Refund policy
# Refund & DOA Policy - Salty Aquatics & Fish
Effective Date: January 1st, 2026
At Salty Aquatics & Fish, we strive to provide the highest quality aquatic life and supplies. To maintain the health of our systems and ensure the best experience for our customers, the following policies apply to all purchases.
### 1. In-Store Livestock Purchases
**1.1 Freshwater Fish**
Salty Aquatics & Fish offers a **7-day refund guarantee** on freshwater fish purchased in-store. To qualify for a refund or store credit under this policy, the following conditions must be met:
* **Notification:** The customer must notify Salty Aquatics & Fish of the specimen's death within **twenty-four (24) hours** of the occurrence.
* Please bring the fish back to the store.
* **Specimen Return:** The deceased specimen must be returned to the store (unless otherwise instructed by management).
**1.2 Saltwater Fish**
There are **no refunds** for saltwater fish purchased in-store. All saltwater livestock sales are final once they leave our facility.
### 2. Shipped Livestock and Plants (DOA Policy)
For livestock shipped overnight, the following Dead on Arrival (DOA) / post-arrival policy applies:
**2.1 Notification Window**
For all livestock shipped overnight (freshwater fish, saltwater fish, plants, and corals), customers have **forty-eight (48) hours** from the time of delivery to notify Salty Aquatics & Fish if an animal or plant has arrived deceased or has expired shortly after acclimation.
**2.2 Claim Requirements**
To process a DOA claim, the customer must:
1. Email `saltyafcc@gmail.com` within the 48-hour window.
2. Provide clear, high-resolution photographs of the deceased specimen (inside the original bag or on a dry surface).
3. For livestock, a photo of the specimen both inside the original sealed bag and outside the bag on a white background is required.
**2.3 Resolution**
Approved DOA claims will be resolved through store credit or replacement of the specimen, at the sole discretion of Salty Aquatics & Fish. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
### 4. General Terms and Limitations
* **Store Credit:** Salty Aquatics & Fish reserves the right to issue refunds in the form of store credit.
* **Health Responsibility:** Once livestock is in the customer's care, Salty Aquatics & Fish is not responsible for losses due to tank instability, incompatible tank mates, or equipment failure.
* **Abuse of Policy:** Salty Aquatics & Fish reserves the right to refuse a refund or guarantee to any customer deemed to be abusing the policy or failing to provide adequate husbandry for their aquatic life.
### 5. Online General Merchandise & Equipment Returns
General merchandise and equipment purchased online may be returned within **thirty (30) days** from the date of purchase. Items must be in their **original packaging** to be eligible for return. The customer is responsible for **all return shipping costs**, and a **fifteen percent (15%) restocking fee** will be applied to all returns.
### 5. Contact Information
For all policy-related inquiries or to report a loss, please contact:
**Salty Aquatics & Fish**
**Phone:** 361-993-4300
**Email:** saltyafcc@gmail.com
**Website:** saltyafcc.com