Refund policy

DRACO WARRANTY & RETURN POLICY (January 2026)

30-DAY ON-COURT GUARANTEE

Available to U.S. Customers Only We want you to experience the Gherkin Draco difference on the court. If you are not completely satisfied with your paddle, you may return it for a refund within 30 days of the delivery date.

The Policy:

Eligibility: This policy applies only to orders placed and shipped within the United States.
Refunds: We offer a full refund of the purchase price.
Return Shipping: Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping.
One-Trial Rule:

To keep our prices fair, the 30-Day Risk-Free Court Guarantee (where you can return a used paddle) applies to your first order only (per model+shape).

We want everyone to have the chance to try the paddles. Once you know you like our products, subsequent orders are subject to our Standard Return Policy (unopened/unused condition only) unless otherwise noted. Of course, our Draco is always covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects.

Guideline for Product Modifications:

To maintain eligibility for a return, please follow these guidelines:

Allowed: Adding lead tape, edge guard tape, or overgrips (provided the original factory grip remains intact).
Voiding: Removing the original factory grip, altering/removing the butt cap, or any modifications to the handle will void the 30-day return policy.

STANDARD RETURN POLICY

(Applies to accessories, apparel, and subsequent paddle orders not covered by the First-Time Trial)

If you are a returning customer or purchasing items not covered by our On-Court Guarantee, we are happy to accept returns of new, unused items within 30 days of delivery.

Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for a standard return, the item must be in brand new, resellable condition:
- Paddles: Plastic wrap on the handle must be intact. The face must be free of ball marks, scrapes, or contact. The original "face card" or packaging must be included.
- Accessories/Apparel: Must be unworn, unwashed, and in original packaging with tags attached.
Non-Returnable Items:
- Items that have been used, played with, or altered.
- Gift cards.
- Items marked as "Final Sale" or "Clearance" at the time of purchase.
Refund Process:
1. Initiate: Email Support@gherkinusa.com with your Order Number to request a return authorization.
2. Ship: Customer is responsible for return shipping costs. We recommend using a trackable shipping service.
3. Inspect: Once received, our team will inspect the item to verify it is in new condition.
4. Refund: If approved, a refund will be issued to your original payment method within 5-7 business days.
  - Note: Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
Rejection of Used Returns: If a return is received under this policy and shows signs of use (e.g., removed plastic, ball marks, sweat), the return will be denied. The item can be shipped back to you at your expense, or donated.

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Available to U.S. Customers Only This warranty is valid only for paddles purchased and located within the United States.

Proof of Play vs. Abuse

We expect your paddle to be used. Ball marks, sweat stains, and minor scuffs do not void your warranty. However, this warranty is VOID under the following conditions:

Improper Usage: Damage from striking the ground, net posts, other paddles, or anything other than a pickleball.
Commercial Use: Used in commercial applications, clinics, or as rental equipment.
Non-Purchased Items: Paddles won in promotions or competitions, or purchased in "used" condition from third parties.
Unauthorized Modifications: Any structural repairs or alterations made to the paddle beyond the "Allowed Modifications" listed above.

What is Covered vs. What is Not Covered

This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear (fading graphics, scuff marks), negligence, exposure to extreme heat/cold, or the natural breakdown of surface textures and grit over extended use. It also does not cover Trainer Paddles.

Sole Discretion & Non-Transferable

This warranty is non-transferable and only valid for the original purchaser.
Gherkin USA LLC holds the sole discretion to determine whether a damaged paddle is covered and whether to replace or repair the item.
The warranty is considered satisfied once a replacement is issued; replacement paddles are not covered by a new lifetime warranty.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING & LIMITATIONS

Notice for Customers Outside the United States

Final Sale: Any orders shipped to addresses outside of the United States (International) are considered Final Sale and are not eligible for returns, refunds, or exchanges.
Freight Forwarders: The use of freight forwarding services to deliver paddles outside of the United States voids both the 30-Day Guarantee and the Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Unauthorized Returns: If a paddle is shipped back to Gherkin USA LLC from an international location without prior written authorization, the package will be refused. We are not responsible for shipping costs or customs fees incurred during unauthorized transit.

How to File a Claim

To open a warranty claim, please email Support@gherkinusa.com with your Order Number and a photo/video clearly showing the issue.

HONEYCOMB SERIES: WARRANTY & RETURN POLICY (Updated JANUARY 2026)

STANDARD RETURN POLICY

Please note: The 30-Day On-Court Guarantee is exclusive to the Draco series. Honeycomb Polypropylene paddles are not eligible for a trial period.

Condition Requirements We accept returns of new, unused Honeycomb paddles within 30 days of delivery. To qualify for a refund, the paddle must be in original, resellable condition:

The plastic wrap on the handle must be intact.
The face must be free of ball marks, scuffs, or court contact.
Original packaging and face cards must be included.

Process & Fees

Returns: A 20% restocking fee applies to all paddle returns to cover inspection and processing.
Shipping: Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs. Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
Exchanges: Items may be exchanged within 10 days of receipt, provided they are in brand-new, unused condition.

Note: Returns that show any signs of use (removed plastic, grit wear, or blemishes) will be rejected and can be returned to the customer at their expense.

180-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY

Gherkin USA Honeycomb paddles are guaranteed against workmanship and manufacturer defects for a period of 180 days from the date of purchase. This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original owner. Registration is required to activate coverage.

Proof of Play vs. Abuse We expect your paddle to be used. Minor cosmetic scuffs or ball marks are signs of normal play and do not void your warranty. However, claims will NOT be accepted if the paddle shows signs of abuse, such as:

Cracks from impact with the ground or net posts.
Deep scrapes from "scooping" balls on concrete.
Permanent modifications (markers, handle alterations, or re-gluing).

What is Covered vs. What is Not Covered Manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship (including core materials and delamination) are covered for the duration of the warranty.

This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, negligence, exposure to extreme heat/cold, or the natural breakdown or fading of graphics, textures, and grit over extended use. Rattling that does not impact performance is considered cosmetic and is not covered.

Sole Discretion & One-Swap Rule Gherkin USA holds the sole discretion to determine whether a damaged paddle is covered under warranty and whether to replace or repair the paddle.

Important: Any replacement paddle sent via warranty claim is considered "Final Sale" and is not covered by a new warranty. The warranty is considered satisfied once a replacement is issued.

HOW TO FILE A CLAIM

Please email Support@gherkinusa.com with the following information:

Your Order Number and Proof of Purchase.
A short video clip clearly showing the defect.
The paddle serial number.

Allow 1-2 weeks for processing. Approved replacements are typically dispatched once per week.