Store Policies

SolarFlairLighting.com has store policies that apply to all purchases or requests for information for any product or information provided through this website. By using this site, particularly completing the check-out process and submitting an order, you agree to the policies outlined below.

This page is periodically updated and reflects our Store Policies as of February 11, 2013, when it was updated to discuss our decision to no longer accept PayPal transactions.

• General
• Disclaimer Regarding Improper or Careless Use of Product(s)
• Our Products are Not Toys
• When Professional Specialists (such as Plumbers or Electricians) should be Contacted
• Accepted Methods of Payment
• Requests for Discounts on Bulk Orders of Our Products
• Shipping Time
• Shipping Methods
• Policies regarding Products Damaged During Shipment
• Manufacturer Defects
• Cancellation Policy
• Return Merchandise Policy

General

While we offer free shipping on all orders within the continental US, shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and US Territories are handled as special orders.  We provide at-cost shipment to these locations, which is calculated for each order. 

If you are ordering from anywhere outside of the continental US, please contact us before placing your order at (866) 686-6903 or info@SolarFlairLighting.com so that we can verify your order and make sure that the shipping cost is acceptable to you.  In addition, we are not able to ship certain items outside of the 48 contiguous United States, as certain types of batteries used by solar products are prohibitted from airplanes.

For additional information not shown on this page, please email anywhere outside of the continental US, please contact us at (866) 686-6903 or info@SolarFlairLighting.com.

Disclaimer Regarding Improper or Careless Use of Product(s)

Customers should not rely solely on information provided on this Site (www.SolarFlairLighting.com) when assembling, using or storing any product purchased through our site. 

We ask that customers always read, and save, any assembly, instructions or any maintenance/care documentation included in product packaging.  This includes but is not limited to: product labels, product instructions, product assembly instructions, warnings, product directions, etc. before using any products purchased through www.SolarFlairLighting.com.

If you have questions about a product, please contact us and we will refer you to the manufacturer or obtain additional information whenever possible.

SolarFlairLighting.com's Products Are Not Toys

Except where noted otherwise, products purchased through this site are not toys and are not meant for children.  All items should be used in according with the directions included with the product and for the purpose in which the product was intended by be used by the manufacturer.

Special Note about Toys and Children's Educational Items Sold on www.SolarFlairLighting.com

All of our toys, games and experiments clearly note the age for which the toys, games and/or science experiment kits are designed.  These may include warnings that toys are considered "choking hazards" and toys for which "Adult Supervision" is recommended.

These toys, games and science kits have detailed information included with the package you receive. We assume no liability for age-inappropriate toys given to children and assume no liability for toys and science kits that are not used according to manufacturers' directions, including age/ maturity recommendations, or those regarding Adult Supervision.

We Actively Protect Your Privacy

SolarFlairLighting.com requires that cookies be used when you use our checkout cart.

However, we only use cookies in the event of a suspected or actual case of fraud, as cookies provide us with information about the physical location of the computer used to initiate a transaction. This is consistent with best practices for fraud prevention.

We do not sell or share email addresses or any personal information with third parties, except information necessary to process your order (for example, your name and address), or when we are required to do so for legal reasons.

Please note that as part of our agreement with Authorize.net (our credit card processor), we regularly undergo audits regarding the safety of our website, of SolarFlairLighting.com's computers and internet access, and measures we take to protect your personal information. This is required by the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS) audit which we regularly undergo as part of our agreement with Authorize.net.

Contrary to what PayPal ads imply, please note that SolarFlairLighting.com never extremely limited access to your payment information. We are notified if a CVC code or card expiration date are incorrect, as this is an indicator the transaction is potentially fraudulent. (For example, someone has obtained a credit card holders name, address and the credit card number, but does not have information contained only on the physical credit card.)

We have decided not to participate in Google's "Trusted Stores" program. We are not comfortable with the level of information required by Google.com, including the use of third party cookies, about our customers.

While we respect many objectives of the program (including the listing our shipping, return and other policies with Google, which we already do), there are other components we do are not comfortable with. Some, in fact, we believe could break our PCI DSS obligations, discussed above.

For questions regarding your privacy with SolarFlairLighting.com, please contact us toll free at (866) 686-6903 or info@SolarFlairLighting.com.

