LEAD TIMES
Many Defense Mechanisms products are made to order, and will have a lead time. Lead times are posted on each product page for an item selected which is not in stock, with the Buy button being labeled as “Make to Order”. Items which are in stock will have the Buy button labeled as “Add to Cart”. Lead times for in stock items or orders with all in stock items are 2-3 business days.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
For domestic orders in the USA, we ship with USPS Priority 2-3 day delivery. For international shipping, we use FedEx International (unless otherwise noted by the buyer). Customers are responsible for any import duties, taxes or fees associated with international shipment. If international orders are returned for any reason, the customer will be responsible for all additional shipping fees.
ORDER CHANGE AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Items can be canceled or changed with a full refund issued, so long as the item has not been shipped. Changing items already in progress of being made may increase Lead Times on the order. Once an item has shipped, the Return Policy applies. If you would like to change or cancel any part of an order, you will need to contact customer service; they will be happy to assist you in this process.
CUSTOMIZATION POLICY
Due to the nature of how we make our products, we are not able to allow any customizations outside of the options offered on the product page to the products we offer.
RETURN & EXCHANGE POLICY
The below policies are for items you wish to return or exchange new and unused. We do not accept returns or exchanges of used items. For details regarding warranty issues, see our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
RETURNS: Items can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of shipping. Items must be new and unused, with any included tags still attached. Any items with visible signs of use, or noticeable odors will not be accepted. You must fill out the return form attached to your “Order History” on your profile page. All approved items must be shipped within 7 business days of receiving return approval. The customer is responsible for any shipping expenses involved. Refunds are given in the original method of payment.
EXCHANGES: Items can be exchanged for a different item within 30 days of shipping. Items must be new and unused, with any included tags still attached. Any items with visible signs of use, or noticeable odors will not be accepted. You must fill out the return form attached to your “Order History” on your profile page. From there, select that you would like to receive an exchange for the returned item, rather than a full refund. All approved items must be shipped within 7 business days of receiving exchange approval. The customer is responsible for any shipping expenses involved.
If your exchange is time sensitive, please express this in the attached message with your exchange. We will be able to start building your product only after receiving verification via tracking number that the product is on its way back to us. Exchanged items will not be shipped to you until we receive and inspect the returned item. It is not guaranteed that products will be produced or delivered by specific timelines, but we will do our best to accommodate your situation.
For Exchanges where the new item costs more than the original item, you will be invoiced for the difference. For Exchanges where the new item costs less than the original item, you will be refunded the difference. For Exchanges where the new item is the same price, no action is needed. Refunds are given in the original method of payment.
EXCLUSIONS
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Defense Mechanisms warrants its products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship to the original owner for the lifetime of the product.
If a warranty claim is validated, we will repair, replace, or refund the damaged product at our option.
Our Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear, accident, lost or stolen items, improper care or cleaning, non-standard usage, negligence or aftermarket modifications.
“Lifetime of the product” is defined by the lifetime of the components, fabrics, and materials of the warrantied product. Materials and components wear out, deteriorate, and fade over time depending on the product’s exposure to the elements and how the product is used and cared for. Our warranty does not cover products that fail or are damaged due to wear and tear.
WARRANTY POLICY
We will repair or replace, at our option, any damaged product covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty, free of charge. If we determine the warrantied item is irreparable, we will replace it with the same, or similar, item at our discretion. If we cannot repair or replace the warrantied item, we will issue you a refund for the original purchase price or the last known price if the purchase price cannot be determined. If a refund is issued more than 60 days from the original order date, you may be required to set up a PayPal account to receive the funds.
When you have an item that needs repair which is believed to fall under the Limited Lifetime Warranty, contact Customer Service and send pictures of the issue. We'll do our best to assess the damage and determine if this is something you can easily do at home, or it's something we need to do in our shop. Although rare, at times a product cannot be repaired because of extreme damage.
Repairs for damages outside of our Limited Lifetime Warranty will be assessed on a case by case basis, and may be declined. Please contact customer service and send pictures of the issue to receive further information.
