Why do windshield vendors think they don't have to refund money on their items?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 2
From: Tallmadge, Ohio
I don't know why the OP described this as all windshield vendors rather than name the vendor specifically. There are vendors of many different products that don't offer refunds or try it and return it if you don't like it like Clearview does.
The bottom line is that any business can determine its own return policy and if it isn't stated on their website then the question should be asked by the purchaser before the purchase is made. There is no obligation to accept returns unless they said they would.
The bottom line is that any business can determine its own return policy and if it isn't stated on their website then the question should be asked by the purchaser before the purchase is made. There is no obligation to accept returns unless they said they would.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 2
From: Tallmadge, Ohio
This unfortunately for us is true. Companies don't have to refund but it's a great way to keep customers happy & coming back. Also, there would be very few christmas presents bought if you couldn't do returns. Just a lot of gift cards which would doom a lot more stores out there.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
I just bought one from Long Ride Shields, and it was stated quite clearly that once mounted it could not be returned. I don't have a problem with that. I inspected it closely to make sure it had no defects, put it on, and rode.
What, if you don't like a motorcycle you bought, you should be able to return it?
Do your research, make your deal, and live with it.
Whiners suck.
What, if you don't like a motorcycle you bought, you should be able to return it?
Do your research, make your deal, and live with it.
Whiners suck.
Anyway, to the OP point, I try and do business with companies that believe in their product. A perfect example of this for me is a store like Nordstrom's. Obviously this isnt a motorcycle store, but their return policy is simple.... if you arent happy, bring it back and they'll do whatever they can to make it right, all the way up to refunding your money in cash. Do you pay a little more upfront? Probably, but it makes me come back to the establishment. I am very cautious with places that have return policies which are distinctly in the seller's favor.
Anyone else feel this way? Just my feelings FWIW.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
You took a gamble and lost. Lick your wounds and move on.
It ain't the sellers fault and it ain't fair to blame them.
Ever hear of Ebay? Time for you to use it to sell your windshield and recoup some of your loss.
It ain't the sellers fault and it ain't fair to blame them.
Ever hear of Ebay? Time for you to use it to sell your windshield and recoup some of your loss.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
I would imagine they wouldn't take a return even if you never got it out of the box.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
Tell your buddy to sell it in the classifieds as a "briefly used" windshield that didn't work out because he was too naive to understand that you don't look "through" the recurve part of a windshield or there is going to be distortion. You look over the top of the shield. You can't expect a business to pay for your buddies education or let him experiment with their product for free. I'd suggest that he put the stock shield back on and then experiment with some blue painters tape until he finds a line that is comfortable to look OVER. Then buy a quality re-curve shield that is that TOTAL height. I'm totally happy with my Longrides 8 inch Recurve.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Thanks! 
There's a big difference between a set of cams, pistons, valve springs, or some odd electrical part that's been plugged into a bike that's got electrical problems that fried the original in the first place, and a windshield that shows no odd scratch or blemish to indicate that it's ever actually been installed on a bike. As I stated in my previous post, I went through three aftermarket windshields on my previous bike before I found one that actually worked for me. It would have been nice if I could have gotten at least a partial refund for the windshields that I wasn't completely happy with but as has been pointed out, they won't do that regardless of the condition of the windshield being returned. I don't really blame the vendors for that but it doesn't mean I like it either.
Probably true on the regulations part. As for Best Buy, you're probably correct in what you say happens to the product after it's returned. I'd point out however, the customer usually gets a full refund on that product from Best Buy. I've personally seen that happen on several occasions and the product in question and it's packaging wasn't even close to what I'd call a "like new" condition.
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
I will happily sell you all my "new" (can't tell the difference) parts for what ever you would buy them for new at the vendor.
I believe that there are trade regulations (you know - like federal law) that limit what can be sold as NEW versus RE-MANUFACTURED or simply lightly used. Sure if the item has never been removed from the packaging they may be able to get away with reselling as new but it's a very fine line. By the way - when you return open box merchandise to Best Buy (as an example) it almost always gets sent back to the manufacturer or their agent for "re manufacturing".
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
I just returned a windshield and am hoping to get my money returned for the simple fact that when it was mounted, the curve of the shield did not match the curve of the fairing properly and caused gaps where water would enter the fairing when I rode in the rain.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 409
Likes: 8
From: SE WI
I make & sell fairings and my OEM shields have protective paper on them. Once it's installed with the paper removed it'll get little scratches where it slides in/out so at that point I won't take it back unless I sent the wrong size. What would I do with it, and why? I can't re-use it on another customer's fairing as "new". I could try and sell it at a reduced price, but so could the original buyer. If they want to go for a ride with the paper on and return it I have no problem with that, but they still end up paying shipping. I'll spend an hour on the phone if that's what it takes to help someone select their shield choice, but I have to draw the line at accepting used ones back.