RETURNS POLICY

Last Updated: June 2, 2025

INTRODUCTION

The Force – Display Team of Champion Drum Majors (‘we’, ‘us’, or ‘our’) is a not-for-profit organisation based in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, offering merchandise through our online store at https://theforce.events/store/. We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction with your purchases. This Returns Policy outlines the process for returning, exchanging, or obtaining a credit note for items purchased from our store, in compliance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

This policy applies only to merchandise purchased via the Site. For inquiries about performance bookings or tuition services, refer to our Terms and Conditions at https://theforce.events/terms/.

RETURN ELIGIBILITY

You may return merchandise purchased from https://theforce.events/store/ within 30 days of receipt for a refund, exchange, or credit note, provided the item is:

  • Unused and in the same condition as received.
  • In its original packaging, including any tags or labels.
  • Accompanied by proof of purchase (e.g., order confirmation email or receipt).

Returns are subject to our approval based on these conditions. This policy does not affect your statutory rights under UK consumer protection laws.

RETURN PROCESS

To initiate a return:

  1. Contact Us: Email store@theforce.events within 30 days of receiving your order, providing your order number, item details, and reason for return. Do not return items without prior authorisation.
  2. Receive Instructions: We will provide a return address and instructions via email.
  3. Return the Item: Package the item securely in its original packaging and ship it to the provided address within 7 days of receiving return authorisation.
  4. Inspection: Upon receipt, we will inspect the item to confirm it meets eligibility criteria.
  5. Processing: Approved returns will be processed within 7 business days of receipt for a refund, exchange, or credit note, as requested.

REFUNDS

  • Eligibility: Refunds are available for eligible returns within 30 days of receipt, or for faulty, damaged, or incorrectly delivered items (see Section 5).
  • Method: Refunds will be issued to the original payment method (e.g., credit card, PayPal) used for the purchase.
  • Timing: Refunds will be processed within 7 business days of receiving and approving the return. Refunds may take an additional 3–5 business days to appear in your account, depending on your payment provider.
  • Exclusions: Refunds do not include original shipping costs, except for faulty or incorrect items.

EXCHANGES AND FAULTY ITEMS

  • Exchanges: If you prefer a different item (e.g., different size or colour), we will provide an exchange subject to availability. Contact us at store@theforce.events to confirm availability before returning.
  • Faulty or Incorrect Items: If an item is defective, damaged, or not as described, we will provide a full refund or exchange (at your choice) and cover all shipping costs, including return shipping. Notify us within 7 days of receipt to report faulty or incorrect items.
  • Shipping for Exchanges: For non-faulty exchanges, you are responsible for return shipping costs. We will cover shipping for the replacement item.

CREDIT NOTES

  • Issuance: If you prefer, we can issue a credit note instead of a refund or exchange. Credit notes are applied to your account and can be used for future purchases at https://theforce.events/store/.
  • Validity: Credit notes are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Unused credit notes expire after this period and are non-transferable.
  • Usage: To redeem a credit note, contact store@theforce.events with your order number and credit note details.

SHIPPING COSTS

  • Customer-Initiated Returns: You are responsible for return shipping costs and any applicable customs or import fees for non-faulty items, unless otherwise agreed.
  • Faulty or Incorrect Items: We cover all shipping costs (return and replacement) for defective, damaged, or incorrectly delivered items.
  • International Returns: For orders outside the UK, you are responsible for customs duties or taxes on returns, except for faulty or incorrect items.

NON-RETURNABLE ITEMS

The following items cannot be returned unless faulty or incorrect:

  • Personalised or custom-made items.
  • Items marked as non-returnable at the time of purchase.
  • Items not in original condition (e.g., used, damaged, or missing packaging).

YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS

This Returns Policy does not affect your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. For example, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for online purchases to cancel and return goods for a full refund (including original shipping costs), provided you notify us within 14 days of receipt and return the item within 14 days of notification. Contact us at store@theforce.events for details.

CONTACT US

For return requests, questions, or complaints, contact:

  • Email: store@theforce.events
  • Address: The Force – Display Team of Champion Drum Majors, 50B Magherafelt Road, Tobermore, BT45 5PJ, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 2 business days. If you are unsatisfied with our response, you can contact the UK Trading Standards Service or the Northern Ireland Consumerline at www.consumerline.org.