Effective date: February 1st, 2026
This Return & Exchange Policy applies to products purchased directly from [Shimano Fishing] via our website for delivery within the United States. If you purchased from an authorized brick-and-mortar dealer, please initiate returns or exchanges with that retailer under its policy. Our limited warranty applies to eligible defects regardless of place of purchase, as described below. By purchasing a product from us, you accept the terms of this Return & Exchange Policy.
Summary of key terms. You may return eligible products purchased on our website within 30 days of delivery, provided they are unused, in as-new condition, and returned with original packaging and all included accessories. All returns require prior authorization and an RMA. Outbound shipping is non-refundable. For change-of-mind returns, if you use our prepaid return label, its cost will be deducted from your refund. For confirmed defects or items damaged in transit reported within 5 days of delivery, we cover reasonable return shipping. After inspection, we will remedy defects in the following order of preference: repair or replace, then exchange, then refund if a repair or replacement is not feasible.
Scope and eligibility
This policy covers orders placed on [fishshop.shimano.com] and delivered within the United States. Returns for purchases made through authorized dealers must be handled directly with the dealer. [Shimano Fishing] is not responsible for any products other than Shimano products, and only as provided in this policy. Nothing in this policy limits rights you may have under applicable consumer protection laws.
Risk of loss remains with us until delivery to the address provided. If tracking shows delivered but you did not receive the package, contact us promptly; we will assist with a carrier investigation and determine a resolution consistent with applicable law and our fraud policies.
Return window and condition standards
You may request a return within 30 days from the date the order is marked delivered. To be eligible for a full refund, items must be in unused, as-new, resalable condition and returned in their original packaging with all components and documentation included.
“As-new” for rods and reels means, without limitation: no evidence of casting or on‑water use; no spooled line on reels; no water intrusion or salt residue; no bent guides, chips, scratches, or deck rash; no corrosion; hangtags and protective films intact; and all accessories (e.g., cases, sleeves, tools, manuals) present.
We do not accept returns of consumables or installed/customized items, including but not limited to installed line, cut line, or engraved or otherwise customized products, and any item marked final sale. Except where required by law, gift cards are non‑refundable and not redeemable for cash. Where required, remaining balances below the applicable state threshold may be redeemed for cash.
Inspection-only use is permitted for fit and compatibility; field use is not permitted for items returned for refund.
Defective or damaged items (DOA/defect claims)
A defect means a manufacturing non-conformity in materials or workmanship present at delivery. This does not include normal wear, cosmetic scuffs, damage from impact or misuse, improper maintenance or storage, exposure to saltwater or corrosive environments, over‑tensioning, or modifications.
Transit damage must be reported within 5 days of delivery, and latent manufacturing defects should be reported within a reasonable time during the 30‑day return window. We may request your order number, the product serial number, and where helpful, clear photos or video showing the issue and overall condition, including packaging if damaged. All defect and DOA returns require prior authorization and an RMA.
For defect/DOA claims reported within 5 days, we will arrange or reimburse reasonable return shipping after validation. After inspection, except as prohibited by law, we may remedy confirmed defects in the following order of preference: repair or replace the item; if not feasible, offer an exchange for the same or comparable item; if neither is available, we may issue a refund. If inspection does not confirm a manufacturing defect, we will treat the item as a standard return if otherwise eligible, subject to the fees and deductions described in this policy, or return the item to you at your expense.
After the 30‑day return window, defect claims are handled exclusively under our limited warranty through repair or replacement; refunds are not available except as required by law. Our limited warranty is available for review prior to purchase on our website and upon request from customer service
RMA pre-authorization and how to initiate
All returns require prior authorization and an RMA number. To request an RMA, please use our returns portal at https://fishshop.shimano.com/pages/shipping-returns and provide: order number, product serial number, reason for return, and supporting photos/video if applicable. Do not ship a return without an RMA; unauthorized returns may be refused. If you are unable to use the returns portal, you may request an RMA by contacting us at https://fishshop.shimano.com/pages/contact-us
Packaging, completeness, and fees
To receive a full refund, items must be returned in the original packaging with all accessories, components, and documentation. Because our packaging is engineered to protect high‑value equipment, missing or unusable original packaging materially increases our replacement and handling costs.
If original packaging is missing or damaged, we will deduct a repackaging fee reflecting our replacement cost. Typical repackaging fees are:
· Rods: $25–$75 per unit depending on tube/case configuration.
· Reels: $15–$40 per unit depending on molded case/foam.
If accessories or components are missing, we will deduct the replacement cost of those items. If an item has been opened and shows signs of handling beyond inspection but remains resalable, we may accept the return with a restocking deduction of up to 15% to account for diminished value and handling. We will notify you of any deductions when we process your return.
We do not charge a sanitation fee; however, we may refuse returns that are unsafe to handle.
Shipping costs, risk of loss, and method
Outbound shipping charges are non‑refundable. For change‑of‑mind returns, if you use our prepaid return label, its actual cost, as reflected when the label is created, will be deducted from your refund; alternatively, you may purchase your own trackable and insured return shipping. For confirmed defect/DOA returns reported within 5 days of delivery, we cover reasonable return shipping.
Please ship returns using a trackable, insured method and include the RMA number on the label; we are not responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit. We do not accept COD shipments or unstamped packages.
Risk of loss for consumer purchases remains with us until the package is delivered to the shipping address provided. If tracking indicates delivery but you did not receive your order, contact us within 7 days; we will assist with a carrier investigation and work toward a resolution consistent with applicable law.
