Refund &
returns
This policy explains when a return may be requested, what information to provide, who arranges return transport and how approved refunds are processed. Contact us before sending an item or arranging collection.
Return details
Submit a return request within 30 days after delivery. The request must identify the order and the reason for return. Contact us first; do not send accessories or arrange container collection without written return authorization and instructions.
Email info@greatlakesshippingcontainers.com with your order number, delivery date, product name or SKU, a description of the issue and clear photographs. We will review the order and respond with eligibility and next steps.
If a product is defective, damaged before delivery or materially not as described, contact us promptly with evidence. We will arrange an appropriate remedy under the applicable order terms and law. For an approved return in this category, we cover reasonable return freight and do not charge the change-of-mind restocking fee.
Eligible non-defective returns requested within the return window may be accepted when the product is in the condition stated in the written authorization. A 15% restocking fee applies to approved change-of-mind returns. Return freight, collection and related access costs are the customer's responsibility.
Contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel. If the order has not been dispatched or allocated to a carrier, no restocking fee applies and the eligible amount will be refunded to the original payment method. Charges already incurred or a product-specific written term will be reviewed and explained before a refund is processed.
Used containers are sold by condition grade. Surface rust, dents, patch repairs and prior paintwork are normal characteristics when disclosed by the listed grade and are not automatically defects.
Accessories are returned by an agreed carrier for approved change-of-mind requests, at the customer's cost. For containers and cabins, we coordinate collection after approval. Do not arrange a tilt-tray, crane or other heavy transport independently; an unsafe or unauthorized collection may be refused.
We do not offer direct exchanges. We process an approved refund and you may place a new order for a different unit.
Approved refunds are submitted within 10 business days after approval or, when a return is required, after the product is received and inspected. The refund goes to the original payment method in the order currency; your bank or card provider may take additional time to post it.
Products must be returned in the condition required by the return authorization, with agreed accessories and documentation. Tell us before return if the product has been modified, used, damaged after delivery or is not safe to move. Unauthorized, altered or unsafe returns may be refused.
When a return arrives, we inspect it against the written authorization and the reported issue. We will explain the decision, any applicable restocking or freight cost, and the refund amount before processing an approved refund.
What happens after you contact us?
We confirm that the request is associated with a Great Lakes order, review the product condition and reason for return, and provide written instructions. If return transport is required, the instructions will identify how the item should be prepared and who is responsible for the approved transport charge. Keep the item in a safe condition while the request is reviewed.
We do not ask customers to send payment details by email to obtain a refund. Refunds are processed through the original payment method whenever the payment provider allows it. For large containers, a collection date and equipment plan must be agreed before anything is moved.
This policy is general business information, not legal advice. Nothing here limits rights that cannot be waived under applicable U.S. law.