Refund policy

Returns & Refund Policy

At Akara Labs, we take pride in the precision and quality of our camera accessories. If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, we are reasonable and here to help.

1. The Cooling Off Period

In accordance with UK and EU Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel your order:

  • Notification: You have 14 days from the date you receive your items to tell us you wish to cancel.
  • Return Window: Once you have told us, you have a further 14 days to send the items back.

2. Condition of Returned Items

Please return items in the condition you received them, in their original packaging where possible. You are welcome to handle and inspect an item as you would in a shop.

If an item comes back showing handling beyond what was needed to check its nature and function, we may reduce your refund to reflect the loss in value. In particular:

  • Base Protectors: Once a protector has been peeled from its backing paper or applied to a camera it has no resale value, and the deduction will be the full price of that item.
  • M-Coder Kits: Where components such as the pens have been used, the deduction will reflect the reduced value of the kit.

This is a deduction from your refund, not a refusal of it. Your right to cancel is unaffected.

3. How to Start a Return

To start a return, please contact us at contact@akaralabs.com with your order number.

Once your return is agreed, please address the parcel as follows:

Akara Labs
RMA# (insert your order number here)
38 Marland Fold,
Rochdale,
OL11 4RF,
United Kingdom.

4. International Returns & Customs

Returns from outside the UK (EU, USA, and Rest of World) need specific handling:

  • Return Shipping: The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the customer unless the item is defective or we sent the wrong item.
  • Customs Marking: You must mark the package clearly as "RETURNED GOODS - RELIEF CLAIMED" on the customs declaration.
  • Refused Shipments: If a shipment is refused because of local VAT or duty charges, we will refund the item price and the original standard delivery charge, less the return-to-sender costs we incur.
  • Incorrect Addresses: If a parcel is returned to us because the delivery address supplied was incorrect, incomplete, or not recognised by the destination carrier, we will happily send it out again once you confirm the correct address. A new shipping charge at the current published rate will apply. If you would rather cancel, we will refund the item price and the original standard delivery charge, less the return-to-sender costs we incur.
Scenario Who pays return shipping? Refund
Changed mind (cooling off) Customer Item price plus the original standard delivery charge, less any deduction for reduced value
Defective or faulty Akara Labs Full price plus original delivery, return postage reimbursed
Refused over customs charges Customer Item price plus the original standard delivery charge, less return-to-sender costs
Incorrect address supplied Customer Reship at the current published rate, or item price plus the original standard delivery charge, less return-to-sender costs

Where we offer more than one delivery speed, the delivery charge we refund is our cheapest standard option to your destination.

5. Damaged or Defective Items

Please inspect your order on arrival. If the item is defective or damaged, or if you receive the wrong item, contact us straight away. We will assess the issue and put it right with a replacement or a full refund. You may be asked to destroy the faulty item and provide a short video or photos as proof before a replacement is sent. This does not affect your statutory rights.

6. Refund Process

Once we receive and inspect your return, we will let you know the outcome.

  • Refunds are issued within 14 days of the returned goods reaching us, or of you providing proof they were sent back, whichever is sooner.
  • Refunds are processed to your original payment method.
  • Banks and card issuers can take 5 to 10 business days to clear the funds into your account.