Last Updated: August 27, 2026
At Top Hat Avionics LLC, we are committed to providing high-quality avionics products and professional customer service. If you are not satisfied with an eligible purchase, we accept returns under the specific conditions outlined below. Please read this policy carefully before initiating a return.
1. Overview and Timeframe
Our return policy lasts for 30 days from the date of delivery. If 30 days have passed since your purchase was delivered, we cannot offer a full refund or exchange.
Important: All returns require a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. You must contact us at info@tophatavionics.com or call us at (864) 449-4043 to obtain an RMA number before shipping any item back to us. Packages returned without a valid RMA number will be refused and sent back to the sender at their expense.
2. Eligibility for Returns
To be eligible for a return, the item must meet all of the following conditions:
- It must be unused, uninstalled, and in the exact same condition that you received it.
- It must be in its original, unopened packaging with all manufacturer security seals intact.
- It must include all original accessories, installation kits, manuals, hardware, and documentation.
- You must provide a valid receipt, invoice, or proof of purchase.
3. Non-Returnable Items
Due to the specialized nature of aviation equipment, several types of goods are strictly exempt from being returned or are subject to significant restrictions:
- Special-Order & Custom Equipment: Items specially ordered, custom-configured, programmed, or serialized specifically for a customer’s aircraft.
- Installed or Modified Items: Any avionics equipment, wiring harness, or component that shows signs of installation, wiring, modification, or use.
- Opened Software & Configuration Cards: Software, database subscription cards, or configuration modules where security seals have been broken.
- Custom Fabrications: Custom-built instrument panels or specially fabricated wiring harnesses.
- Hazardous Materials: Certain batteries, oxygen system components, flammable liquids, or gases.
- Clearance or Discontinued Items: Products explicitly marked as “Final Sale” or “As-Is” at the time of purchase.
4. Restocking Fees and Partial Refunds
Even for eligible returns, please note the following:
- Restocking Fees: Many avionics manufacturers impose restocking fees (typically ranging from 15% to 25%) on returned items. This fee will be deducted from your refund. We will inform you of any applicable restocking fee when your RMA is issued.
- Partial Refunds: Partial refunds may be granted (at our discretion) for items that are not in their original condition, are damaged, or are missing parts for reasons not due to our error. The cost of return shipping will also be deducted from the refund amount.
5. The Refund Process
Once your return is received at our facility and thoroughly inspected by our technicians, we will send you an email to notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If approved, your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your original method of payment (credit card or other payment method) within 5–10 business days, depending on your financial institution.
6. Late or Missing Refunds
If you haven’t received your refund within the expected timeframe, please follow these steps:
- Check your bank or credit card account again.
- Contact your credit card company, as it may take some time before the refund is officially posted.
- Contact your bank, as there is often additional processing time before a refund is finalized.
If you have completed all these steps and still have not received your refund, please contact us at info@tophatavionics.com with your RMA number and order details.
7. Exchanges and Defective Items (DOA)
We only replace items if they are demonstrably defective or damaged upon arrival (Dead on Arrival – DOA).
If you receive a defective item, you must notify us within 48 hours of delivery. We will provide instructions for the return and cover the shipping costs for the replacement of verified defective items. We do not exchange items simply for a different model or color unless it qualifies under our standard return policy (subject to restocking fees).
8. Shipping Returns
To return an eligible product, you must ship it to our facility using the address provided with your RMA authorization:
Top Hat Avionics LLC (Returns Dept.)
Pickens County Airport (KLQK)
240 Airport Road
Liberty, SC 29657
(Include your RMA number clearly on the outside of the box)
Shipping Costs: You will be responsible for paying your own shipping costs for returning an eligible item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping (and any applicable restocking fee) will be deducted from your refund total.
Insurance & Tracking: If you are returning high-value avionics equipment, you are strongly advised to use a trackable shipping service (e.g., UPS, FedEx) and purchase shipping insurance. Top Hat Avionics LLC does not guarantee that we will receive your returned item if it is lost in transit without tracking.
9. Need Help?
If you have any questions regarding product eligibility, the RMA process, or this Refund and Returns Policy, please contact our team:
Top Hat Avionics LLC
Phone: (864) 449-4043 | (864) 790-0411
Email: info@tophatavionics.com
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
