Returns
We want your order to be right.
If we ship the wrong item to you, we will provide a return shipping label, as well as a full refund upon receiving the returned item in the same, new and unused condition.
If you make a mistake, we want to be helpful.
If you accidentally purchase the wrong item, we offer a 15-day window to contact us to request a return. You may ship the item back to us in new and unused condition at your expense. Once we receive the item, we will provide either a refund, or in-store credit at our discretion, depending on the circumstances. A 15-25% restocking fee may apply (see below).
Restocking fees.
Some items that ship directly from the manufacturer/distributor are returned directly to the manufacturer/distributor, and are subject to the restocking fees, return shipping policies, and return time frame windows of the manufacturer/distributor. For example, a TapeTech® Bazooka® Continuous Flow Set would generate significant restocking fees at 15-25%, plus return freight. We are a small family owned business and cannot absorb that cost, so we ask that those purchases be well thought through.
Canceling Orders
We do try whenever possible to get orders fulfilled as soon as possible. This means the window to cancel an order can be very short sometimes. Once an item has been shipped, or has been sent to a distribution center to fulfill, we will likely have to wait for the item to arrive to you, and process the return. Return shipping in those scenarios is the responsibility of the customer.
Manufacturer warranties.
Manufacturer defects or issues with the tool that are warranty related are handled according to the warranty policy of the manufacturer, not according to our return policy. We will do our part within the policy of the manufacturer in helping to get the issue resolved.
Always feel free to ask before you buy.
If you are unsure what the return scenario will be with any given purchase, please feel free to contact us and we will gladly explain prior to your purchase!
Shipping
Shipping methods
The following shipping methods are used for Great Lakes Taping Tools orders:
- USPS First Class Shipping
- USPS Priority Shipping
- FedEx
- UPS
- XPO Logistics
Note: Some items will require signature confirmation for delivery. The customer is responsible either to have someone available at the residence to sign for the package, or to contact the carrier and arrange a pick up.
Free shipping
Individual Items marked "Ships FREE" qualify for free shipping within the continental US. Some of those smaller items qualify for free First-Class shipping, but can be upgraded to faster Priority shipping at the time of checkout. Shipping rates apply for Hawaii and Alaska.
We also offer:
- Free First-Class shipping on all orders of $75 that weigh less than 16 oz
- Free USPS priority, or free FedEx Ground shipping on all orders over $150.
Tracking
You will be automatically emailed when tracking information is available. Tracking information will also be stored in your account, when you click on each individual order. For Drop Shipments, it's usually the day after the order ships. On orders that ship direct, tracking information will be made available shortly after the shipping label is generated.
Fulfillment
We are always aiming to get in-stock orders out the same day they are ordered. Most in-stock orders deliver to the customer between 3-5 days from the time they are ordered, when they are placed within the continental US. It's not uncommon however for the order to ship out on the following business day because it came in later in the afternoon, or for other reasons. The following factors affect fulfillment times:
- The time of day that the order was placed (Eastern Standard Time)
- The shipping method selected
- The address we are shipping to
- If we need to verify a transaction that was flagged by our system
Back orders / Pre-order status
Some products, or products within a set might be on back order from the manufacturer, or temporarily out of stock. We have a flagging system in place which changes the text of the Add to Cart button to "PRE-ORDER". Clicking the "PRE-ORDER" button simply adds the item to the cart, but notifies you of the delay. The products marked for PRE-ORDER are considered sold to you out of the incoming inventory that we have coming from the factory, placing you in a queue based on the time of purchase. If you purchase a tool set which contains products that are on back order, we will try to ship whatever of your order is in stock immediately, and contact you via email to give you an estimated time of arrival on the remainder of your order. You can also feel free to Contact us if you want any info on estimated lead times prior to placing your order.
Sometimes we forget to mark an item as "PRE-ORDER", or we mark it as available before it's in stock because we know it is in route to us. In the event that we are out of stock on something that is not marked "PRE-ORDER", we try to notify the customer immediately of the delay, and can usually get the item in to us within 3-5 days from the manufacturer or distributor. With Canadian manufacturers like NorthStar and Columbia, that wait can be a little longer.
Drop shipments
Some items ship directly from the factory or distribution center. The customer is responsible to be at the residence or make accommodations to pick his item up from the carrier that the factory or distribution center uses.
International shipping
We do offer international shipping to Canada from our website. We can also cater to other international customers on an individual basis. If you need to place an order and have it shipped internationally, and you are not a resident of the USA or Canada, please contact us for a freight quote, and to arrange a payment method.
Personal Safety
Great Lakes Taping Tools is in no way responsible for bodily injury or harm when using or because of equipment purchased from us. The buyer assumes all responsibility to check his equipment for defect, and to use it safely, in the way the manufacturer intended. This is especially important when using items like but not limited to stilts, panel lifts, benches, and electrical equipment.
Any questions? Contact us.