Rare Occasions where Professional Specialists (Electricians or Plumbers are Recommended)

The vast majority of products that we sell do not require either new plumbing or electrical systems as most are self-contained units; the vast majority are powered by solar energy.  Certain products may require installation by an individual with electrical or plumbing experience, including necessary electrical or plumbing licenses. 

While our product descriptions try to designate which of our products should be installed with assistance from professionals, at times this is noted only on the installation instructions for the product.  We are not liable for any damages done if our customers install items in a manner not specified by the product manufacturer. 

If a customer has any questions, they should contact us as soon as possible by phone at (866) 686-6903 or by emailing info@SolarFlairLighting.com.

Some of our products are powered by traditional UL-approved electrical lamps or pumps; others are powered by solar technology.  Solar panels that are attached directly to a structure may also require the services or advice from an electrician. We assume no liability for products installed or used without the appropriate professional services or consultation.  Items to be placed on roofs of walls structures should be placed with the appropriate caution.

For example, if you intend to retrofit a working lamp post from gas or electricity to solar, it is recommended that an experienced professional electrician or plumber to remove the existing electric lamp and safely "cap" or discontinue the existing power source, including making sure that all existing power sources (battery, electric, gas, etc.) are tested to be "off" before working with the existing lamp.

In addition to accurately and completely following all product assembly, installation and usage instructions included within the products package, customers should use the services of the appropriate Licensed Plumber or Licensed Electrician and if applicable, all local codes for permitting and/or inspection of electrical or gas lights or service lines.  Under any circumstance, SolarFlairLighting.com cannot be held liable for any damages. 

SolarFlairLighting.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements contained on this Web site regarding product descriptions, as they are based upon material provided by the manufacturers with whom we do business.

Accepted Methods of Payment

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. Google Wallet (formerly Google Checkout) is also accepted. As of February 11, 2013, we do not accept PayPal . We do not associated American Express or electronic checks/ACH debit transactions at this time due to the high processing costs associated with these methods.

Why We Stopped Using PayPal

• Safety of Data Held by PayPal
  SolarFlairLighting.com honestly does not believe that our payment information, nor that of our customers is safer with PayPal than it is through a credit card processor. For example, we provide, and PayPal maintains, information on our credit card (full number, expiration date and CVC security code) as well as all of detailed banking information: routing/ABA number; bank account number, etc.
  
  In contrast, we never see more a cardholder's CVC or expiration date. Our information is limited to the cardholder's name, billing address and the last 4 digits of the credit card, which is only provided as a resource to distinguish one transaction for another. Both our credit card processor (Authorize.net) and our company undergo regular audits for compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
  
  We do not know what standards are used to protect information with PayPal, nor do we know how many, or who, at PayPal has access to this information throughout the World. We have asked and have not received a straight answer.
  
  
• Cost of and Flexibility of Transactions through PayPal
  PayPal charges us more for both forward transactions (when you buy something from us) as well as when a cancellation is necessary, regardless of the circumstance. Google Wallet and Authorize.net charge us less.
  
  In addition, where as we can void a credit card transaction if we are notified that a customer changes his/her mind within a certain window of time. With both PayPal and Google Wallet, we must pay the fee for cancellations and returns regardless of when a customer notifies us. And, when the cancellation is due to a simple change of mind, we must pass these charges along to customers.
  
  
• Returns
  We have more flexibility in returning customer's money when it is through our credit card than with PayPal or Google Wallet. For example, if you read the fine print you will note that PayPal MAY hold withhold your returned funds for 10-30 days; usually if you are using their services for the first time or if you have do not use them regularly to make purchases. We refund cancellations as soon as we are notified and refund transactions for returned items as soon as the item is received and found to be eligible for return.
  
  This may be due to manufacturer's defect; other times, the customer may have simply changed their mind by the time the product is received. (In this case, we do charge a 15% to 20% restocking fee that is required by our distributors and which covers our costs to refunds purchases that are due to "buyer's remorse" as opposed to the fault of SolarFlairLighting.com or our distributors.)
  
  
• Suggestions for Customers who do not wish to use their Credit Card Online
  We understand that regardless of the retailer or the payment processor, that certain individuals may not wish to use their credit card online.
  
  We discussed this issue with our own credit card company today. They suggested that customers wary of online credit card transactions by a pre-paid Master/Visa debit card and use that for online payments.
  

