Refund & Returns Policy



Last Updated: 17 July 2026

1. The FPV Lab Philosophy

We are FPV pilots too, and we know exactly how frustrating it is to receive a component that doesn’t work out of the box. If a product has a genuine manufacturing defect, we have your back and will make it right. However, the FPV hobby involves DIY electronics, experimental software, and high-speed impacts. Because of this, we have to draw a strict line between factory defects and user-induced damage.

2. “Change of Mind” Returns (Unwanted Goods)

In accordance with the South African ECTA, you have a 7-day “cooling-off” period from the date you receive your order to return unwanted items.

  • The item must be 100% unused, strictly unopened, and in its original, undamaged packaging with all factory seals intact.
  • The customer is responsible for the courier costs to return the item to our premises.
  • Once inspected and approved, a refund will be issued minus the original shipping costs (even if the order qualified for free shipping, the actual cost of that shipping will be deducted).

3. The “DOA” (Dead on Arrival) Golden Rule

You must test your electronics BEFORE soldering them. Flight controllers, ESCs, and VTXs can almost always be plugged into USB and checked in Betaflight or connected via a smokestopper before a soldering iron ever touches the board.

If you plug a component in via USB and it is unresponsive, do not solder it. Contact us immediately. If a component is deemed Dead on Arrival before any modifications are made, we will gladly replace it or issue a full refund, and we will cover the return shipping.

4. What is STRICTLY NOT Covered (Warranty Void)

Due to the fragile nature of bare electronics, our warranty does not cover any damage caused by user error, crashes, or incorrect installation. A product is strictly ineligible for a return, refund, or replacement if any of the following apply:

  • Soldering & Modifications: The item has been soldered, desoldered, conformal coated, heat-shrinked, or physically altered in any way. (Note: Even if you believe the part was defective from the factory, once it is soldered, the manufacturer will not accept it back, and neither can we).
  • Crash Damage: Physical damage from crashes, hard landings, prop strikes, or getting stuck in a tree.
  • Electrical Damage: Blown components due to reverse polarity (plugging the battery in backward), over-voltage (using a 6S battery on a 4S system), or short circuits caused by sloppy soldering or loose wires.
  • Software Bricking: Flashing the incorrect firmware targets to Flight Controllers, ESCs, or radio receivers, resulting in a “bricked” component.
  • Elements: Damage caused by water, moisture, dirt, or sand.

5. Consumables and Batteries

Items classed as consumables (propellers, antennas, 3D printed TPU parts) cannot be returned once used. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Batteries are only eligible for return if they arrive with a dead cell prior to the first charge. Once a LiPo has been charged, discharged, or flown, it is out of our control and cannot be returned under any circumstances due to the volatility of the chemistry.

6. Custom Builds & Tuning Services

If you commission FPV Lab for a custom drone build, repair, or professional Betaflight tuning, the labor fee is strictly non-refundable. We thoroughly test-fly every custom build to ensure it is 100% functional before handover. Once the drone leaves our possession and takes its first flight with the customer, FPV Lab is not liable for subsequent crashes or damage.

7. How to Log a Return

If you believe you have a valid claim for a return or defective product, please follow these steps:

  1. Email us at info@fpvlab.co.za within the applicable timeframe.
  2. Include your order number, a detailed description of the issue, and clear, high-resolution photos or a video showing the defect (and showing that the board is cleanly unsoldered).
  3. If approved for physical inspection, we will provide you with the return address (43 6th Avenue, Rondebosch East, 7780). Do not ship items back to us without prior authorization.

8. Refund Processing

Once your returned item is received and inspected by our technicians, we will notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If approved, the refund will be processed via your original method of payment (Peach Payments, Ikhokha, or Ozow). Please note that depending on your bank, it may take 3-7 business days for the funds to reflect in your account.