Refund policy

At Essential Nerd, we want you fully satisfied with your purchase. Because we sell portable projectors and accessories, our returns process follows strict operational guidelines to protect both our brand and our customers.

 

By purchasing from essentialnerd.com, you agree to the terms of this Return & Refund Policy.

 

1. 30-Day Change-of-Mind Policy

We offer a 30-day change-of-mind return window, starting from the delivery date confirmed by the carrier. To qualify, the item must:

 

  • Be completely unused and undamaged.
  • Be in its original, unopened retail packaging, including all seals, protective film, inserts, cables, remotes, and manuals.
  • Include proof of purchase (order number or receipt).

 

Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility unless the item is faulty, damaged, or not as described. We recommend a trackable, insured courier — we are not liable for items lost or damaged in transit back to us.

 

2. Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) Required

Do not send items back before contacting us. Any item returned without a written RMA number issued by our team will be refused by our warehouse and no refund will be issued.

 

To start a return, email info@essentialnerd.com with your order number and reason for return. We'll issue an RMA number and return instructions within 1–2 business days.

 

3. Faulty, Damaged, or Not-as-Described Items

Your purchase comes with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). If an item has a major fault or arrives damaged, you're entitled to a replacement or full refund, including return shipping.

 

  • Report within 7 days of delivery to info@essentialnerd.com.
  • Include clear photos or video of the fault/damage and your order number. Claims without evidence may be delayed or declined.

 

4. Manufacturer Warranty (Projectors)

Our HY300 series projectors carry a 12-month limited warranty provided by the manufacturer. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and hardware failure under normal use — it does not cover accidental damage, misuse, water damage beyond the product's stated water-resistance rating, or cosmetic wear.

 

  • To make a warranty claim after your 30-day return window has passed, email info@essentialnerd.com with your order number, a description of the fault, and photos/video.
  • We coordinate warranty claims directly with the manufacturer. Because the manufacturer is based overseas, warranty repairs or replacements may take longer than a standard domestic return — we'll keep you updated on timing once your claim is lodged.
  • This manufacturer warranty is in addition to, and does not replace or limit, your non-excludable rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
  • Accessories (such as carry cases) are covered by our 30-day Change-of-Mind and Faulty Item terms above, not the projector's 12-month manufacturer warranty, unless stated otherwise on the product page.

 

5. Product Performance Disclaimers

Technical specifications (resolution, brightness/ANSI lumens, wireless range, battery life, etc.) are based on manufacturer testing. Subjective dissatisfaction with performance in non-ideal conditions (e.g. lighting, distance, environment) is not a product fault under the ACL and is handled under our Change-of-Mind terms above.

 

6. Exchanges

Need a different item or model? The fastest path is to return your original item for a refund, then place a new order for the item you want.

 

7. Exceptions — Non-Returnable Items

The following cannot be returned: gift cards, sale/clearance items, and items marked as final sale at checkout. This does not affect your ACL rights if the item is genuinely faulty.

 

8. Processing & Timelines

Once your return arrives at our warehouse, inspection takes 5–7 business days.

 

  • Approved returns: refunded to your original payment method within 5 business days of approval.
  • Rejected returns (used, unsealed, missing parts, damage from misuse): the item will be returned to you at your expense, no refund issued.

 

9. Orders in Transit

We can't issue refunds, reroutes, or replacements while a package shows as actively moving in the carrier network, unless you purchased Shipping Protection at checkout — in that case, once we've confirmed the package is lost, damaged, or undeliverable, we begin processing your replacement within 2 business days rather than waiting on the standard carrier investigation. See our Shipping Policy for full terms. Without Shipping Protection, you must allow the carrier's full delivery window to lapse before an item is declared lost and a refund or replacement is processed.

 

10. Disputes & Chargebacks

Before opening a dispute with PayPal, your bank, or card issuer, you agree to first contact info@essentialnerd.com so we can resolve the issue directly. This policy will be provided to payment processors as evidence of the agreed return terms you accepted at checkout.