Core Return Policy
Effective date: August 6, 2026
This policy applies when a product sold by ATG Bakersfield includes a refundable core charge. A core return is an exchange or deposit-credit transaction; it is not a merchandise return and is not subject to the 15% restocking fee.
1. Core-return deadline
Contact ATG Bakersfield and deliver the eligible core to ATG Bakersfield, or tender it to an ATG-approved carrier, within 30 calendar days after delivery or customer pickup of the replacement product, unless the product listing, invoice, written authorization, or applicable law provides a longer period.
California battery exception: if a qualifying replacement lead-acid battery core is subject to a legally required 45-day refund period, that 45-day period controls.
2. Core-charge disclosure
When a core charge applies, it will be identified before order acceptance and included in the total amount the customer agrees to pay. The core charge remains due until ATG Bakersfield receives and approves an eligible core.
3. Eligible cores
Unless ATG Bakersfield approves otherwise in writing, a core must be:
- the same type, model, configuration, and material as the replacement product, or another core expressly approved by ATG Bakersfield;
- complete, assembled, and reasonably rebuildable;
- free from fire or melt damage, catastrophic housing damage, excessive corrosion, and contamination unrelated to ordinary use;
- drained of fluids as required by law and carrier rules, with all openings securely capped; and
- returned with the invoice or core-return authorization and packaged in the replacement crate, container, or equivalent protective packaging.
Missing major components, a mismatched core, a disassembled core, or damage beyond ordinary service wear may result in reduced or denied core credit. ATG Bakersfield will explain any reduction or denial after inspection.
4. Electronic cores
An electronic replacement part may be final sale for ordinary merchandise returns, but an eligible electronic core may still be returned for core credit when a core charge applies. Electronic cores must be complete and must have intact housings, connectors, and identification labels, subject to ordinary service wear.
5. Transportation and LTL requirements
The customer is responsible for core-return transportation unless the invoice or a written ATG Bakersfield authorization states otherwise. If ATG Bakersfield provides a return label or arranges freight, the disclosed transportation cost may be deducted from the core credit. LTL cores must be drained, capped, secured to a suitable pallet or in the replacement crate, and protected against movement and leakage. The customer must retain the carrier receipt and tracking or bill-of-lading number.
6. Inspection and credit
ATG Bakersfield will inspect the core after receipt. An approved credit will be issued to the original payment method or customer account, consistent with the original transaction, generally within 10 business days after inspection. After the applicable deadline, the core charge becomes nonrefundable unless ATG Bakersfield agreed in writing to an extension or applicable law requires otherwise.
California sales-tax treatment depends on the replacement product. For a new or used replacement part, applicable law may require refund of the core charge without refunding sales tax collected on that charge. For a reconditioned or rebuilt replacement part, ATG Bakersfield will refund the core charge and applicable tax collected on that amount when required by law.
7. Contact
Request a core-return authorization before shipping: atgbakersfield@gmail.com or ATG Bakersfield, 720 Roberts Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93308. See also the Shipping and LTL Policy and Return and Refund Policy.