Inspection, serial verification, and non-conforming returns
We verify each return against the original order, including serial number, weight, and contents. Returned items must have all original serial number labels intact and must match the unit shipped. Returns with missing or altered serial numbers, replaced components, or items that do not match the product shipped will be refused and returned to you at your expense. If the serial does not match the unit shipped, we will hold the item for 10 business days and notify you to arrange return shipment at your expense.
We typically complete inspection within 3–5 business days of receipt; refunds to the original payment method are initiated immediately upon approval and usually post within 5–10 business days, subject to your card issuer. Discounts and promotions applied to the original order will not be reinstated, and refunds will reflect the net amount paid after such discounts.
Exchanges
Where available, an exchange may be fulfilled as a return and re‑purchase, or as a direct swap at our discretion. For change‑of‑mind exchanges, shipping costs apply as described above. For defect/DOA exchanges, we follow the remedies order set out above.
Anti-abuse and reservation of rights
We monitor return activity and reserve the right to refuse returns or exchanges, or to limit service, for suspected fraud, serial return abuse, excessive wear/use inconsistent with this policy, or violation of our terms. We may request additional verification, including identification, for high‑value returns. We will not refuse returns where prohibited by law and will provide the reason for any refusal
Warranty and statutory rights
Our limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship as outlined in the warranty document accompanying your product or available on our website. After the 30‑day return window, all defect claims are handled under the warranty through repair or replacement. This policy does not limit any rights you may have under applicable consumer protection laws, which may provide additional remedies in certain jurisdictions. Our limited warranty is available for review prior to purchase on our website and upon request from customer service
Contact
Questions or RMA requests: 1-877-577-0600
Return address (for authorized RMAs only):
ATT: Consumer Services Manager
Shimano North America Fishing
9560 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, Ladson-SC, 29456
Governing law: Except where prohibited or restricted by law, this policy is governed by the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws. For consumers in jurisdictions that restrict out‑of‑state forum selection, venue and governing law will be determined by applicable consumer law.”
Shimano Fishing
Dealer Return Addendum (Authorized Retailers)
This Dealer Return Addendum applies to authorized brick‑and‑mortar retailers purchasing products from [Shimano Fishing] for resale. It supplements and is incorporated into the applicable wholesale agreement. Capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in the wholesale agreement.
Scope; place of return
Retailers are responsible for customer returns and exchanges under their own retail policies. Except as expressly provided herein, [Shimano Fishing] does not accept non‑defective returns from dealers. Our limited warranty applies to eligible defects for end customers; warranty service is provided directly by [Shimano Fishing] or its service centers. Our limited warranty is available for review prior to purchase on our website and upon request from customer service
DOA/defective units from dealer stock
Dead‑on‑arrival or manufacturing defects discovered at receipt or within seven (7) days of first retail delivery to the customer must be reported to [Shimano Fishing] within seven (7) days of discovery. Dealers must obtain advance RMA authorization and provide:
1. Purchase order/invoice number;
2. Product serial number(s) and SKU(s);
3. Quantity and a description of the issue; and
4. Clear photos or video showing the defect and overall condition, including packaging if damaged in transit.
Upon validation, [Shimano Fishing] will, at its option and in the following order of preference, repair or replace the unit, provide an exchange for the same or comparable item, or authorize a return for credit if repair or replacement is not feasible. For confirmed DOA/defects, [Shimano Fishing] will provide or reimburse ground return freight using its designated carrier. Title and risk of loss pass to [Shimano Fishing] upon receipt; credits are subject to inspection and verification at our facility.
RMA and return requirements
All returns require an RMA number issued in advance. Returned units must:
· Bear intact, unaltered serial number labels that match our shipment records;
· Be complete with all original packaging and accessories; and
· Be shipped freight prepaid using a trackable method, with the RMA number clearly marked on the label.
Unauthorized returns, returns without matching serial verification, or returns with missing components may be refused and returned to dealer at dealer’s expense.
Non-DOA returns; restocking
Non‑defective returns from dealers are not accepted absent [Shimano Fishing]’s prior written authorization, which may be granted or withheld in our sole discretion. If authorized, returns are subject to:
· Restocking fee of 15%–20% of the net invoice price; and
· Deductions for missing/damaged packaging or components at replacement cost.
Dealer is responsible for inbound freight on non‑DOA returns. Credits are issued after inspection and may be adjusted for condition and completeness.
Unsold inventory; stock rotation
[Shimano Fishing] does not offer stock rotation or buybacks of unsold inventory unless expressly agreed in writing. Any such program, if offered, will specify eligible SKUs, windows, volumes, and applicable fees.
Freight damage
For shipments to dealers, any transit damage must be noted at delivery and reported within five (5) days with photos. Retain all packaging for carrier inspection. Claims filed outside this window may be denied.
Anti-fraud; audit
[Shimano Fishing] tracks serial numbers and monitors return activity. We reserve the right to refuse RMAs, charge back credits, or suspend accounts for suspected fraud, serial number tampering, excessive non‑defective returns, or policy violations. Upon reasonable notice, [Shimano Fishing] may audit returned units for serial verification and condition.
Warranty service for end customers
After the retailer’s return period, end customer defect claims are handled under [Shimano Fishing]’s limited warranty via repair or replacement. Dealers should direct customers to http://fishshop.shimano.com/pages/warranty-services or 1-877-577-0600 for warranty service.
General
This Addendum is governed by the law and venue specified in the wholesale agreement. To the extent of conflict, this Addendum controls for returns. Nothing herein limits non‑waivable statutory rights.
Contact
Questions or RMA requests: 1-877-577-0600
Return address (for authorized RMAs only):
ATT: Consumer Services Manager
Shimano North America Fishing
9560 Palmetto Commerce Parkway, Ladson-SC, 29456