Shipping & Returns

Shipping

Most orders within the continental U.S. include free standard shipping. Our standard shipping method is UPS Ground.

Expedited shipping options are available on many orders for an additional charge and can be selected at checkout. Expedited shipping charges are non-refundable once an order has shipped.

All instruments are carefully packed and fully insured. Tracking information will be provided when your order ships.

International Orders

International shipping is available on many items. Shipping charges apply outside the continental U.S., and any import duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or other destination charges are the buyer’s responsibility. If checkout does not provide a rate for your location, please contact us for a shipping quote.

72-Hour Examination Period & Returns

We want buyers to have a reasonable opportunity to inspect an instrument after delivery. Instruments may be returned provided you contact us within 72 hours of the carrier-confirmed delivery time to request a return authorization.

Once a return is authorized, the item must be shipped back within 2 business days, unless other arrangements are made with us.

Returned items must be in the same condition in which they were received and must include any case, gig bag, paperwork, accessories, or other items included with the sale.

For discretionary returns — including change of mind, buyer’s remorse, feel, tone, weight, setup preference, or other personal considerations — the buyer is responsible for insured return shipping.

For orders that originally included free shipping, the actual cost of the original outbound shipping label will be deducted from the refund. This reimburses the shipping expense incurred to send the order and is not an additional restocking fee.

Any optional expedited shipping charges are non-refundable.

Listing Accuracy & Resolution of Issues

We make every effort to describe and photograph each instrument accurately, including meaningful wear, modifications, repairs, and other relevant details.

Because our inventory consists primarily of used and vintage instruments, normal signs of age, minor cosmetic imperfections, setup preferences, and other subjective characteristics should be expected and do not, by themselves, constitute a listing error.

If you believe we made a material factual error or omitted a significant condition issue, please contact us within the 72-hour examination period. We will review the concern and work toward an appropriate resolution.

For minor or correctable issues, Darkwater Guitar Co. reserves the right to offer a reasonable remedy — including reimbursement for repair or adjustment, or an agreed upon partial refund — in lieu of accepting a return.

Shipping Damage

If an instrument arrives damaged in transit, please contact us immediately and retain the instrument, shipping box, packing materials, and all other packaging.

Do not discard packaging or return the item until we provide instructions, as the carrier may require documentation or inspection as part of an insurance claim.