Refund policy

At Covert Instruments, we want you to know what to expect before and after you order. This refund policy explains which items can be returned, which items cannot, how refunds are handled, and what to do if something arrives damaged, missing, or incorrect.

Please read this policy before sending anything back. Not every item is eligible for return, and unauthorized returns may not be accepted.

Return Window

Most unused items can be returned within 7 days of delivery.

To be eligible for return, the item must be unused, in its original condition, and include all parts, packaging, and accessories that came with it. Used items cannot be returned.

If more than 7 days have passed since delivery, the item is no longer eligible for return unless there is a verified manufacturing defect.

How to Start a Return

To start a return, email us at sales@covertinstruments.com
 with your order number and the item you would like to return.

Please do not send anything back before contacting us first. We need to confirm that the item is eligible for return and provide the correct return instructions.

Returns sent without approval may be delayed, refused, or returned to sender.

Domestic Returns

This section applies to domestic returns only.

If your item is eligible for return, we will provide the next steps after reviewing your request. Some products may be subject to a restock fee, and shipping charges are not refunded.

The item must be returned in unused condition. If the product shows signs of use, damage, missing parts, or altered packaging, the return may be denied or the refund amount may be reduced.

International Returns

We cannot generate international return labels.

International customers are responsible for return shipping. If you are returning an eligible item from outside the United States, you are responsible for getting the item back to us safely.

Any applicable restock fees still apply to international returns. Original shipping charges, duties, taxes, tariffs, VAT, customs charges, brokerage fees, and import fees are not refunded.

Refund Timing

Approved refunds can take up to 10 business days to process after the return is received and inspected.

Once we issue the refund, your bank or payment provider may take additional time to post the funds back to your account. That timing is controlled by your financial institution, not Covert Instruments.

Shipping charges are not refunded.

Restock Fees

Some returned items may be subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%.

We reserve the right to apply a restocking fee of up to 25% to any return. Whether a fee is applied depends on the item being returned, its condition, packaging, reason for return, and any time or cost required to inspect, process, repackage, or restock the item.

If a restocking fee is applied, it will be deducted from the refund amount.

Lishi Tool Returns

Lishi tools must be unused to qualify for a return.

Photos are required before a Lishi return can be approved. This allows us to confirm the condition of the tool before providing return instructions.

Used Lishi tools cannot be returned.

Non-Refundable Items

Some items cannot be returned or exchanged unless there is a verified manufacturing defect.

We do not accept returns or exchanges on:

All Chop Shop items, all clothing, The Reach Around, The Replicant, FNG, and custom or small-batch items.

Clothing is made-to-order and cannot be returned or exchanged for size, color, fit, or buyer preference.

Damaged, Missing, or Incorrect Items

If your order arrived damaged, please take clear photos of the damaged package before throwing anything away. If any products were damaged, take photos of the damaged items as well.

Send the photos to sales@covertinstruments.com with your order number so we can review the issue.

If your order is missing items, or you received the wrong products, email sales@covertinstruments.com with your order number and a clear explanation of what is missing or incorrect.

Your order number is required no matter what the issue is. It helps us find your order quickly and get you the right help.

Manufacturing Defects

Replacements may be issued for verified manufacturing defects.

If you believe your item has a manufacturing defect, email sales@covertinstruments.com with your order number, a description of the issue, and clear photos or video showing the problem.

We review defect claims case by case. Damage caused by misuse, modification, normal wear, improper storage, or use outside the intended purpose of the product is not considered a manufacturing defect.

Canceled Orders and Refunds

If you need to cancel an order, email sales@covertinstruments.com as soon as possible with your order number.

If your order has not entered processing, we can usually cancel it within 24 hours of the order being placed. Once an order has entered processing or fulfillment, we may not be able to cancel it before it ships.

If you need to add items, we cannot simply add them to the existing order because we do not store your payment information. In most cases, we will need to cancel and refund the original order so you can place a new order with everything included.

Chop Shop orders cannot be changed or canceled once placed.

Price Adjustments

If you purchased an item at full price and that item is marked down within 7 days of your original purchase, it may be eligible for a price adjustment.

Approved price adjustments are issued as store credit for the difference between the price you paid and the marked-down price.

This does not apply to flash sales, 24-hour sales, limited-time promotional events, or similar short-term discounts, including sales like our 12 Days of Christmas promotion.

Price adjustments are not refunded back to the original payment method. They are issued as store credit only.

Delivered Packages

If tracking shows that a package was delivered, we consider the package delivered.

We do not refund or replace packages that FedEx marks as delivered, including packages delivered to freight forwarders, mail forwarders, hotels, Airbnbs, offices, or any other third-party location.

If FedEx delivered your package to the wrong address, please check the proof of delivery photo, ask nearby neighbors if possible, and open a report with FedEx. Once you have opened a report, contact us with your order number, tracking number, and FedEx case number so we can review the next steps.

Legal Responsibility

By purchasing from Covert Instruments, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to own the items you are ordering where you live.

You are responsible for understanding and following your local laws regarding locksmithing tools, lock picking tools, bypass tools, and related products.

Covert Instruments is not responsible for unlawful use and may refuse any sale.