Aster Brands Return & Warranty Policy

1. General Policy

Aster Brands accepts returns of eligible products within ninety (90) days of the original purchase date unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Returns requested after this period may be reviewed at Aster Brands discretion but are not guaranteed. All returns regardless of reason (including Outcropping Exchanges, Warranty Returns, Rental Returns, and Standard Returns) will follow the unified return process defined in this policy. Any product returned to Aster Brands, or any instance where Aster Brands issues a replacement or refund, constitutes a return event.

A valid Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is required for all return events.

2. Eligible Products

  • Non-defective goods may be returned only within the 90-day return period and must be unused, complete, and in saleable condition.
  • Defective or nonconforming goods are accepted for inspection, repair, replacement, or refund as required by law, including applicable implied warranties under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC §§ 2-314 and 2-315).
  • Nothing in this policy limits customer rights for defective products provided by law.

3. Unified Return Authorization (RMA) Process

Before shipping any product back, the customer must obtain an RMA. The customer must provide:

  • Contact name and information
  • Purchase order or invoice number
  • Product identifiers (model, lot, or serial numbers)
  • Quantity of product being returned
  • Pallet weight and dimensions, if available

RMA Valuation: All RMAs will reflect the original purchase price of the product.

Replacement Order Value: All replacement orders will be entered at full catalog price to maintain proper financial controls and warranty cost visibility.

4. Inspection & Verification Requirement

Aster Brands may require one or more of the following before issuing any refund or credit or shipping any replacement:

  • Return of the product
  • Photographs, videos, batch information, or defect documentation
  • Inspection of returned product
  • Verification that the claimed issue exists

No credit or refund will be issued until the product is inspected or verified, consistent with seller rights under UCC §§ 2-602, 2-606, and ASC 606 verification requirements.

Returns without a valid RMA may be refused.

5. Freight, Handling, and Equipment

  • Freight may be arranged by Aster Brands upon customer request. Charges will reflect actual carrier cost plus a reasonable handling fee, quoted and approved in advance.
  • Restocking or re-handling fees, if applicable, will be invoiced separately and taxed in compliance with Michigan Administrative Code R 205.16.
  • Restocking and handling charges do not reduce the taxable base of the original sale.
  • Any shipping arrangements or fees will be disclosed and agreed upon before finalizing an RMA.

6. Defective or Warranty Returns

Aster Brands will honor all statutory and contractual warranty obligations for defective merchandise.

Exclusive Remedy (UCC § 2-719) CONSPICUOUS FOR COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS, THE CUSTOMER’S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR DEFECTIVE GOODS IS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT, UNLESS SUCH REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

If repair or replacement fails of its essential purpose, a refund will be provided as required by UCC § 2-719(2). Aster Brands shall not be liable for consequential or incidental damages except where prohibited by law.

7. Warranty Disclaimer (Commercial Transactions Only) CONSPICUOUS

ASTER BRANDS DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

This disclaimer applies only to commercial (non-consumer) transactions and satisfies UCC § 2-316 requirements for conspicuousness and explicit reference to “merchantability.”

8. Return Processing Workflow

All return types follow the same pipeline:

  • RMA created at full value
  • Product returned or defect verified
  • Inspection and evaluation
  • Decision: refund, partial refund, replacement, or denial
  • Credit memo issued only after inspection/verification
  • Inventory adjustments completed
  • Warranty costs recorded and ASC 606 reserves updated

This workflow applies to:

  • Outcropping Exchanges
  • Warranty Returns
  • Returned Rentals
  • Standard Returns

9. Tax Treatment of Returns (Michigan Administrative Code R 205.16)

  • Sales tax credits will only be issued for goods returned within the 90-day policy period or within 180 days of the original sale, whichever is sooner.
  • Restocking and handling fees are taxable and will be invoiced separately.
  • Aster Brands will maintain documentation supporting any tax refund or credit.

10. Disclosure Requirements

This policy is:

  • Posted on the Aster Brands website
  • Provided on quotes, order acknowledgments, and invoices
  • Made available at all points of sale

All fees, limitations, and conditions are disclosed before purchase in accordance with FTC guidelines on clear and conspicuous consumer disclosures.

11. Accounting & Revenue Recognition (ASC 606 Compliance)

Aster Brands will:

  • Treat return rights and warranty obligations as variable consideration
  • Estimate expected returns and warranty costs at the time of sale
  • Record refund liabilities as required
  • Recognize freight or handling services as separate performance obligations when material
  • Adjust reserves when actual returns differ from estimates

No credit memo will be issued until verification or inspection is complete.

12. Governing Law

This policy and all related transactions are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan, including applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code.