrange for a full refund (processed within 3–5 business days).
   • Coordinate a local repair (for minor damage) with a trusted bike shop (we cover all repair costs).

5. Warranty Claims

Bicycles and components are covered by manufacturer warranties (varies by brand/model—details on product pages). Our warranty process complements manufacturer warranties:

5.1 Warranty Coverage

• Frames: 5–10 years (covers manufacturing defects like cracks, bending, or structural failure).
• Components (gears, brakes, suspension): 1–2 years (covers faulty parts, not normal wear).
• E-Bike Batteries/Motors: 2–3 years (covers capacity loss beyond 30% or non-functional components).

5.2 Warranty Claim Process

• Email vabivivi30@gmail.com with your order number, product details, proof of defect (photos/videos), and description of the issue.
• We verify the claim with the manufacturer (3–5 business days).
• Approved claims: We arrange for free repair, replacement of defective parts, or full refund (if repair/replacement is not feasible).

5.3 Warranty Exclusions

Warranties do not cover:

• Normal wear (e.g., brake pad wear, chain stretch, tire punctures).
• Damage from misuse, neglect, improper assembly, or accidents.
• Modifications to the bike (e.g., custom parts, altered frames).
• Damage from environmental factors (e.g., rust from improper storage).

6. Special Cases

6.1 Gift Returns

• Gifts can be returned for store credit (equal to the purchase price) within 30 days of delivery. The gift recipient must provide the order number (from the giver) and proof of delivery.
• Store credit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and can be used for any purchase on ridechico.com.

6.2 Bulk Orders (10+ Bikes)

• Bulk orders require a written agreement (emailed to you before purchase) outlining return/exchange terms. Typically, bulk orders are non-refundable unless defective, but exchanges for different sizes/models may be allowed within 10 days of delivery (fees apply).

7. Refund Timelines

• Processing Time: 3–5 business days from the date we receive and inspect the returned item.

• Payment Method Timelines:

  • Credit/debit cards: 3–7 business days (depends on your bank).

  • PayPal/Shopify Pay: 1–3 business days.

  • Financing (Affirm/Klarna): 5–10 business days (adjusts your payment plan).