Core Return Policy
Core Returns & Refunds
Prepare Your Core Return the Right Way
Contact Merchant Automotive before shipping any core. Every core return requires an approved Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number.
Before You Ship
Start With an RMA From Merchant Automotive
Do not ship your core until our team has issued your RMA number and return instructions.
- 01
Contact MA
Call (616) 772-9551 or email support@merchant-automotive.com. Have your sales order number ready.
- 02
Receive Your RMA
Print the emailed RMA. Place a copy inside the shipping container and write the RMA number clearly on multiple outside surfaces.
- 03
Prepare the Core
Fully drain all fluids, reinstall all required components, and secure the core in its required original manufacturer packaging.
- 04
Ship It Securely
Protect the core from damage, consider shipping insurance, and retain your tracking information until the return is complete.
01
Every Core Return Must Include
An approved RMA number
Returns received without an RMA will not receive credit.
Original manufacturer packaging
Use the box with the core-return sticker, not merely the outer shipping carton.
Proof of purchase
Include a copy of the original sales order or sales receipt.
A fully drained core
No fluid may remain in the core or leak from the package.
For injectors and fuel pumps: the original white shipping box is required. No box means no credit, with no exceptions.
02
Core Return Deadlines
Customers must obtain an RMA and ship the qualifying core within 30 calendar days of the replacement product’s confirmed delivery date to receive a refund. The carrier acceptance date shown on the return shipment’s tracking record determines whether the core was shipped on time.
Cores shipped after 30 days, but within 90 calendar days of delivery, are eligible for Merchant Automotive in-store credit only.
Cores shipped more than 90 calendar days after delivery are not eligible for a refund or in-store credit.
An RMA does not extend these deadlines unless Merchant Automotive approves an extension in writing.
03
Core Condition Requirements
Returned cores must meet all applicable condition requirements to qualify for credit:
- The core must be the same model as the item originally purchased.
- The core must be fully assembled.
- All required hardware must be present.
- The core must be fully drained of every fluid.
- Broken or cracked mounts and cases will not be accepted.
- Where applicable, the core must include its pulley and integral reservoir.
- Ports and sensors must not be damaged or broken.
- Injectors must be fully assembled.
- Injectors involved in a fire do not qualify for a core refund.
Non-Negotiable
All Cores Must Be Fully Drained
UPS, FedEx, or USPS may return any shipment that leaks fluid. The purchaser is responsible for any resulting or additional shipping charges.
04
Packaging, Shipping & Refund Processing
All return shipping costs and fees for standard core returns are the purchaser’s responsibility.
The customer is responsible for packaging the core so it arrives intact. Merchant Automotive is not responsible for damage or total loss that occurs during return transit.
Careful, secure packaging is strongly recommended. Merchant Automotive also recommends purchasing shipping insurance to protect against damage or total loss during the return shipment.
After Merchant Automotive receives the shipment, please allow 7–10 business days for the core to be inspected and the qualifying refund to be processed.
Keep the carrier receipt and tracking number until your refund or credit is complete.
Engine & Transmission Cores
Special Return Shipping Instructions
Engine and transmission cores must be shipped within 30 calendar days of the replacement product’s confirmed delivery date for full credit to be considered. The carrier acceptance date shown on the tracking record determines whether the return was shipped on time.
When returning a core engine or transmission to Merchant Automotive, the return shipping cost will be quoted when the RMA is requested. This cost will be deducted from the core refund after the core arrives at Merchant Automotive in qualifying condition.
Customers may instead purchase and arrange their own return shipping at their discretion. An RMA is still required before the core is shipped, regardless of the shipping method selected.
All other core-return policies, deadlines, packaging requirements, and condition requirements still apply. Any deadline extension must be approved by Merchant Automotive in writing.
Ready to Return Your Core?
Get Your RMA Before You Ship
Have your sales order number ready. Our team will provide the return instructions you need.