Return Policy at Buoyant Helm

Returns & Exchanges

Return Policy

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery. You have 30 days after receiving your product to decide whether you'd like to return it. Fees and eligibility depend on the condition of the item when returned.

30 days Return window after delivery
$20 Return shipping setup cost
0–10%+ Restocking fee by condition
Free Exchanges

Return fees (applied to all returns)

Return shipping Paid by buyer — $20 setup cost deducted from refund
Restocking fee (unopened items) None
Restocking fee (opened / used items) 5% and up, by condition
Incorrect or oversized return box Carrier rate difference or label adjustment passed on to customer
Original shipping charges Non-refundable

Item condition & return outcome

Condition Examples Restocking fee Outcome
Unopened Original sealed packaging, never opened None Accepted
Opened / lightly used Opened, inflated, or lightly tested, still resellable 5% Accepted
Used Clear signs of use but still resellable 10% Accepted with fee
Heavily used Significant wear; fee scales higher with use Higher, on inspection At our discretion
Excessively used / unsellable Punctured, stained, faded, water-damaged, or worn beyond resale N/A Return denied

The applicable restocking fee is determined at our sole discretion upon inspection of the returned product.

Inflated or used-on-water items Once a floating bar has been used on the water — showing signs of real-world use such as waterline staining, sand, or scuffing — it may only be returned at our discretion and is subject to the used or unsellable assessment above. An item that has simply been inflated and deflated indoors for inspection, with no signs of water use, remains eligible under the standard policy. Items returned with punctures, patched repairs, or damage from over-inflation beyond the rated PSI are not eligible for refund.

General return eligibility

Return window Within 30 days of delivery
Required packaging Must use the original box we shipped your order in
Different or oversized box Any carrier rate difference or label adjustment deducted from refund
Accessories & inserts Pump, repair kit, storage bag, manuals & inserts must be included
Need help before returning? If you're having trouble with setup, inflation, or use, contact our support team before starting a return — we can often resolve the issue quickly and save you the return fees.

How to start a return

To start a return, email us at contact@buoyanthelm.com with your order number and the reason for your return. We'll review your request and, once approved, send you return instructions and the return address. Do not ship your return until it has been approved — returns sent without prior authorization may be refused.

You must ship using the original box your order arrived in. If you use a different or larger box and the carrier charges us an adjusted shipping rate or label-adjustment fee, that difference will be deducted from your refund.

Exchanges

Exchanges are free. Email us at contact@buoyanthelm.com to get started. Exchanged items are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged again.

Non-returnable items

Gift cards, final sale items, custom or personalized items, floating bars damaged or worn beyond resale, items missing the pump, repair kit, or storage bag, and previously exchanged items are not eligible for return.

Received a damaged, defective, or wrong item? Inspect your order upon delivery and contact us within 7 days at contact@buoyanthelm.com with your order number and clear photos of the product and packaging. We will cover return shipping and provide a replacement or full refund.

Refunds

Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you whether your refund has been approved. Approved refunds are issued to your original payment method and may take up to 10 business days to appear depending on your bank or card issuer.

Refunds exclude: the original shipping charge, the $20 return shipping setup cost, the applicable restocking fee, and any carrier surcharge or label adjustment for using an incorrect return box.

European Union customers

If your order ships to the EU, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days of delivery for any reason. Items must be returned unused and in their original packaging. Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless otherwise required by law.

Questions about your return? We're happy to help — email us at contact@buoyanthelm.com