Returns & Refunds — END OF S.T.A.Y. Automotive

Returns & Refunds

Our Returns & Refunds Policy

We want every END OF S.T.A.Y. owner to be genuinely happy with their vehicle. Because we sell two very different kinds of products — in-stock ready-to-ship cars and made-to-order custom builds — our returns policy works differently for each. Here's exactly where you stand, whichever one you ordered.

The short version

Two Order Types, Two Policies

Returnable

Ready-to-Ship Vehicles

Already-built inventory purchased as-is. Eligible for return within the window below, subject to condition requirements.

Final Sale

Custom Configured Builds

Built to your exact specification through our configurator. Because every unit is made to order, custom builds are not eligible for return once production has begun.

Ready-to-ship vehicles

Returning an In-Stock Vehicle

If you purchased a Ready-to-Ship vehicle from our Los Angeles inventory and simply changed your mind, you may return it under the following terms.

Return window 14 days from delivery

Conditions for Return

  • The vehicle must be unused beyond a reasonable inspection — no track time, drift sessions, or extended driving.
  • All original components, accessories, chargers, and documentation must be included.
  • The vehicle must be free of damage, modification, or excessive wear.
  • Original packaging is preferred but not strictly required if the vehicle is otherwise returned in as-delivered condition.

Restocking & Return Shipping

A restocking fee of 15% of the vehicle price applies to all approved returns, to cover inspection, reconditioning, and repackaging. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility unless the return is the result of our error (e.g., wrong model shipped) or a covered defect — see the damaged/defective section below.

How to Start a Return

Email our team within your 14-day window with your order number and reason for return. We'll confirm eligibility and send you return shipping instructions. Returns sent back without prior authorization may experience processing delays.

Custom configured builds

Custom Orders Are Final Sale

We do not accept returns on customized vehicles. Every configured build — your choice of power, color, interior, wing, wheels, and extras — is manufactured specifically for you at our Shanghai facility. Once production begins, the order cannot be canceled, returned, or refunded.

This is standard practice for made-to-order products: unlike ready-to-ship inventory, a custom build has no resale value to us in its exact configuration once it exists. Your deposit — 70% of the total build price — confirms your order and initiates production immediately, which is why it becomes non-refundable at that point.

Before Production Begins

If you need to cancel or make changes to a custom order, contact us as soon as possible after submitting your build request. If production has not yet started, we will do our best to accommodate changes or cancellation. Once your build enters production, this is no longer possible.

The exact grace period before production begins can vary by build queue and complexity — always confirm your specific order's status directly with our team before assuming a change is still possible.

What This Doesn't Affect

A no-returns policy on custom builds does not affect your one-year limited warranty, which still fully covers the battery system, electric motor, and Battery Management System (BMS) against manufacturing defects — see the section below for how that's different from a return.

Not the same thing

Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Orders

Returns and warranty claims are different things. A return is for a change of mind on eligible ready-to-ship inventory. The policy below applies to both order types, any time something arrives damaged, defective, or wrong — regardless of whether it was ready-to-ship or custom built.

  • Shipping damage: note it with the carrier immediately, photograph the packaging and vehicle, and contact us within 48 hours of delivery.
  • Manufacturing defect: covered under your one-year limited warranty on the battery system, electric motor, and BMS — contact us to start a warranty claim.
  • Wrong item or incorrect configuration shipped: contact us immediately; we'll cover return shipping and replace or correct the order at no cost to you.

In all three cases, you are never responsible for return shipping costs — that only applies to change-of-mind returns on ready-to-ship inventory.

Once approved

Refund Processing

ScenarioRefund AmountProcessing Time
Ready-to-Ship return (change of mind)Purchase price minus 15% restocking fee5–10 business days after we receive and inspect the return
Our error / wrong item shippedFull refund or replacement, your choice5–10 business days after resolution
Covered warranty defectRepair or part replacement (not a refund)Per warranty terms
Custom build, before production startsDeposit refunded if cancellation is accepted5–10 business days
Custom build, after production startsNot eligible — final sale

Approved refunds are returned to your original payment method where possible. If you paid by bank wire, cryptocurrency, Zelle, or Apple Cash, we'll coordinate the refund method directly with you, since these payment types can't always be reversed automatically.

Common questions

Returns FAQs

Can I return a custom configured car if I just don't like it once it arrives?

No. Custom builds are made to your exact specification and are final sale once production begins. If something is genuinely wrong with the build — a manufacturing defect or the wrong configuration was produced — that's covered separately under warranty or our error-correction policy, not as a standard return.

Is my deposit refundable?

Your 70% deposit confirms your build and starts production, so it becomes non-refundable once production begins. If you contact us before production starts, we'll do our best to accommodate a cancellation — reach out as soon as possible if your plans change.

What if my ready-to-ship vehicle arrives damaged?

This isn't treated as a return — it's a shipping damage claim. Note the damage with the carrier, photograph everything, and email us within 48 hours. We'll cover the resolution at no cost to you.

Do I have to pay to ship a return back?

Only for change-of-mind returns on ready-to-ship vehicles. If we made an error, or your vehicle has a covered defect, return shipping is on us.

How long does a refund take once it's approved?

Typically 5–10 business days after we receive and inspect a returned ready-to-ship vehicle, or after a pre-production custom order cancellation is confirmed. Refunds go back to your original payment method where possible.

Does this policy affect my warranty?

No — your one-year limited warranty on the battery system, electric motor, and BMS applies fully to every vehicle, ready-to-ship or custom, regardless of this returns policy. Returns and warranty claims are handled separately.

Questions About a Return?

Reach out before sending anything back — we'll confirm eligibility and walk you through the process.

SMS+1 754 296 6116
LocationsShanghai, China · Los Angeles, California, USA