Carolina Biological Supply

Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policy at a glance

United States
Return window
180 days
Free return shipping
Not specified
Receipt required
Conditional
In store return for online orders
Not specified
Refund processing time
Not specified
Restocking fee
Not specified

Carolina Biological Supply allows returns within 180 days of purchase. You must contact customer service to obtain a Return Authorization Number before sending items back. Certain product categories, including digital products and living organisms, have different rules or shorter windows.

How returns work

You can return items by mail or arrange carrier drop off, both subject to Return Authorization approval. To start a return, contact customer service with your purchase order number or Carolina order number. After you receive your Return Authorization Number and instructions, include the authorization number with your shipment to avoid processing delays.

Exclusions and restrictions

Digital products, Carolina Distance Learning science kits, and prepaid coupons or vouchers cannot be returned. Items that are partially used, opened, altered, or discontinued are also non-returnable unless they are defective. Living organisms and prepared media have a shorter 30-day return window. Manufacturer defects are returnable even if an item is not in resalable condition.

Refunds

The retailer does not publish specific information about refund processing times or methods on its stated policy.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to return something?

You have 180 days from purchase to return most items. However, living organisms and prepared media must be reported within 30 days if you need a replacement, refund, or credit.

Do I need a receipt to return an item?

You do not need a receipt. Instead, you must have either your purchase order number or your Carolina order number when you contact customer service to begin the return process.

Can I return items that have been opened or used?

Opened, partially used, or altered items cannot be returned unless they are defective due to a manufacturer fault. Items that are defective are returnable even if they are not in resalable condition.

What items cannot be returned?

Digital products, Carolina Distance Learning science kits, prepaid coupons, vouchers, and living material cards are not returnable. Additionally, items in non-resalable condition, such as those that are opened or altered, cannot be returned unless defective.

Can I exchange an item instead of returning it?

Yes. You can receive replacements within 180 days for damage, loss, or missing pieces that were not caused by you as the customer. Contact customer service with your order information to arrange an exchange.

What should I do before shipping my return?

You must contact Carolina Biological Supply customer service first to obtain a Return Authorization Number. Include this number with your return shipment to avoid processing delays.

How you can return an item

  • By mail , Contact customer service for Return Authorization Number
  • Carrier drop off , Subject to Return Authorization approval

Step by step

  1. Contact customer service with purchase order or Carolina order number
  2. Receive Return Authorization Number and additional instructions
  3. Return item with Return Authorization Number to avoid processing delays

Categories with their own return window

Category Window Note
Living organisms or prepared media 30 days Separate notification deadline for replacements, refunds, or credits

What you cannot return

  • Digital products , Non-refundable category
  • Carolina Distance Learning® science kits , Non-refundable category
  • Prepaid coupons, vouchers, living material cards , Non-refundable and non-redeemable for cash
  • Items not in resalable condition , Partially used, opened, altered, or discontinued unless defective

Returning without a receipt

Purchase order number or Carolina order number required; receipt not explicitly mentioned

Exchanges

Replacements available up to 180 days for damage, loss, or missing pieces not caused by customer

Damaged or defective items

Manufacturer defects are returnable even if item is not in resalable condition

What the policy actually says

Every figure above is taken word for word from the retailer page. Here are the exact lines.

Field Quoted from the retailer
Return window days items may be returned for a replacement, refund, or credit up to 180 days from date of purchase
Exchange window days we are happy to replace items for issues that are of no fault of yours up to 180 days from date of purchase
Receipt required Have your purchase order number and/or Carolina order number available

Return policies for similar stores

Store Return window
Global Industrial return policy 30 days

Checked against the retailer's published policy. Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policies change without notice. Confirm the current policy with the retailer before you buy.