Large Dollar Transactions:

For certain purchases involving several items or custom purchases involving large dollar values, we reserve the right to request a certified check rather than a credit card transaction. Examples customized items that are not returnable, special orders, or purchases involving multiple units of the same or similar products. 

Requests for Discounts on Bulk Orders of Our Products

If customers would like a quote on special large quantity orders, they must create an account with SolarFlairLighting.com.

We will not begin the process of negotiating prices until we can verify the following information from potential customers: 

• Name
• Billing Address
• Shipping Address
• Email address
• A telephone number to determine that the request is legitimate. 

No exceptions will be made to this policy. 

Shipping Time

The time needed to ship merchandise will vary depending on the shipment's location and the particular time of the year.  In general, customers should expect deliveries within 5 business days or less from the time you place your order. Customized products may require more time.

Rush order delivery is available for certain items, but fees to accelerate or expedite shipments will be added to the purchase price and usually significant total product cost.

During certain times of the year, such as when heavy seasonal sales of garden/landscape items occur or during the Christmas holiday, shipment delays may occur.

Shipping Methods

Merchandise is shipped using UPS Ground Service and Federal Express Ground Service; occasionally the US Postal Service is used. In addition, some items may be shipped directly from the manufacturer to customers.

If you cannot accept UPS Ground Service, Federal Express or US Postal deliveries, please contact us for alternate arrangements and potentially additional fees.

For example, UPS and Federal Express will not deliver to post office boxes.  Certain US Postal Service offices may accept the package for you; SolarFlairLighting.com has no discretion or choice in this matter. (A small number of our packages are delivered by USPS. USPS continually improves their tracking system and whenever possible, we will provide whatever information to track the shipment is available.)

When an item is shipped via UPS or Federal Express, we provide customers with the tracking number, an estimated arrival date, and the site where orders can be followed. These sites also provide customers with an option for an item to be held at the nearest UPS or FedEx location.

We strongly recommend, particularly for large dollar purchases, that you request the item be held for delivery at a date that you or a trusted friend or family member is available for signature.

If the package shows any signs of damage, customers should refuse to accept delivery of any delivery where a package shows obvious signs of damage and call us immediately by phone at (866) 686-6903 or by emailing info@SolarFlairLighting.com.  

SolarFlairLighting.com is not responsible for damages made during shipment incurred during shipment, but we will assist you as much as possible in preparing claims of damage to the carrier/shipping service (who is responsible for damages).

Policies regarding Products Damaged During Shipment

The standards for providing a claim of "Damaged during Shipment" continually become stricter and shippers continually require more information to even consider such a claim. We update these guidelines as we are informed of changers by either shippers or manufacturers.

At a minimum the buyer keep ALL of the following materials until they are sure the package is undamaged and works properly:

• Original shipping box

• Any inside packaging, including the box the product may be in as well as any paper, bubble wrap, Styrofoam or other materials used to protect the product during shipment.

• All paperwork that came with the product, in particular the shipping labels and any notes that were left by the delivery person. For example, we often find packages on our front porch with a sticky note attached to the window.

• SolarFlairLighting.com, as noted below, strongly encourages you to contact us immediately if a package or item is damaged as delaying damage reports can severely damage your chances of winning such a claim, or allow the shipper to dismiss the claim in its entirety.

• In addition, photographing damage (particularly if you notice it while the item is still partially packaged) will greatly enhance your chances of having a positive outcome.
  
  So, if you note damage to one part of a fountain, for example, while the rest is still in protective wrapping, do not continue to open the package until you can photographically document the damage.

As noted below, we are more than happy to assist customers in all claims of damage during shipment. However, there is only so much we can do, as the evidence is with you. Please contact us as soon as possible for instructions and we will return your call, usually within 6 hours. (Longer if call is made after 8:30 pm ET.)

Damaged shipments from handling must be claimed with the freight carrier. If any cartons are missing or damaged, be sure to note this on the freight bill or refuse to accept delivery and contact us immediately.

If you notice concealed damage after the driver has left, keep all the packing and call the freight carrier to return and inspect the damage and file a claim. We are not responsible for damage caused by the freight carrier.

Please note that we will assist you in your claim as much as possible, such as providing documentation that the items were packaged in a way that would prevent damage UNLESS there was negligence by the carrier during shipment. (Please see Shipping Methods, above, for ways that we help you with the delivery of your items.)

