Refunds & Returns Policy
Last updated: October 2026
Because buyer funds are held in escrow, refunds on Trading Basses work differently than on most marketplaces. You're never paying the seller directly — you pay into escrow, and the seller is only paid once you confirm the bass matches the listing. This page explains exactly when you get a refund and how returns work.
The short version: your payment is charged and held in escrow. If the delivered bass doesn't match the listing's condition, you can return it and the escrowed funds are refunded to your original payment method — minus any non-refundable return shipping you chose.
Before condition approval
When you buy a bass, your card is charged in full and the funds are held by Trading Basses in escrow. The seller does not receive any money until you receive the item and click "Approve Condition & Release Payment." If you never approve, the seller is not paid.
Until you approve, you may cancel the transaction and receive a full refund of the escrowed amount if the item has not yet shipped. If the seller has already shipped, see the return process below.
The inspection window
After delivery, you have a 48-hour inspection window to verify the bass matches the listing — neck relief, truss rod, electronics, frets, and cosmetic condition against the listing photos. During this window you either:
- Approve — release the escrowed funds to the seller (minus the seller fee and processing), completing the sale.
- Open a return/dispute — if the condition doesn't match the listing, you may decline to approve and start a return.
When a refund is issued
You're entitled to a refund of the escrowed amount when:
- The delivered item's condition does not match the listing description or photos.
- The item arrives damaged in transit (see our shipping policy for carrier claims).
- You receive the wrong item.
- The seller fails to ship within the required timeframe and the order is cancelled.
Refunds are returned to your original payment method through our payment processor. Refund timing depends on your card issuer and is typically 3–10 business days.
The return process
To start a return within the inspection window, use the dispute option on your order in your account or contact us with your order number and a description of the issue. We'll review the listing against the delivered item and, where a return is warranted, issue a return label and refund the escrowed funds once the item is on its way back to the seller.
Return shipping is paid by the party responsible for the discrepancy. If the seller misrepresented the item, the seller covers return shipping. If the return is for a buyer reason unrelated to condition (for example, buyer's remorse after approval is not eligible — approval is final), the buyer covers return shipping.
Non-refundable items and situations
Shipping you chose to add at checkout (where you selected a paid carrier rate) is non-refundable once the label has been used. Items approved after inspection are final — the sale is complete and the seller has been paid. Custom or modified items are eligible for return only where the delivered condition does not match the listing.
Disputes
If you and the seller disagree about whether the condition matched, Trading Basses will review the listing, the delivered photos, carrier records, and any inspection notes, and decide how escrow is released. Our decision on the disposition of escrowed funds is final with respect to the Trading Basses escrow service. Card chargeback rights through your card issuer are separate and unaffected.
Escrow-first Seller is never paid before you approve condition.
48h window Inspect, then approve or open a return.
Need help? Include your order number and inspection notes.