Refund policy

Refund & Return Policy

Steel City Systems — Handbuilt PCs, hand-delivered across the Lehigh Valley and surrounding region.

We want you confident in a high-ticket purchase, so this policy is written to be clear and fair. Because every machine is either built to order or a one-of-a-kind refurbished unit, our refund terms are tied to where your order is in the process. Please read the section that matches your order.

By placing an order you confirm that you've read and agree to this policy.

Quick summary

  • Changed your mind before we've bought parts? Full refund.
  • Custom & prebuilt orders: free cancellation within 24 hours; after parts are ordered, a restocking fee applies because your payment has already been spent on components.
  • Refurbished (in-stock) builds: inspect at delivery; all sales final after handoff except for warranty coverage.
  • Every build is covered by our workmanship and hardware warranty (see below), separate from returns.
  • Delivery fees are non-refundable once a delivery has been scheduled or made.

1. How our builds are made

Steel City Systems sells three kinds of systems, and each works a little differently:

  • Prebuilt (made-to-order) systems are assembled specifically for you after you order. We don't pre-buy the parts — your payment funds the components, which we order, test, assemble, and deliver over roughly a 2–3 week window.
  • Custom builds are quoted and invoiced individually after a consultation. They are made to order in the same way.
  • Refurbished systems are one-of-a-kind units that are already built and in stock.

Because made-to-order parts are purchased for your specific machine, our cancellation terms change once those parts are bought. The timeline below explains exactly when.

2. Component variance (please read before ordering)

All components meet or exceed the listed specifications. Exact models — for example the specific motherboard, RAM brand, or memory module — may vary based on current availability and market conditions, but every part will meet or exceed the guaranteed specifications shown in your listing or quote. A part being a different brand or model than you pictured, while still meeting the published spec, is not grounds for a "not as described" return.

3. Cancellations & refunds — prebuilt and custom orders

Stage 1 — Before parts are ordered (full refund). You may cancel for any reason and receive a 100% refund as long as we have not yet purchased the components for your build. To make this simple, every order has a 24-hour cancellation window from the time of purchase, and we do not order parts until that window closes. If you cancel within this window — or any time before we've placed the parts order — you get everything back.

Stage 2 — After parts are ordered, before delivery (refund minus restocking fee). Once we've purchased the components for your specific build, your payment has already been spent on parts that were selected for you. If you cancel at this stage, you'll receive a refund of your build total minus a [15]% restocking fee, which covers non-returnable components, supplier restocking charges, and labor already performed. Any delivery fee is non-refundable at this stage.

Stage 3 — After delivery. Once a completed build has been delivered and accepted, the sale is final and covered by warranty rather than by return (see Section 6). We do not accept general "change of mind" returns on delivered custom machines.

Custom build deposits. If your custom build required a deposit, the deposit is fully refundable until parts are ordered, and is applied toward your final invoice. After parts are ordered it is subject to the Stage 2 terms above.

4. Refurbished (in-stock) builds

Refurbished systems are one-of-a-kind units that already exist, so they aren't tied to the made-to-order timeline.

  • Inspect at delivery. Because we hand-deliver in person, you're encouraged to power the machine on and look it over at handoff. This is the best moment to confirm everything is as expected.
  • All sales final after handoff, except for warranty coverage. Refurbished machines are sold as one-of-a-kind units and cannot be restocked or resold as new, so we don't accept change-of-mind returns once a unit has been delivered and accepted.
  • Defects are still covered. If a refurbished unit develops a hardware fault, it's covered by the warranty in Section 6 just like any other build.

5. Inspection at delivery

Every system is stress-tested and verified working before it leaves us. At delivery, please take a moment to confirm the system powers on and the build matches your order. We may ask you to confirm receipt — for example a quick signature or text that the system arrived and is working. This protects both of us and keeps a clear record of a successful handoff.

6. Workmanship & hardware warranty

Separate from returns, every Steel City Systems build is backed by a warranty:

  • Workmanship warranty — [30] days. We'll correct any issue caused by our assembly (loose connections, fan/cooler mounting, cable or build errors) at no charge.
  • Dead-on-arrival (DOA) components. If a part is faulty out of the box, contact us within 72 hours of delivery and we'll repair or replace it at no cost to you.
  • Manufacturer warranties pass through to you. Individual components (CPU, GPU, motherboard, PSU, storage, etc.) carry their own manufacturer warranties, which typically run far longer than ours. We'll help you identify the right manufacturer and process for a covered part.

What the warranty does not cover: physical damage, liquid damage, power surges, unauthorized internal modifications or repairs, software/operating-system issues unrelated to hardware, normal wear, and damage from misuse. Opening the system to swap or modify components is fine and expected — but damage caused during owner modification isn't covered.

Warranty service is handled the same way as delivery: by local meetup or arranged hand-off within our service area.

7. What is not refundable

  • Delivery fees once a delivery has been scheduled or completed.
  • Restocking fees described in Section 3.
  • Sales tax is remitted to the state on refunded orders and is returned to you as part of any approved refund.

8. How to request a cancellation, refund, or warranty service

Reach out as soon as possible — the sooner you contact us, the more options are available, especially before parts are ordered.

  • Email: steelcitysystems.pa@gmail.com
  • Call or text: (610) 674-0241

Please include your name, order number, and a short description of the issue (photos help for warranty claims).

9. Refund method & timing

Approved refunds are issued to your original payment method. Once approved, refunds are typically processed within 5–10 business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Steel City Systems · steelcitysystems.pa@gmail.com · (610) 674-0241 · steelcitysystemspa.com · Local meetup & delivery only.