Returns & Exchanges PolicyUpdated 14 hours ago

The short version

You have 30 days from delivery to return an unused item in its original packaging. Damaged or defective on arrival? Tell us within 7 days of delivery with a photo or video and we'll make it right — return shipping on us.

Start your return at returns.helidirect.com or email [email protected] with your order number.

Return window

• 30 days from delivery — measured from the date your order was delivered, not the date you ordered.
• The item must be unused, in original packaging, with all parts, accessories, and manuals.
• Out-of-window requests go to our team. We'll do what we can, but we can't promise a return after day 30.

What is final sale (no returns)

• Clearance items
• Open-box items
• Gift cards
• Anything that has been flown, driven, sailed, or otherwise used — RC aircraft, helicopters, drones, cars, trucks, boats, jets. Once it leaves the ground or the driveway, we can't take it back. This is standard across the hobby because we have no way to verify why a model failed after a flight or run.
• LiPo batteries that have been charged or used (see Batteries & Hazmat below)

Damaged or defective items

If your item arrives damaged or doesn't work out of the box:

1. Email us within 7 days of delivery at [email protected].
2. Include your order number and a clear photo or short video of the issue.
3. We'll send you a prepaid return label and an RMA number, usually within one business day.

Defective items reported within 7 days are covered fully — we pay return shipping and replace, repair, or refund at your choice.

After 7 days, defective items go through the manufacturer's warranty. Many brands we carry (Spektrum, Futaba, Castle Creations, Hitec, JR, and others) prefer to handle warranty service directly. We'll point you to the right contact and help you get it resolved.

How to create a return

Most returns don't need our team at all.

1. Go to returns.helidirect.com (also linked in the footer of every HeliDirect page).
2. Enter your order number and email address.
3. Select the items you want to return and the reason.
4. Submit. You'll get a confirmation email with your RMA number and return instructions within one business day.

Outside the 30-day window? The portal won't let you submit, so email [email protected] with your order number and we'll see what we can do.

Damaged or defective item? Skip the portal and email [email protected] directly with your order number and a photo or video — we'll handle it faster and cover return shipping.

Exchanges

• Same item, different variant (color, size, frequency) — easy. Start through the returns center.
• Different product entirely — we'll refund the returned item per this policy and you place a new order. Faster and cleaner than tracking a swap.

Shipping costs

• Return shipping is paid by the customer for non-defective returns. We provide prepaid labels only for verified defective or damaged items.
• Original shipping — if your order shipped free, the actual outbound shipping cost we paid is deducted from your refund. We'll show you the exact amount before processing the refund.

Refund options and timing

• Original payment method — credit card refunds process within one billing cycle once your return is approved.
• Store credit — issued same day as approval, no waiting.

Once we receive and inspect your return, we'll email you within 2 business days. Approved refunds process within 5–7 business days to your original payment method.

Restocking fees

We publish our restocking fees up front so there are no surprises.

We inspect every return when it arrives. If we plan to apply a fee, we'll email you the amount before processing the refund. You can accept the fee or have the item shipped back in the condition we received it (you cover the reship).

Defective or damaged-on-arrival items are never charged a restocking fee.

Batteries and hazmat

Some items can't be shipped back through normal channels because of DOT shipping rules.

LiPo batteries

• Unopened LiPos — returnable within 30 days, in original packaging, only with an approved RMA. Approved LiPo returns ship to Pulse Battery, not HeliDirect. Your RMA email will include the correct address.
• Charged or used LiPos — final sale, not returnable.
• Damaged, swollen, or faulty LiPos — do not ship. Damaged LiPos can ignite in transit. Email [email protected] with photos and we'll walk you through warranty service and safe disposal.

If we authorize a LiPo return:

• Ship in a rigid box. No padded envelopes — a crushed or punctured LiPo can start a fire.
• Confirm the factory lead covers are on bare power leads to prevent a short.
• Use a ground-shipping service that accepts hazmat (most carriers require a hazmat label for LiPos).

Other batteries

• Li-Ion — same rules as LiPo.
• NiMH and alkaline — final sale once opened or charged.
• Lead-acid (Pb) — not returnable.

Fuel, glue, paint, and other hazmat

Glow fuel, gasoline, CA glue, paint, and similar items are final sale once opened. Unopened items can be returned within 30 days if you cover ground-only return shipping with a hazmat label.

When in doubt, email [email protected] before shipping anything — we'd rather answer a question than have a package refused or impounded.

Insuring your return

We strongly recommend adding tracking and insurance to any return you ship.

Once a return leaves your hands, the carrier owns it until it reaches us. If the carrier loses or damages your return, the claim is between you and the carrier — HeliDirect can't refund, credit, or replace items we never received.

A few minutes spent on a tracked, insured label is the cheapest insurance you'll buy all year.

Defective and damaged returns are different — we send you a prepaid, insured label, so this doesn't apply.

International returns

Customers outside the U.S. pay return shipping and any duties or customs fees. Refunds cover the product cost only — original shipping and duties are not refundable.

Still have questions?

Email [email protected] with your order number and we'll get you sorted.