Refund, Returns, Donations & Event Ticket Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

This Refund, Returns, Donations & Event Ticket Policy (“Policy”) governs all transactions with the Pittsburgh Emperors, including merchandise purchases, charitable donations, event tickets, registrations, and fees, whether completed online, in person, or through third-party platforms.

The Pittsburgh Emperors (“Organization,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a nonprofit organization operating in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

ALL TRANSACTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO THIS POLICY WITHOUT EXCEPTION.


1. Binding Agreement & Acceptance of Terms

By completing any transaction—including clicking “Donate,” “Purchase,” “Register,” “Complete Order,” or similar confirmation through Stripe, PayPal, Square, or any other payment processor—you:

  • Acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Policy

  • Agree that this Policy constitutes a legally binding agreement

  • Waive any claim inconsistent with this Policy to the fullest extent permitted by law

Failure to read this Policy does not relieve any customer or donor of its terms.


2. Nonprofit Status & Use of Funds

All proceeds from merchandise sales, event fees, and donations are used to support the Organization’s charitable mission, programs, and operational costs.

No transaction creates any ownership interest, voting rights, equity, or entitlement in the Organization.


3. Merchandise Returns — Strict Conditions

Merchandise returns will be considered only if ALL conditions below are satisfied:

  • Return request submitted within thirty (30) calendar days of purchase

  • Original receipt or valid proof of purchase required

  • Item returned unused, unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with all tags and packaging

NO RECEIPT = NO RETURN, NO REFUND, NO EXCHANGE.

The Organization reserves sole discretion to determine eligibility.


4. Refund Method & Timing

  • Approved refunds are issued only to the original method of payment

  • Processing may take up to four (4) business days

  • Shipping, handling, transaction, and processing fees are non-refundable

  • The Organization is not responsible for delays caused by banks or payment processors


5. Apparel Merchandise — Exchange Only

The following items constitute apparel:

  • T-shirts

  • Hoodies

  • Sweatshirts

  • Jerseys

  • Hats

  • Jackets

  • Any branded wearable merchandise

Opened, worn, washed, altered, or unpackaged apparel is NOT eligible for refund. Such items may be exchanged only, subject to availability and compliance with the 30-day timeframe and receipt requirement.

Customers bear all shipping costs for exchanges unless otherwise required by law.


6. Event Tickets, Registrations & Participation Fees

STRICT NO-REFUND EVENT POLICY

All event-related purchases—including but not limited to:

  • Event tickets

  • Game admissions

  • Fundraisers

  • Clinics, camps, or programs

  • Registration or participation fees

are FINAL SALE AND NON-REFUNDABLE, regardless of:

  • Non-attendance

  • Schedule conflicts

  • Weather conditions

  • Personal circumstances

  • Illness or injury

  • Event format changes


Event Changes, Cancellation & Force Majeure

The Organization reserves the right to:

  • Modify event dates, locations, formats, or participants

  • Cancel or reschedule events

If an event is canceled at the Organization’s sole discretion, remedies (if any) may include:

  • Event rescheduling

  • Ticket transfer

  • Credit toward a future event

Refunds are not guaranteed unless required by law.

The Organization shall not be liable for cancellations or changes due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, weather, government orders, public health emergencies, or facility issues.


7. Donations — Final, Irrevocable & Non-Refundable

All donations—including sponsorships, fundraising contributions, and program gifts—are:

  • Voluntary charitable contributions

  • Not purchases of goods or services

  • Final, irrevocable, and non-refundable

Donations are not eligible for returns, refunds, exchanges, or chargebacks.


8. IRS Donation Acknowledgment & Tax Compliance

For federal income tax purposes:

  • Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law

  • No goods or services are provided in exchange for donations unless explicitly stated in writing

  • Donors are solely responsible for maintaining records for tax reporting

The Organization provides no tax, legal, or financial advice.


9. Damaged or Defective Merchandise

Claims must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days of receipt and must include proof of purchase and supporting documentation.

At the Organization’s discretion, resolution may include:

  • Replacement, or

  • Exchange

Refunds will be issued only if required by applicable law.


10. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

By completing a transaction, you agree:

  • To contact the Organization directly before initiating a chargeback

  • That chargebacks filed in violation of this Policy may be formally disputed

  • That abusive or improper chargebacks may result in:

    • Permanent refusal of future transactions

    • Reporting to the payment processor

    • Recovery of administrative and dispute-related fees where permitted

Donations and event tickets are not eligible for chargebacks.


11. Pennsylvania Law & Consumer Protection Compliance

This Policy complies with:

  • The Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL)

  • Pennsylvania nonprofit statutes

  • Applicable federal regulations

Nothing in this Policy waives rights that cannot be lawfully waived.


12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Organization disclaims all liability for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from any transaction, event participation, or inability to obtain a refund.


13. Enforcement, Severability & Amendments

  • The Organization reserves the right to enforce this Policy strictly

  • If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions remain in effect

  • The Policy may be modified at any time without prior notice

The version posted at the time of transaction governs.


14. Governing Law & Exclusive Venue

This Policy shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with exclusive jurisdiction and venue in Pennsylvania courts.