Warranty and Return Policy

SMS Car Audio wants customers to buy the right products, plan the right install, and understand the support path before checkout. This page explains product returns, warranty support, open-box items, custom work, special orders, customer-supplied equipment, and installation-related expectations.

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Start With the Right Product

If SMS is installing it, text us before checkout. Returns, delays, and mismatched parts are easier to avoid when the product, wiring, adapters, DSP, enclosure, electrical support, and labor plan are matched before purchase.

Product Return Guidelines

• Eligible new products may be considered for return when they are unused, uninstalled, complete, in original packaging, and approved by SMS before being returned.
• Products that have been installed, powered, wired, cut, modified, mounted, tuned, programmed, scratched, damaged, or used may not be eligible for return.
• Items missing boxes, manuals, accessories, hardware, harnesses, adapters, trim pieces, remotes, or serial information may be refused or subject to reduced credit if accepted.
• Do not ship or drop off a return without contacting SMS first. Items returned without approval may be refused.

Final Sale and Limited-Return Items

• Open-box, used, clearance, closeout, demo, scratch-and-dent, or previously installed items.
• Custom subwoofer enclosures, built-to-order boxes, vehicle-specific fabrication, CNC/laser parts, adapters, panels, amp racks, and lighting pieces.
• Special-order products, backordered products, vendor-direct orders, discontinued products, and limited-availability items.
• Electrical items, wiring, cut wire, harnesses, integration modules, programmed items, batteries, lighting controllers, and installed accessories.
• Products damaged by improper installation, abuse, overpowering, clipping, low voltage, water, heat, vibration, incorrect wiring, or vehicle issues.

Warranty Support

• Products purchased through SMS are easier to verify, match, install, support, and warranty through the shop when the system was planned correctly.
• Many product warranties are handled through the manufacturer and may require proof of purchase, serial number, photos, diagnosis, or manufacturer approval.
• Some warranty concerns require inspection, testing, troubleshooting, or removal/reinstallation labor before the cause can be confirmed.
• Product warranty does not automatically include removal, reinstallation, tuning, diagnosis, shipping, or labor unless SMS states otherwise in writing.

Installation Labor, Tuning, and Custom Work

Labor is not the same as a product return. Installation, DSP tuning, fabrication, custom enclosure work, wiring, lighting, diagnosis, and appointment time are service work.

• Installation labor, custom fabrication, DSP tuning, diagnosis, programming, troubleshooting, wiring repair, removal, and reinstall labor are generally non-refundable once work has begun or been completed.
• Custom work is built for a specific vehicle, product, finish, layout, or customer request and may not be returnable.
• Changes requested after work begins may affect price, timeline, and final result.

Customer-Supplied Equipment

• SMS may choose whether to install customer-supplied equipment.
• Customer-supplied products may require inspection and may not receive the same support as products purchased through SMS.
• SMS is not responsible for missing parts, wrong parts, counterfeit products, damaged products, incomplete kits, incorrect harnesses, unsupported items, or products purchased elsewhere.
• Customer-supplied products may require additional labor for testing, troubleshooting, adapters, harnesses, wiring correction, tuning, or removal/reinstall work.
• SMS cannot guarantee manufacturer warranty support on products not purchased through SMS.

Batteries, Electrical, and High-Power Audio

Electrical planning matters. Amplifiers, batteries, alternators, wiring, fusing, grounding, and voltage support must be matched to the build. Product failure caused by low voltage, incorrect wiring, poor grounding, abuse, clipping, overpowering, or unsafe installation may not qualify for warranty support.

Before You Request a Return or Warranty Review

• Order number or proof of purchase.
• Product name, model, serial number, and photos.
• Vehicle year, make, model, and system details if installed.
• Description of the issue and when it started.
• Photos or video of wiring, fuses, batteries, amplifier settings, speaker wiring, enclosure, lighting controller, or installed product when helpful.
• Whether SMS installed the product, another shop installed it, or it was self-installed.

Support Path

1. Contact SMS first before shipping anything back or booking troubleshooting time.
2. Send details including order info, photos, product model, serial number, vehicle details, and a clear description of the problem.
3. Inspection or diagnosis may be required before the next step is known.
4. Resolution path may include manufacturer warranty, repair, replacement, return approval, store credit, paid labor, or no coverage depending on the case.

Questions Before Buying?

If SMS is installing it, ask before checkout. The right product path is easier than fixing mismatched parts later.

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