Hicks Sticks, Warranies and Return Policy

-Satisfaction Guarantee and return policy
-Mideast Mfg returns
-Refund Policy
-Ticket Refund Policy
-WMI Course Refund Policy
-Quality and Workmanship warranty
-Clapstick warranty
-Repairs
-Return Shipping Requirements

10 day money back satisfaction guarantee: Applies to all instruments from Hicks Sticks inventory to the original buyer only (see terms for Mideast mfg orders below). Within 10 days of receiving the instrument, the customer may return it in original condition (the same condition as when shipped with no damage or modification to the instrument) for a full refund of the purchase price. No shipping and handling charges will be refunded. All return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer. This Satisfaction warranty does not apply to instruments purchased from other resellers.

Mideast mfg products: Returnable within 20 days. Note: you must contact me for return shipping instructions and authorization number. Most Mideast products are drop shipped and most returns need to be returned to them. Buyer is responsible for all shipping, return shipping costs and shipping insurance costs.

Refund Policy: Refunds for credit card purchases will be credited to the credit card account used for purchase. All other refunds will be issued in cash or by Hicks Sticks business check.

Ticket Refund Policy: If you buy tickets for workshops or performances then do not attend, there is no refund. If we cancel a performance or workshop, ticket price will be refunded to the original purchaser.

Quality and Workmanship Warranty: (Applies only to instruments made by Ben Hicks)

Every didgeridoo I make is guaranteed to the original purchaser to be free from manufacturing defects that affect the function of the instrument. Any functional problems including air leaks, cracks or other failure of the instrument due specifically to manufacturing defect will be repaired free of charge. Any damage caused by improper care, neglect, misuse or alteration of the instrument is not covered by this warranty. (Please read: Didgeridoo Care and Maintenance) This warranty only applies to instruments made by Ben Hicks, not to yidaki, mago or other instruments made by other people.

Exclusion #1: Though epoxy is the best waterproofing and most chemically stable product I know of to use on didgeridoos, saliva has substances that eventually cause the epoxy coating on mouthpieces to start to "peel". This typically happens after a year or two of use, but can occur sooner if the instrument is played extremely often. When this happens, mouthpieces can either be recoated or simply smoothed with steel wool. These are easy things to do yourself, or I am happy to recoat the MP at no charge to you. I will not however pay any shipping costs for this service.

Exclusion #2: I make some instruments that are coated with oil and/or wax. These finishes do not provide the same degree of waterproofing as epoxy, and require ongoing maintenance. As it is the responsibility of the buyer to care for these instruments appropriately, Hicks Sticks does not warranty these instruments against cracking. Please read: Didgeridoo Care and Maintenance

Note: Wood is a natural material and many instruments have natural features which add to the character of the instrument. During construction I always fill and seal any functional cracks and holes in the wood, but I do not always fill all cosmetic imperfections as sometimes I prefer leave some of the wood's natural character. If you receive an instrument that has what you consider to be cosmetic imperfections due to the wood itself, they may be intentionally left natural. If these are unsatisfactory to you, your instrument is covered by the 10 day satisfaction warranty.

Clapsticks Warranty: All clapsticks are covered by the Hicks Sticks 10 day satisfaction warranty, and can be returned for a full refund of the purchase price minus any shipping charges within 10 days of receipt. Clapsticks that I make are warranted against cracking for 30 days. If cracking occurs within 30 days, the sticks may be exchanged for a pair of equal value. Exclusion: Aboriginal sticks and Bilma are covered by the 10 day satisfaction warranty only. The long term care of these sticks is your responsibility. Please read Caring for your clapsticks

Other Repairs: Other repair problems not covered under warranty will be assessed on an individual basis, and repaired for a fee.

Return shipping requirements: The customer is responsible for all shipping costs, including insurance. For all returns, exchanges, and repairs, it is strongly recommended to package didgeridoos in the original packaging, and insure for the full value of the instrument. For all warranty service, if return merchandise is not insured by customer and is damaged in transit, customer assumes responsibility for any repair or replacement cost up to the original purchase price. For other repairs, insured shipping is up to the customer's discretion, but Hicks Sticks will not be responsible for any shipping damage.