Returns & Refunds Policy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Overview

Thank you for purchasing through MineralCache. We want you to be confident in your experience. This policy explains when returns and refunds are available and how to request them. This policy does not limit any non-waivable rights you may have under applicable law.

Eligibility for a refund

Refunds are available only in the following cases:

• Damaged on arrival: the item was damaged in transit.
• Misrepresented listing: the listing's photos or description materially misstated the item (for example, species, locality, size/dimensions, or condition).

To be eligible, you must email within seventy-two (72) hours of delivery and provide clear photo or video evidence (see "How to start a return"). "Delivery" means the confirmed carrier delivery scan to the address provided at checkout. If no delivery scan is available, delivery shall mean the date the item was actually received.

How to start a return

• Email returns@mineralcache.com within seventy-two (72) hours of delivery.
• Include your order number, item title/ID, and a description of the issue.
• Attach photos or videos of the outer shipping box and label, all internal packaging and materials, the unboxing if available, and the item showing the damage or misrepresentation.

We will reply with instructions and the correct return address for the vendor who shipped your item.

Return shipment requirements

• If the return is approved due to verified damage or material misrepresentation, MineralCache will provide instructions regarding return shipping responsibility.
• All returns must be shipped within seven (7) business days of delivery.
• Return the item in the condition received (even if damaged), including any original tags, bases, and labels.
• Use a trackable shipping method and keep your receipt and tracking number. We recommend appropriate insurance. Reimbursement for return shipping or shipping insurance is at MineralCache's discretion unless required by law.
• Return the item to the original vendor at the address we provide. Do not ship returns to MineralCache unless instructed.
• Keep all packaging until your claim is fully resolved; carriers may request inspection for damage claims.

International orders and cross-border returns

• Original outbound shipping charges, return shipping charges, customs fees, brokerage charges, import duties, VAT/GST, and similar governmental or carrier charges may be nonrefundable unless required by law or actually recovered.
• If a return is approved for a vendor-caused issue, MineralCache will provide instructions regarding return shipping responsibility and any recoverable shipping-related charges.
• If a shipment is refused, abandoned, unclaimed, returned to sender, or cannot clear customs because the buyer failed to provide accurate information, cooperate with customs, or pay import charges, any refund may be reduced by the original shipping charge and any nonrecoverable carrier, customs, return-shipping, storage, disposal, or related fees, except where prohibited by law.
• If a shipment is seized, rejected, or destroyed by customs because the item is prohibited in the destination country, because required permits or documentation were missing, or because the buyer failed to comply with local import rules, MineralCache may deny or reduce a refund to the extent charges, losses, or nonrecoverable costs were caused by those circumstances, except where prohibited by law.

EU and UK buy-now cancellation rights

For buy-now orders shipping to destinations in the European Union or the United Kingdom, buyers may have a fourteen (14) day cancellation or withdrawal right where applicable law requires it. This section applies only to those covered buy-now orders and does not broaden return rights for auctions or for other destinations.

• For eligible EU or UK change-of-mind cancellations, the buyer is responsible for return shipping where this responsibility was disclosed before purchase and where applicable law permits it.
• If applicable law requires a refund of standard outbound delivery charges for an eligible EU or UK cancellation, MineralCache will process that refund in accordance with the governing rule.
• Claims involving damage, defect, or material misdescription are not treated as change-of-mind cancellations and remain subject to the separate protections described in this policy and any mandatory rights under applicable law.

Refunds

• After the vendor receives and inspects the return, MineralCache will review the findings and process the refund if approved. Please allow up to seven (7) business days from receipt of the return for processing. Depending on your card issuer, the credit may take one billing cycle to appear on your statement. You will receive an email confirmation when processed.
• In certain circumstances, MineralCache may offer a partial refund in lieu of a return where appropriate.
• MineralCache reserves the right to deny refunds where evidence is insufficient, inconsistent, or indicative of misuse, fraud, or abuse of this policy.

Important notes

• Due to the fragile nature of mineral and fossil specimens and the risks associated with shipping, returns are not accepted for buyer's remorse, change of mind, or dissatisfaction based on personal preference, except to the extent required by applicable law.
• Returns are not accepted for misunderstandings regarding size, locality, or quality where such information was accurately disclosed in the listing. If a listing is determined to be materially inaccurate, the item may be eligible for return under the "Misrepresented Listing" policy.
• Auction wins are not returnable except for shipping damage (with sufficient evidence) or verified listing misrepresentation, except to the extent required by applicable law.
• Orders containing items from multiple vendors may require separate returns to each vendor.

Definitions

• Misrepresented listing: a material mismatch between the item received and the listing's essential characteristics (for example, species, locality, dimensions, or condition). Minor variations in color or appearance due to photography and display differences are not considered misrepresentation.
• Evidence: clear photos or videos of packaging and the item that reasonably demonstrate damage or misrepresentation.

Questions

We're here to help. Contact support@mineralcache.com with any questions about this policy.