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Defect Claims

Jessica D.
Updated

Defect Claims

Quick Summary

Report damaged items or manufacturing defects quickly and easily. We'll make it right with fast, free replacement or repair - no cost to you for shipping or processing defect claims.

Table of Contents

🛡️ We've Got Your Back!

  • Fast, free replacement for manufacturing defects
  • No shipping costs - we provide prepaid labels
  • Quick processing with proper photo documentation
  • Full warranty coverage regardless of return window

🔧 When to File a Defect Claim

Use Defect Claims For:

  • Manufacturing defects or flaws in the product
  • Items damaged during shipping to you
  • Products that don't function as intended
  • Warranty-covered issues with your equipment
  • Quality control problems discovered after purchase

Common Examples of Defects:

🎳 Bowling Balls:

  • Visible cracks or splits in the coverstock or core
  • Coverstock separation from the core
  • Severe weight or balance issues confirmed by a pro shop
  • Misprinted or missing logo/labeling from the manufacturer

👟 Bowling Shoes:

  • Sole separation or detachment
  • Stitching failures or material defects
  • Heel or slide pad issues
  • Manufacturing inconsistencies

👜 Bowling Bags:

  • Zipper failures or defects
  • Material tears or fabric issues
  • Hardware problems (wheels, handles)
  • Structural defects affecting function

🚫 Not Considered Defects

The following are normal product characteristics or expected wear from use and are not eligible for a defect claim:

🎳 Bowling Balls — Normal Manufacturing Characteristics

  • Air bubbles, pinholes, or small voids in the coverstock surface
  • Cosmetic blemishes from the molding process
  • Slight color variations between batches
  • Filled-in or partially obscured logos — a cosmetic side effect of the coverstock pour and does not affect ball performance

🎳 Bowling Balls — Normal Wear From Use

  • Track wear or oil rings after multiple games
  • Surface scratches from lane debris or ball returns
  • Loss of tackiness or factory finish over time
  • Oil absorption / "tracking out" — restored with proper maintenance
  • Color fading from sun exposure or repeated cleaning

👟 Bowling Shoes — Normal Wear

  • Scuffing, slide-sole wear, lace fatigue from regular use

👜 Bowling Bags — Normal Wear

  • Abrasion on corners or wheels from rolling and transport
💡 Not sure? Call our Customer Excellence Team at 1-256-579-1039 before filing — we can usually tell from a quick photo whether it qualifies as a defect.

🔄 Defects vs Returns - What's the Difference?

✅ Use Defect Claims For:

  • Manufacturing defects or flaws
  • Items damaged during shipping
  • Products that don't function as intended
  • Warranty-covered issues

🔄 Use Returns/Exchanges For:

  • Wrong size or fit
  • Changed your mind about purchase
  • Want different color or style
  • General satisfaction issues

Learn about our return process →

📝 How to Report a Defect

Step 1: File Your Defect Claim

  1. Visit our defect claim form: Report a Defect
  2. Fill out the simple form with your order information
  3. Upload clear photos of the defective item (see requirements below)
  4. Describe the issue in detail in the comments section

Step 2: We Process Your Claim

  • Review within 1-2 business days after submission
  • Approval notification sent via email
  • Prepaid shipping label provided free of charge
  • Replacement processing begins immediately

Step 3: Fast Replacement

  • Replacement item shipped free within 14 business days
  • Same or equivalent product sent as replacement
  • No cost to you for shipping or processing
⏰ Time-Sensitive: For shipping damage, contact us within 72 hours of delivery for fastest processing.

📸 Required Photos for Fast Processing

To help us process your defect claim quickly, please take clear photos as specified below. Using your camera phone makes this process easy!

🎳 Bowling Balls

We need 4 pictures total:

  1. Picture of the defective area or crack
  2. Picture of the ball's logo
  3. Picture of the drilled finger hole area
  4. Picture of the ball's serial number

👟 Bowling Shoes

We need 3 pictures total:

  1. Picture of the defective area
  2. Picture of the complete shoe
  3. Picture of the tongue showing shoe size

👜 Bowling Bags

We need 2 pictures total:

  1. Picture of the defective area
  2. Picture of the complete bag

🔧 Accessories

We need 2 pictures total:

  1. Picture of the defective area
  2. Picture of the complete item

📸 Photo Tips for Best Results:

  • Use good lighting - natural light works best
  • Take clear, focused photos - avoid blurry images
  • Show defect up close - get detailed shots of the problem
  • Include overall item view - show the complete product
  • Capture serial numbers clearly - ensure numbers are readable

🛠️ Warranty Coverage & Process

Our Warranty Promise

  • No shipping costs: You won't pay for shipping and insurance to our warehouse
  • Free replacement: Brand new product shipped free (Contiguous US)
  • Equivalent value: If original unavailable, we'll send something equivalent or better
  • Store credit option: Full credit if no suitable replacement available

Replacement Process Details

  • Original product unavailable: We'll ship a similar product equivalent to the value you paid
  • No suitable replacement: You receive a credit equal to the original price for your next purchase
  • Drilling charges: Not reimbursable (custom work exception)
  • BowlersMart drilled ball: Your replacement gets drilled FREE as part of warranty

Processing Timeline

  • Manufacturer warranty claims: Up to 14 business days for approval
  • BowlersMart defects: 1-2 business days processing
  • Replacement shipping: Free expedited shipping provided

📦 Shipping Damage Claims

If You Received a Damaged Item

Sometimes shipping gets rough - but we've got your back! If you received an item damaged during shipping, here's how to get it resolved quickly:

⏰ ACT FAST - 72 HOUR WINDOW

  • Contact us within 72 hours of delivery if product is defective or damaged
  • Use the defect claim form with a description of the damage
  • Include photos of the damaged item (and shipping box if damaged)
  • Keep all packaging materials until claim is resolved

Required Documentation

  1. Photos of the damaged item showing the specific damage
  2. Photos of the shipping box if it shows external damage
  3. Description of the damage in the claim form
  4. Order information and delivery details
📞 Can't Send Photos? No problem! Call our Customer Excellence Team directly at 1-256-579-1039 and we'll walk you through the process.

⚡ Double the Warranty Plan

Premium Coverage for Extra Peace of Mind

If you purchased our Double the Warranty Plan, you're in the VIP lane!

🎯 Premium Coverage Includes:

  • Prepaid shipping label issued at no cost to you
  • Extended claim period coverage beyond standard warranty
  • Free replacement shipping (Contiguous US only)
  • Upgrade to equivalent or better if exact match unavailable
  • Full credit guarantee if suitable replacement can't be found

How It Works

  1. File your claim using the same defect form
  2. Mention Double Warranty Plan in your claim
  3. Receive expedited processing as a VIP customer
  4. Get premium replacement options and faster service

Need Help Filing a Claim?

📞 Customer Excellence Team

Our team is here to help with defect claims and warranty questions:

When to Contact Us:

  • Can't upload photos to the defect form
  • Questions about warranty coverage
  • Complex defect situations
  • Need help determining defect vs return

Quick Action Links

🎯 We Stand Behind Our Products

Manufacturing defects happen, but they shouldn't cost you anything. We'll handle the shipping, replacement, and make sure you get back to bowling as quickly as possible.

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About BowlersMart

BowlersMart has been serving bowling enthusiasts since 2004, both online and in our 50 physical locations nationwide. As "The Most Trusted Name in Bowling," we're committed to helping you achieve your bowling goals with the largest selection of equipment, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service.

Last reviewed: August 1, 2026. Policies can change — if something here conflicts with checkout or your order confirmation, contact support.

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