Return, Refund, & Equipment Policy
Last Updated: [January 1, 2026]
At Respirare Labs, we provide high-quality testing kits that include temporary use of specialized sampling equipment and access to our laboratory testing services. Our goal is to ensure a smooth, reliable experience for all customers while maintaining operational integrity, sample validity, and fair access to our resources. This policy outlines the terms for returns, refunds, equipment handling, and related processes. We encourage you to read it carefully before placing an order.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our support team at support@respirarelabs.com.
1. Returns & Refunds for Unused Kits
We understand that plans can change, so we offer refunds for unused testing kits under specific conditions to ensure the kits remain viable for future customers. A kit is considered “unused” if no samples have been collected, and all seals, components, and packaging remain intact and unopened.
To qualify for a refund, all of the following must be met:
- Timely Return: The return must be initiated (via contact with support) and the kit received by us within 30 calendar days of the original order date. The order date is the date your payment was processed and confirmed.
- Unused Condition: The kit must be completely unused, with no evidence of tampering, sample collection, or exposure to contaminants.
- Complete Kit: All original components, accessories, instructions, and packaging must be included and in their original, undamaged state.
- Clean and Sanitized: Equipment and materials must be returned clean, free of any residues, and in the same condition as received.
Refund Process and Fees
- Approved Refunds: If your return meets all criteria, we will issue a refund for the original purchase price minus a 15% restocking fee. This fee covers costs such as return shipping (including the provided prepaid return label), inspection, sanitization, repackaging, and administrative handling. Refunds are typically processed within 7-10 business days after we receive and inspect the kit, and will be issued to your original payment method.
- Shipping Costs: We offer complimentary UPS ground shipping for outbound delivery. If you selected an expedited shipping method at checkout, the additional cost for expedited shipping is non-refundable.
- Post-30-Day Returns: Unused kits returned after 30 days are not eligible for refunds. However, we strongly encourage returning the equipment promptly, especially for AMEA™ air testing, to maintain availability and avoid potential replacement fees (see Section 4). Such returns may be accepted at our discretion for equipment recovery purposes only, with no credit or refund provided.
- Denials: If a return is denied due to the equipment being damaged or incomplete, we will notify you promptly. In such cases, the replacement or repair fees may be deducted from any eligible refund or charged as additional fees.
2. Equipment Use & Return Expectations
Our testing kits include specialized equipment loaned to you for short-term use. This equipment is essential for accurate sample collection and must be handled with care and returned promptly to allow us to serve other customers.
- Return Timeline: Equipment must be returned within 30 calendar days of the order date. This period begins on the order date and provides ample time for sample collection and shipping back to us.
- Overdue Equipment: If equipment is not returned within 30 days, it is considered overdue. We will attempt to contact you via email or phone to resolve the issue. Failure to respond or return the equipment may lead to service suspension (e.g., no access to test results) and potential escalation to additional fees as outlined in Section 4.
- Proper Handling: While in your possession, treat the equipment as if it were your own. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, chemicals, or physical damage. Follow all provided instructions for use and storage.
3. Sample Submission & Service Window (Maximum 90 Days)
Laboratory testing services are time-sensitive to ensure sample integrity and accurate results. We enforce a strict service window to maintain quality standards.
- Submission Deadline: All samples must be collected, packaged according to our guidelines, and received by our laboratory within 90 calendar days of the order date.
- Expired Samples: Samples received after 90 days will not be accepted, analyzed, or refunded. This includes any associated testing fees.
- Service Expiration: The 90-day window is the absolute maximum timeframe for completing the testing process, including sample submission and analysis. Laboratory access expires automatically after this period, even if equipment has been returned or extended (see Section 5).
- Why This Limit?: Our lab resources are allocated based on order timelines to maintain optimal capacity and turnaround times. This policy helps ensure efficient operations by preventing resource bottlenecks and allowing us to serve all customers promptly.
If you anticipate delays in sample submission, contact us as early as possible to discuss options.
4. Unreturned or Long-Held Equipment
We rely on timely equipment returns to keep our services affordable and accessible. Delays or failures to return equipment can disrupt our operations and incur costs for replacement.
- Service Impact: Equipment not returned within the 30-day standard period may result in temporary suspension of your account services, including access to any pending test results, until the issue is resolved.
- Extended Holds: If equipment is held beyond 90 days from the order date, it will be considered permanently unreturned.
- Replacement Fee: In cases of unreturned or excessively delayed equipment, we may charge a one-time replacement fee to cover the cost of procuring new equipment. This fee is as follows:
- AMEA™ testing equipment: $595
- Fee Details: This fee applies solely to the physical equipment. It will be billed to your original payment method or invoiced separately. We will notify you in advance and provide a 14-day grace period to return the equipment before charging.
- Avoiding Fees: To prevent charges, return equipment promptly or request an extension before the 30-day window closes (see Section 5).
5. Extensions for Equipment Possession
We recognize that unforeseen circumstances may require more time for sample collection. Extensions are available on a case-by-case basis but are not guaranteed.
- Request Process: Contact support@respirarelabs.com before the end of the 30-day standard return period. Include your order number, reason for the request, and estimated additional time needed.
- Scope of Extensions: If approved, extensions apply only to equipment possession and return deadlines. They do not extend the 90-day sample submission and service window.
- Limits and Fees: Extensions are generally limited to 30 additional days. Longer requests may require justification and could incur a nominal rental fee (e.g., $75 per 30 days) to cover equipment lending.
Approval Notification: We will respond to your request within 2-3 business days. If approved, you’ll receive updated return instructions.
6. Damaged, Contaminated, or Incomplete Returns
To maintain hygiene and functionality, all returned equipment must meet our quality standards.
- Inspection Process: Upon receipt, we inspect all returns for damage, contamination, cleanliness, and completeness. This typically takes 3-5 business days.
- Additional Charges: If equipment is returned damaged (e.g., broken parts), contaminated (e.g., residue from samples or external substances), or incomplete (e.g., missing accessories), you may be charged repair or replacement costs. These can range from partial fees (e.g., $50-$200 for minor issues) up to the full replacement fee of $595, depending on the extent of the issue.
- Evidence and Appeals: We will provide photos or details of any issues found. If you disagree with our assessment, you may appeal within 7 days, and we will re-inspect at no additional cost.
- Prevention Tips: Always use the provided packaging for returns, clean equipment per instructions, and ship with adequate protection.
7. How to Initiate a Return, Refund, Extension, or Request Assistance
We’re here to help make the process easy. For any policy-related actions:
- Contact Method: Email support@respirarelabs.com or call our support line at [1(619)-746-7892].
- Required Information: Include your full name, order number, date of order, and a detailed description of your request (e.g., reason for return, photos of kit condition if applicable).
- Return Shipping: If approved, we’ll provide a prepaid return label.
- Timeline for Responses: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 1-2 business days. For urgent issues, mark your email as “URGENT” in the subject line
8. Policy Acknowledgment and Updates
By placing an order with Respirare Labs, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Return, Refund, & Equipment Policy, as well as our general Terms of Service. This policy is subject to change; the most current version is always available on our website. We will notify active customers of significant updates via email.
Thank you for choosing Respirare Labs. We’re committed to your satisfaction and the accuracy of our testing services. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out!