Refund policy

Return Policy - Retail Products

General Return Policy

We accept returns within 14 days of receiving your order, provided the item meets the following conditions:

  • It must be undamaged, and in resalable condition (no markings, labels, or tape directly on the product box).
  • It must be in its original packaging and include all accessories.
  • Opened and used items may be returned only if in near perfect condition.
  • All returns require prior authorization. Please contact Support@podium1racing.com before returning any item to receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Unauthorized returns may be refused.

All returns are subject to a restocking fee of 15% of the item price, This fee covers handling, inspection, and processing of the return before resale.

If an order was eligible for free shipping, outbound shipping charges incurred by Podium 1 will also need to be paid by the customer to qualify. 

**A 15% restocking fee will be charged for returns that are not defective plus shipping charges incurred by Podium 1. 

Return Shipping & Fees

  • Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs unless the item is considered defective.
  • Shipping fees are non-refundable, as they are paid directly to the carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) and cannot be recovered.
  • If your order originally qualified for free shipping, the original shipping cost will be deducted from your refund.
  • Items must be properly packed in an outer carton to avoid damage in transit. Do not place labels or tape directly on the product box.
  • Customers are fully responsible for the condition and integrity of any equipment being returned until it is physically received and inspected by a member of the Podium 1 team member.
  • To ensure safe and verifiable delivery, all return shipments must be returned via UPS, FedEx, or DHLt and must include a “Signature Required” service. This measure guarantees that your package is received directly by our staff and promptly processed.
  • Please note that any return shipped with a non-approved courier service OR without a signature requirement will be refused. Lost, stolen, or unconfirmed packages will not be eligible for refund or reimbursement.

No price adjustments

The store will not adjust the price the customer paid if the item goes on sale after the customer's purchase. 

Return to Sender / Refused Shipments

If a package is returned to Podium 1. due to an incorrect address provided by the customer, failure to accept the package, refusal of delivery, or if you'd like to request a return to sender through UPS, the following fees will apply:

  • Outbound Shipping Fee: The original shipping cost of the order (even if the order qualified for free shipping).
  • Return to Sender Processing Fee (UPS): $20.00.
  • Podium 1 Restocking/Processing Fee: $25.00.

The total of these fees will be deducted from your refund.
If you would like the package reshipped, you will be responsible for the new shipping charges.
Please ensure that your shipping information is accurate at checkout to avoid these additional costs.

If Your Return Does Not Qualify

  • If an item you returned does not meet our return requirements, you may request to have it sent back to you at your expense.
  • If we do not receive a response within 14 days, the item will be discarded.

Defective or Damaged Products

If you receive a defective item or an incorrect shipment, contact us at Support@podium1racing.com within 14 days to begin the return process.

  • First 14 Days: We cover Standard/Ground return shipping for defective or incorrectly shipped items. If you choose expedited return shipping, you are responsible for the cost difference.
  • After 30 Days: The customer is responsible for return shipping costs.
  • All returns require prior authorization. Please contact Support@podium1racing.com before returning any item to receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Unauthorized returns may be refused.

Inspection & Resolution

  • Upon receipt, we will inspect and test the product. If a defect is confirmed, we will offer a repair, replacement, or refund.
  • If no defect is found, the customer will be responsible for return shipping and any applicable labor/restocking fees.

Damaged in Transit

  • If your package arrives damaged, we recommend that you refuse shipment for return if possible. If you have received it, you must report it to us within 48 hours with photos of the packaging and item. DO NOT discard cartons, packaging, etc or we may not be able to file an insurance claim. 
  • Claims filed after this period or that do not file this criteria, may not be eligible for a refund or replacement.

Non-Refundable Items

We do not accept returns or refunds for the following:

  • Items not purchased directly from Podium 1.
  • Items that are damaged due to misuse, negligence, or modification (e.g., improper installation, exposure to extreme conditions).
  • Items that show normal wear and tear or have exceeded their reasonable life expectancy.
  • Personalized or custom-made products.
  • Digital products or software downloads.
  • Gift cards.

