Shipping policy
## 1. Scope
This policy applies to **all products** sold on Darkaifactories.com, including but not limited to:
- Collaborative robots, robotic arms, and cobots
- Mobile robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles
- LED displays, display panels, and immersive systems
- CNC machines, 3D printers, and fabrication accessories
- Electronic tools, development boards, and components
- Digital products (guides, training, software, store credits)
- Third-party brand products distributed by Darkaifactories
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## 2. Shipping Zones
We primarily ship within **Canada** and the **United States**.
For international deliveries, please contact us before placing an order: **mrobitaille@darkaifactories.com**.
Certain remote areas, rural postal codes, Canadian Northern territories, or destinations not served by regular road networks may be excluded or subject to **additional fees** not predictable at checkout. We reserve the right to cancel and refund any order shipped to an unserviceable zone.
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## 3. Digital Products and Services
Digital products (files, training, guides, software, store credits) and services are delivered **electronically**. No physical shipment is made.
Delivery means making the content available in the customer account or by email, generally within **1 to 3 business days** after payment confirmation.
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## 4. Order Processing Times
All orders undergo **internal validation and processing** before shipment.
| Product Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|--------------|---------------------------|
| In-stock small items | 1 to 3 business days |
| Robots and industrial equipment | 3 to 10 business days |
| LED displays and bulky systems | 5 to 15 business days |
| Made-to-order / pre-order products | Indicated on the product page |
| Imported products (Dobot, Elephant, Unitree, etc.) | 10 to 45 business days |
These timelines are **estimates** and may vary based on availability, customs constraints, supplier lead times, and preparation complexity.
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## 5. Shipping Methods
We use reputable third-party carriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Purolator, Canpar, DHL, specialized freight carriers).
The final carrier selection is at Darkaifactories' discretion, unless an express option is selected and paid for by the customer.
Available options may include:
- Standard delivery
- Express delivery (quote-based or paid option)
- Specialized freight delivery (for heavy or oversized equipment)
- Local pickup (when available and pre-arranged)
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## 6. Estimated Delivery Times
Delivery times are estimates from the shipment date, not the order date.
| Destination | Estimated Delivery (from shipment) |
|-------------|------------------------------------|
| Greater Montreal area | 1 to 3 business days |
| Quebec and Ontario | 2 to 5 business days |
| Western and Atlantic provinces | 3 to 10 business days |
| Northern territories and remote zones | 5 to 20 business days |
| United States | 5 to 15 business days |
Darkaifactories **does not guarantee any delivery date**. Delays caused by the carrier, weather conditions, strikes, customs, or any cause beyond our control do not entitle the customer to damages, compensation, or order cancellation.
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## 7. Shipping Fees
Shipping fees are calculated at checkout based on:
- Destination
- Package weight and dimensions
- Declared value
- Selected shipping method
**Free shipping:** Free shipping offers may apply to select orders, as displayed on the website. They are limited to standard delivery within continental Canada and exclude oversized products, palletized shipments, specialized freight, and remote destinations.
**Additional fees** (residential, size, weight, rural zone, customs duties, excise taxes) may apply after the order for certain products. The customer will be informed before shipment and may accept these fees or cancel the order.
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## 8. Oversized, Heavy, or Palletized Products
The following products are considered **oversized or requiring special handling**:
- LED displays and immersive systems
- Large industrial robots and cobots
- Professional CNC machines and 3D printers
- Complete robotic stations and heavy educational kits
- Any product shipped on a pallet or in a transport case
For these products:
- Delivery is to the **door threshold** (curbside / threshold delivery), unless a paid white-glove placement service is agreed to in writing.
- The customer must ensure that access (doors, stairs, elevators, driveway) is suitable for the package dimensions.
- Unloading and placement are the customer's responsibility, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Specialized delivery or liftgate fees may apply.
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## 9. Special Orders, Pre-Orders, and Imports
Many products (notably Dobot, Elephant Robotics, Unitree, LEDMAN, Unilumin, etc.) are **imported to order** or shipped directly from authorized suppliers or distributors.
For these orders:
- Lead times are **estimates** and may be significantly longer.
- The customer is informed of the indicative lead time before order confirmation.
- Deposits, advances, or full payment may be required before ordering from the supplier.
- Any cancellation after ordering from the supplier may incur **restocking fees or deposit losses**.
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## 10. Customs, Taxes, and Import Duties
For deliveries within Canada, applicable taxes (GST/QST or HST) are calculated at checkout.
For deliveries to the United States or internationally:
- **Customs duties, import taxes, customs clearance fees, and brokerage fees** are the customer's responsibility.
- Darkaifactories declares the actual value of the goods.
- The customer is solely responsible for complying with the customs regulations of their country.
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## 11. Inspection at Delivery
The customer must **carefully inspect the package** upon receipt, ideally in the presence of the carrier.
In case of visible damage:
- Refuse delivery or note the damage on the carrier's delivery receipt (POD).
- Take clear photos of the damaged package, shipping label, and product.
- Contact Darkaifactories within **24 hours** of delivery.
**No transport damage claim will be accepted without a carrier POD notation or without photos taken at delivery.**
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## 12. Damage During Transit
The risk of loss or damage to goods transfers to the customer upon **handover to the carrier**.
However, if damage is reported in accordance with Section 11, Darkaifactories may, at its discretion:
- File a claim with the carrier
- Arrange a replacement or partial refund
This assistance does not constitute an admission of liability. Darkaifactories acts as a facilitator, and the customer's primary recourse remains with the carrier.
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## 13. Delivery Delays
Delays may occur for reasons beyond our control, including but not limited to:
- Manufacturer stock shortages
- Customs delays
- Strikes, pandemics, extreme weather events
- Carrier errors
- Incomplete or incorrect address provided by the customer
In case of significant delay, the customer may contact Darkaifactories for an update. **No compensation for delay will be granted**, unless required by mandatory law.
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## 14. Non-Delivery and Unclaimed Packages
If a package is returned to Darkaifactories due to:
- An incorrect or incomplete address provided by the customer
- Refusal of delivery by the customer
- Customer absence during delivery attempts
- Failure to pick up within the allotted time at a collection point
The customer will be responsible for **reshipping, storage, and administrative fees**. No full refund will be issued before the returned package is received and inspected.
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## 15. Shipping Address
It is the customer's responsibility to provide a **complete, accurate, and accessible** shipping address. Darkaifactories cannot be held responsible for delays, losses, or returns caused by an incorrect address.
Any address change after shipment may incur **additional fees** and is not guaranteed.
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## 16. Transfer of Ownership
Ownership of the goods transfers to the customer upon **actual delivery** to the provided address, subject to full payment of the price.
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## 17. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Darkaifactories' liability for any shipping or delivery issue is limited to the **amount paid by the customer for the affected product**, excluding shipping fees, taxes, and accessories.
Darkaifactories will not be liable for indirect losses, lost profits, consequential damages, or business interruptions resulting from delivery delay, loss, or damage.
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## 18. Force Majeure
Darkaifactories shall not be liable for delays or inability to perform delivery due to force majeure events, including but not limited to: natural disasters, wars, riots, strikes, pandemics, government restrictions, raw material shortages, carrier failures, or supply chain disruptions.
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## 19. Policy Changes
Darkaifactories reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Changes take effect upon posting on the website. Orders placed before the modification remain subject to the policy in effect at the time of order.
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## 20. Contact
For any shipping or delivery questions:
- **Email:** mrobitaille@darkaifactories.com
- **Address:** 9305 Rue De Monza, Mirabel, QC, J7J 0L3, CA
- **Entity:** 9558-0452 Québec inc., doing business as Darkaifactories