Return & Refund Policy

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<h1>Return & Refund Policy</h1>
<p class="last-updated">Last Updated: February 24, 2026</p>

<p>At Gone With The Ant, we carefully inspect and package every item before shipment. Because we sell collectible media and merchandise, return eligibility varies by product category.</p>

<h2>1. General Return Policy</h2>
<ul>
<li>Return requests must be submitted within <strong>5 calendar days</strong> of confirmed delivery for media products and <strong>14 calendar days</strong> for merchandise.</li>
<li>Buyers must contact us at <a href="mailto:contact@gonewiththeant.com">contact@gonewiththeant.com</a> before returning any item.</li>
<li>Unauthorized returns may be refused.</li>
<li>All items must be returned in original packaging and in the same condition received.</li>
<li>The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the return is due to seller error or confirmed carrier damage.</li>
<li>The buyer assumes responsibility for items lost or damaged during return transit.</li>
</ul>

<h2>2. Media Products</h2>
<p><em>Vinyl Records, CDs, Cassettes, Blu-ray</em></p>
<p>Because these are collectible and condition-sensitive items, returns are subject to the following conditions.</p>

<h3>Eligible Returns</h3>
<p>Returns are accepted only for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Physically defective items</li>
<li>Audibly defective playback issues not disclosed</li>
<li>Damage during transit</li>
</ul>

<h3>We Do Not Accept Returns For</h3>
<ul>
<li>Buyer's remorse</li>
<li>Minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with grading</li>
<li>Sound characteristics inherent to vinyl records</li>
</ul>

<h3>Audio Claims</h3>
<p>If claiming an audio defect, the buyer must specify the side, track, and approximate timestamp. We reserve the right to request photo, video, or audio evidence before approving a return.</p>

<h3>Shipping Method (Media Only)</h3>
<p>Approved media returns must be shipped via <strong>USPS Media Mail</strong>, unless otherwise instructed. Items must be shipped within <strong>5 calendar days</strong> of return approval, and a valid tracking number must be provided.</p>

<h2>3. Merchandise</h2>
<p><em>T-Shirts, Mugs, Tote Bags</em></p>

<h3>Eligible Returns</h3>
<p>Merchandise may be returned within <strong>14 calendar days</strong> if:</p>
<ul>
<li>The item is defective</li>
<li>The item arrived damaged</li>
<li>The incorrect item was sent</li>
</ul>
<p>Buyer's remorse returns for merchandise are accepted only if the item is unworn, unused, unwashed, and in original packaging. Return shipping for buyer's remorse is the responsibility of the buyer.</p>
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<p>We do not accept returns for incorrect size selection by the customer.</p>
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<h2>4. Refunds</h2>
<p>Once the returned item is received and inspected:</p>
<ul>
<li>Refunds are issued to the original payment method.</li>
<li>Original shipping costs are refunded only if the return is due to seller error or confirmed carrier damage.</li>
<li>Refund amounts may be adjusted if the returned item is not in original condition.</li>
</ul>
<p>Please allow up to <strong>7 business days</strong> after receipt of the return for processing.</p>

<h2>5. Policy Abuse & Chargebacks</h2>
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<p>We reserve the right to deny returns or restrict future purchases in cases of suspected abuse, excessive returns, or fraudulent claims. Initiating a chargeback without first attempting resolution with us may result in permanent restriction from future purchases.</p>
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<p>To submit a return request or for any questions:<br>
📧 <a href="mailto:contact@gonewiththeant.com">contact@gonewiththeant.com</a></p>
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