Dealing With Returns At Your Fastener Distributor

There will be times when the purchase order is incorrect, or the wrong product was shipped, or your needs have changed since the order was put through. Whatever the reason, you will likely need to return product to your Fastener Distributor at one time or another. Follow these easy steps to make the return process […]

There will be times when the purchase order is incorrect, or the wrong product was shipped, or your needs have changed since the order was put through. Whatever the reason, you will likely need to return product to your Fastener Distributor at one time or another. Follow these easy steps to make the return process smooth and simple for everyone involved. Other items you can purchase could include Line Fasteners, Marine Fasteners or Hex Cap Screws to name a few.

Check Your Paperwork

It's important to go through all of the paperwork thoroughly before contacting your fastener distributor. Make a note of any discrepancies and have the original purchase order and invoice number handy when calling in or faxing in the return information.

Check the Policy

Your distributor may have a specific policy regarding returns. Often this policy outlines the time span allowed for accepted returns, any necessary steps and applicable restocking fees, as well as any special conditions where returns are not accepted.

Please note that it is very rare for any distributor to accept returns on a custom or machined order. If your custom-made product has not been properly manufactured you can surely work that problem out, but in a case of over-ordering any excess product is yours to keep. The distributor is not likely able to resell something made especially to your specifications and as such, will not accept the returns.

Contact the Distributor

It's important that you contact the office of your distributor before sending the product back. You may need to obtain a return or reference number in order for the transaction to be processed properly. This can often be done by phone, fax or email, depending on the mode of communication you most often use with this supplier.

Be sure to quote the original purchase order and invoice number on your request for return, as well as detailing the reasons behind the transaction. If you were not happy with the product in any way, now is the time to speak up. If there was a mistake in the delivery, such as incorrect quantity or product delivered - now is also the time to bring that up. Document the request carefully and wait for the distributor to respond.

Once you have confirmation that your return will be accepted by the fastener distributor, have it delivered back to their warehouse or shipping address and await the billing adjustment. Keep the lines of communication open at all times and this return process should be fairly straightforward and quick.