Manufacturer Defects

If a product appears to have a manufacturer's defect upon delivery, email or call our Customer Service department as soon as possible for instructions.  As noted above, if the package is damaged, please refuse to accept delivery.

Until you know that your product operates appropriately, please hold on to the following items:

• Original shipping box
• Any inside packaging, including the box the product may be in as well as any paper, bubble wrap, Styrofoam or other materials used to protect the product during shipment.
• All paperwork that came with the product, in particular the shipping labels and any notes that were left by the delivery person. For example, we often find packages on our front porch with a sticky note attached to the window.

Cancellations

Cancellations are discouraged.  If you decide to cancel an order, it will be treated as a return and we may charge a fee up to 20% of your purchase, depending upon how far along the order's processing has advanced.

The 20% fee covers our payment processing costs, including forward transaction fees and fees to reverse transactions made via credit card transactions, Google Wallet or PayPal. (Return charges are often more costly than fees for the original transactions.)

When cancellations are initiated by SolarFlairLighting.com (such as those due to unavailable stock), customers will not be charged.

Return Merchandise Policy

Please do not return products to us without first contacting us to receive instructions. If an item is to be returned to us due to a manufacturer's defect, you must first receive a Return Authorization Number.

No packages will be accepted without a Return Authorization Number written clearly on the package.

Because we want all customers to be satisfied, SolarFlairLighting.com will work with you to resolve all issues so please call us at (866) 686-6903 or email info@SolarFlairLighting.com as soon as possible. 

However, permission for any return merchandise must be secured from our return department. ALL RETURNS MUST BE RETURNED WITHIN 14 CALENDAR DAYS of your receipt of the item. Please note that we carry products from various manufacturers, and warranties for items vary. All warranties are, where applicable, noted in our product descriptions.

Returns that are not due to an improper product shipment or manufacturer defect are subject to a 20% restocking fee, which covers return processing (including credit card processing, Google Checkout costs, and other prices incurred by SolarFlairLighting.com and our manufacturers) and other administrative costs.

This is standard practice, as opened packages generally cannot be resold. Unless an incorrect or faulty item is delivered, customers are responsible for all return shipping fees.

Please note that credit for returns of items purchased through Google CheckOut or PayPal may take longer than those purchased using a credit card.  This is due to those checkout carts' polices, over which SolarFlairLighting.com has no discretion. Based on the circumstances, we will work with you to facilitate your return fees.

In general, we will credit your credit card once SolarFlairLighting.com or our manufacturers receive the returned item, unless the wrong product was delivered.

Please note that legally, we have 120 days from the ship date to return funds; however we virtually always process returns within a week of being notified of the reason for return.

Again, we have limited control over the timing of returned funds for products purchased through Google Checkout or PayPal. At times PayPal and Google Wallet MAY hold withhold payment for 10-30 days; usually if you are using their services for the first time or if you have not made a purchase through them in a while.

Regardless of your payment method, you must email the refund request to info@SolarFlairLighting.com, at which time the return authorization number (RA#) with return instructions will be sent to you.

No packages will be accepted without a Return Authorization Number written clearly on the package. Products being returned must have a RA# issued before returned.

All items must be returned with the following:

• All original contents (product, manuals, instructions, etc.)
• Original packaging.
• Original invoice or receipt.

Once a return is authorized by our return department you should:

1. Return the item to the address given to you by our return department.
2. Write the Return Authorization Number clearly on the box or package.
3. Keep your shipping records for proof of shipment in the event of loss of returned merchandise. Returns shipped with the US Postal service or those with a value of over $100.00 should be insured. We cannot be held liable for return merchandise that does not reach our return department.

We can refund shipping costs only if the return is a result of our error. You are responsible for all freight charges on shipments that are refused or returned with no fault on our part. We are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages or losses to defective products, errors in shipping your order, or other errors.

The limit of our liability is the replacement cost of any item you purchase from us. In addition, returns not related to incorrect shipment of items or manufacturer defects will be incur a 20 percent restocking charge.

If you were shipped the incorrect item, you will incur no fees.

Note for Users of Smart Phones, Tablets, and other Mobile Devices: We recommend that you create an account or make a purchase through your device only if you have the proper security installed. Please see the following article for more information: Use Your Smart Phone Wisely for Mobile Payments!

Solar Lighting: Today's Smart Choice!