If a product is damaged or missing original packaging, it does not qualify for a refund. Repairs can be arranged, but labor and parts costs will apply.Replacement

If you’d like to consider a replacement item, please create a return for the original order (The original order must be unused merchandise in original packaging including the complete accessories) and place another replacement order . We’ll get your replacement order shipped right away and refund your original order as soon as we receive it (The customer is responsible for all shipping costs incurred when returning the item).

Order Modifications & Cancellations

Modifying an Order

Orders are processed immediately upon placement, making modifications difficult. If you need to update shipping details or correct an issue, please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but changes are not guaranteed.

Canceling an Order

  • Orders can only be canceled before they have shipped.
  • A 5% processing fee applies to all cancellations to cover transaction fees and administrative costs.
  • If your order has already shipped, it cannot be canceled. You may return the item following our return policy.

Refund Processing

Refunds will be issued to your original payment method after the returned item has been received, inspected, and approved.

  • Refunds exclude shipping fees and the 15% (or $25 minimum) restocking fee.
  • If your return does not meet policy requirements, Podium 1. cannot guarantee a refund.
  • Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you whether your refund has been approved or rejected.
  • Refunds Under $1,500
    For all approved returns under $1,500, your refund will be issued to your original form of payment. Please be aware that it may take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund to your account.
  • Special Handling for Refunds Over $1,500
    For any refund over $1,500, the process is different. These refunds are issued via check and are processed within the 30 day period.

Exceptions/Non-Returnable Items

Unfortunately, custom products such as Turnkeys or personalized items cannot be returned or refunded. Please be sure that you approve your cart before checking out.

 If you have any questions or concerns about a specific item, please contact us.

Exchanges

The most efficient way to ensure you receive the desired item is to return the item you have. Once the return is accepted, you can make a separate purchase for the new item.

Lost or Stolen Package Policy

If the shipping tracking number says a package has been delivered but you have not received your order, here is the procedure we follow:

  1. First, we ask you to check with anyone else who receives mail at the shipping address and we ask that if possible talk to your delivery person to see where they delivered the package. This often solves the missing package issue. We also ask that you check with your neighbors to see if they might have received it.
  2. Second, we wait 2 business days for the package to show up from a delayed delivery, neighbor or other person who may have received it.
  3. Next, after 2 business days we open a lost package case with the carrier to see if the GPS location of the delivery scan matches the address you gave us on the order.

If the GPS delivery scan matches your address then it is assumed your responsibility for the lost package as we can prove delivery by GPS location to the correct address. We do not reship orders if the GPS delivery scan matches the shipping address. Please file a police report for stolen packages.

If the GPS delivery scan shows that the carrier did not deliver it to the shipping address then we will reship your package ASAP with a signature required and file a missing package claim with the carrier on our end.

CUSTOM TURNKEY SIMULATOR RETURN AND REFUND POLICY

Return & Cancellation 

Effective for all simulator orders placed through Podium 1 Racing

Custom-built turnkey simulators are one-of-a-kind, made-to-order products assembled specifically to each customer's requirements. Unlike in-stock components, these systems involve significant pre-production work, custom sourcing, dedicated labor, and third-party commitments made on the customer's behalf. As a result, our return and cancellation policy for custom simulators differs materially from our standard component return policy.

Please read this policy carefully before placing your order. By submitting a deposit or full payment for a custom turnkey simulator, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this document.

SUMMARY

Cancellation Window

Within 48 hours of payment — full refund minus 5% processing fee

Cancellation After 48 Hours

Non-refundable; store credit may be issued at our discretion

Return Window

Not accepted — custom builds are final sale

Defects / DOA

Full resolution within 30 days of delivery

Damage in Transit

Must be reported within 48 hours of delivery

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Within 48 Hours

If you need to cancel your order, you must contact us in writing within 48 hours of placing your deposit. Cancellations received within this window are eligible for a full refund of your deposit, less a 3% payment processing fee that is non-recoverable by Podium 1.

