Exchange Core Returns – 90-Day Rules | A H Spares

Return your old unit correctly and get your surcharge back

If you’ve purchased an exchange unit (often supplied with a surcharge), you’ll need to return your old unit (the “core”) so it can be assessed for rebuilding. This page explains the 90-day return window, the condition rules, and what happens after we receive it.

Clear 90-day window: return cores within 90 days of the date on your invoice
Know what’s acceptable: condition rules explained upfront
Fewer delays: what to include and how to pack safely
Transparent outcomes: what happens if a core isn’t rebuildable

Core return rules (the important bit)

Return window: cores must be returned within 90 days of the invoice date (shown on your order confirmation).
Ownership: the core being returned must correspond to the exchange item purchased.
Condition: cores must be suitable for rebuilding. Excessive damage, heavy corrosion, missing key components, or prior unrepairable modifications may make a core unacceptable.
Complete: cores should be complete, assembled, and rebuildable to receive credit. If you’re unsure, contact us before sending.
Clean & drained: cores must be clean and drained of all fluids. Leaking units may be refused by the courier/transport provider for health & safety reasons.
Soiled units: units received soiled will be subject to an additional non-refundable £7.50 cleaning charge per unit.
Return shipping: you pay all return shipping costs (non-refundable). If you’re unable to send the goods back, we can arrange collection and return shipping to A H Spares on your behalf, subject to payment of our collection and shipping invoice.
Packaging: cores are heavy and can be fragile. Please package securely to prevent damage in transit.
Assessment: returned cores are inspected on arrival before the surcharge is refunded (where applicable).

What to include inside the parcel

Order number (or invoice reference)
Your contact details (email + phone)
The exchange part number of the part you purchased
A note stating: “Exchange core return”

If a core is not rebuildable

If a returned core is not suitable for rebuilding, it will normally be scrapped. If you require the core to be returned to you, you will be responsible for all costs involved.

This may affect whether a surcharge refund is due. Units received heavily contaminated may also be subject to the non-refundable £7.50 cleaning charge per unit.

For refund handling and payment method details, see Refunds. For the legal basis of exchange and surcharge terms, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Choose the right next step

Depending on your situation, use the most appropriate route below so we can resolve things quickly.

Start Your Core Return

Returning Something Else?

Standard returns (non-exchange items) follow a different process. Use the main returns route.

Return an item

Refund Questions?

Refund handling (including surcharges) depends on inspection outcomes and timelines.

Refund info

Faulty or Damaged Delivery?

If your exchange unit arrived damaged or incorrect, use the issue route instead.

Report an issue

Not what you were looking for? Return to the Returns & Refunds hub.

For the legal basis of exchange unit terms and surcharge refunds, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cores need to be drained of fluids?

Yes. Cores must be clean and drained of all fluids. Leaking units may be refused by the courier/transport provider for health & safety reasons. Units received soiled may be subject to a non-refundable £7.50 cleaning charge per unit.

Do I need to use a tracked service?

Yes, we strongly recommend using a tracked/insured service and keeping proof of posting. Cores are valuable and often heavy, so this protects you during transit.

How do I know if my core will be accepted?

The core must be suitable for rebuilding. If it’s heavily corroded, structurally damaged, missing key components, or previously modified beyond repair, it may be rejected. If you’re unsure, contact us with photos before sending it.

What if my exchange unit arrived damaged or incorrect?

Please use Faulty, Incorrect or Damaged so we can resolve it quickly and advise what evidence is needed.

What is an exchange unit “core”?

A “core” is your old unit returned to us so it can be assessed for rebuilding. Many exchange items are supplied with a surcharge that may be refundable once a suitable core is returned.

When do I need to return my core?

Cores must be returned within 90 days of your invoice date. If you think you may miss the window, contact us as soon as possible.

When is the surcharge refunded?

Where applicable, surcharge refunds are processed after the returned core has been received and inspected. Refund method details are on our Refunds page.