PRIVACY POLICY
Your personal information, including all contact information is held as strictly confidential. We will not sell or rent any of the information you provide through this website. We may have to call or email you occasionally to get clarity on an order detail or to provide you with order updates. We will do so only when it is absolutely necessary and we will not abuse this privilege. We will not publish the details of your order or item details on the exterior of the package so as to help avoid theft in transit.
As of May 9th, 2022, it is required upon checkout that all DM customers create an account. This is vital information to assure we can provide quick and accurate returns and exchanges, and is not used to track or sell any provided information. Your information will not be sold to any third party, and you will only be subscribed to email newsletters if the customer selects the option at checkout. No financial information is ever stored on our servers.
If you have any questions about the privacy of your information, or your associated account with Defense Mechanisms, contact Customer Support.
DISCLOSURE
We may disclose your personal information if we are required by law to do so or if you violate our Terms of Service.
AGE OF CONSENT
By using this site, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site.
CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
We reserve the right to modify this privacy policy at any time, so please review it frequently. Changes and clarifications will take effect immediately upon their posting on the website.
If our store is acquired or merged with another company, your information may be transferred to the new owners so that we may continue to sell products to you.
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ARMOR PURCHASES
Purchaser agrees and accepts all Defense Mechanisms Policies.
If you are purchasing ShotStop Ballistics, please read and check the proper box at check out.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE
To purchase ANY ShotStop Ballistics, (SSB) LLC body armor product from Defense Mechanisms, LLC., you must review, fill out, and submit this waiver. By completing this waiver you agree to all contained and provided information and that the purchase is made for you.
As a purchaser, you certify that you are legally allowed to purchase and own body armor in compliance with Federal, State, and Local laws. Purchaser agrees to take sole responsibility for the purchase, not Defense Mechanisms, LLC. or ShopStop Ballistics, (SSB) LLC.
CERTIFICATION
The purchaser certifies that they agree to the entire Terms and Conditions of Sale and will comply with restrictions for use of body armor. The purchaser certifies they will ensure that all transactions conform to applicable Federal, State, and local statutes, codes, and ordinances. The purchaser certifies that body armor purchased from Defense Mechanisms will not be exported outside the territorial boundaries of the United States without first complying with applicable US Export Control Laws including The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The Ballistic Body Armor offered on this site is sold by Defense Mechanisms LLC. Each ballistic plate is manufactured in the United States by ShopStop Ballistics, (SSB) LLC. Plates are certified to meet National Institute of Justice (NIJ) compliant testing under NIJ Standard 0101.06 unless otherwise stated.
BODY ARMOR RESTRICTIONS AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW
NIJ Level IIIA, III, and IV Ballistic Plates are considered “Body Armor” which is regulated by US Code statute, 18 U.S.C.A. Section 931. As such, body armor may not be purchased, owned, or possessed by anyone convicted of a violent felony. Furthermore, body armor plates regulated by this statute may also be further regulated by state and local statutes. The purchaser is responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws regulating the possession and use of body armor.
* The purchaser certifies they have no violent felony convictions in accordance with the above provisions.
ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS
The laws of the state of Connecticut prohibit the purchase of body armor from this site. Law enforcement and military personnel from Connecticut should contact Defense Mechanisms directly to discuss and arrange purchases.
USAGE
Purchaser agrees that all body armor purchases are for personal use only. Purchases are not, under any circumstances, to be made by those who are NOT legally allowed to own or possess body armor. The purchaser also agrees that the intent for purchase is lawful to local, state, and federal laws.
You understand that body armor is not bulletproof — IT IS ONLY BULLET RESISTANT, and if a bullet strikes you there is always a risk you will be injured or killed
You are smart enough to know better than to test body armor by wearing it and being shot with a firearm--any video submitted to us showing such behavior will not be promoted in any way, and, if posted publicly (e.g., YouTube), could be used against you in a criminal prosecution;
You agree, for yourself and your heirs, assigns, and agents, to fully and completely release, never bring any action in any court of law against, and to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Defense Mechanisms & ShotStop® for any and all liability stemming from your purchase, possession, or use of the item(s).