To initiate a cancellation, contact us at:

  • Email: sales@podium1racing.com or your Personal Sales Consultant
  • You must receive written confirmation from Podium 1 Racing to consider a cancellation valid.

Cancellation After 48 Hours

Once 48 hours have passed from the time of payment, your order enters active build planning. At this stage, we have typically begun:

  • Sourcing and reserving components specific to your build
  • Coordinating lead times with hardware manufacturers and suppliers
  • Scheduling build labor and bench time
  • Committing to third-party freight and logistics arrangements

For these reasons, cancellations requested after the 48-hour window are not eligible for a refund. In limited circumstances and at Podium 1 Racing's sole discretion, we may offer store credit toward a future purchase, minus any direct costs already incurred (materials, shipping commitments, vendor restocking fees, etc.).

Note: The 48-hour window begins at the timestamp of your payment confirmation email, not the time of an inquiry or verbal discussion.

Return Policy for Turnkey Simulators

Custom Builds Are Final Sale

Custom-built turnkey simulators are manufactured exclusively to your specifications and cannot be restocked or resold as new. As such, all custom simulator orders are final sale and are not eligible for return or exchange under normal circumstances.

This includes but is not limited to:

  • Changes of mind after the 48-hour cancellation window
  • Preference changes regarding seat, wheel, pedal, or motion platform selection
  • Compatibility concerns that were disclosed prior to purchase
  • Space or installation constraints that arise after delivery

If you have questions about how a simulator will fit your space or integrate with your existing setup, we strongly encourage you to speak with one of our consultants before placing your order. We are happy to provide detailed measurements, weight specifications, power requirements and infrastructure requirements prior to purchase.

Defective on Arrival (DOA) / Manufacturing Defects

Podium 1 Racing stands behind every simulator we build. All simulators are testing and configured prior to shipment.  If your simulator arrives with a manufacturing defect or a component that fails to function as intended upon first use, we will work promptly to resolve the issue at no cost to you. Our commitment includes:

  • Replacement of defective components within our standard parts warranty period
  • Remote diagnostics and technical support to identify root causes
  • On-site service coordination where applicable and feasible
  • Full unit replacement in cases where defects are systemic and cannot be resolved otherwise

To report a defect, contact our support team within 30 days of delivery with the following:

  • Your order number and delivery date
  • A detailed description of the issue
  • Photos and/or video clearly demonstrating the defect or malfunction

Damage in Transit

All custom simulators are professionally packaged and shipped via freight carriers with appropriate insurance. If your simulator arrives with visible shipping damage, you must:

  • Report the damage to Podium 1 Racing within 48 hours of delivery
  • Retain all original packaging materials until the claim is resolved
  • Document damage thoroughly with photos before moving or unpacking any affected components
  • Note any visible damage on the freight carrier's delivery receipt at time of signing

Failure to report transit damage within 48 hours or failure to retain packaging may limit our ability to file a carrier claim and could affect your coverage.

Important: Signing a delivery receipt without noting visible damage may constitute acceptance of the shipment in its received condition. Always inspect before signing.

Component Warranties

Individual components within your custom simulator (motion platforms, steering systems, pedal sets, displays, etc.) may carry separate manufacturer warranties. Podium 1 Racing will assist you in navigating manufacturer warranty claims where possible. Warranty terms, duration, and coverage vary by brand and product line.

Upon delivery, you will receive documentation outlining the applicable manufacturer warranties for major components in your build. It is your responsibility to register products with manufacturers where required.

Post-Delivery Modifications & Upgrades

We understand that your needs may evolve. Podium 1 offers upgrade and modification services for existing custom builds. If you would like to swap components, add motion degrees of freedom, upgrade displays, or otherwise modify your simulator after delivery, please contact our sales team to discuss options and pricing.

Unauthorized modifications or repairs performed by parties other than Podium 1 or the original component manufacturer may void applicable warranties. Podium 1 is not responsible for issues arising from third-party modifications.