Ordering Process / Other Info

Purchasing Policies

Delivery / Shipping Policy

All in stock orders will be shipped within 1-3 business days.  However, most of our tubing is custom built to our customers’ needs and therefore is subject to a lead time based on current back-log, complexity of the project, etc.   Small production runs can usually get built in 1-2 weeks.  We do our best to get order produced and shipped as fast as possible and we generally contact our customers when there is a lead time longer than 2 weeks.

Return Policy

Due to the custom built and / or custom cut, nature of carbon fiber tubing we generally try to avoid taking returns.  It’s almost equivalent to throwing expensive tubing the garbage can.  That being said our first priority it to keep our customers happy, so contact us if there is any problem what so ever and we will do our best to resolve the issue.

Cancellation Policy

Orders can be canceled any time before the tubing has been built.  Unfortunately, once the tubing has been built, it’s yours, so if there is any doubt about the specs or the need for the tubing call us ASAP!  In the cases where we have to order custom materials for your project, you may cancel the order before the tubing has been built and certainly save yourself some money, but you may be on the hook for the custom materials.

Warranty / Refund Policy

Forte guarantees our products against defect in materials and manufacturing for LIFE.  And what that vague statement really means, is that our goal is to keep our customers happy and we do our best to take care of our customers regardless of the reason a product fails or doesn’t do its job.  Here are a couple of bullet points to help you understand our policy:

  • If it is our mistake, wrong size, wrong length, wrong laminate, wrong part number, etc.  We will get you the correct part free of charge.  We may request you return the original part.  Getting the original part back to us is your responsibility – we will help if we can.
Warranty / Refund Policy (continued)
  • If our tube or product breaks, when by all accounts it really shouldn’t have.  We will replace the part free of charge.  We may ask for pictures of the damage or to return the damaged part.  The return shipping will be your responsibility.  Shipping charges to get the new part to you will be your responsibility, we will help when we can.
  • If you blatantly misuse one of our products, use one of our tubes or products for something is was not intended for, or intentionally push something beyond its limits, we are not likely to replace it free of charge.  In some cases, if we feel especially bad for you, or if you have a great story associated with the failure, we may offer a discounted price on a replacement or other solution to get you back up and running again.
  • If you purchase a smaller or cheaper product than we recommend for your application and you break it.  This is your responsibility.  A great example of this is buying a spinnaker pole that is smaller in size than is recommended for your boat, which is not uncommon as some people want a very light “light air pole”.  If there is any doubt about what you should choose, please contact us.
  • Engineering: In simple form, if the laminate, weight, fiber orientations, reinforcement patches, etc. are based on your estimated loads, or if they were decided upon by you, and you have a failure, ultimately this is your responsibility.  For example, if you give us a scenario and we come up with a suggested laminate, then you decide you want a lighter tube, that ultimately breaks, this would be your responsibility.  That’s not to say we won’t help if we can.
  • Product development:  When developing a product, you have two options; You can have extensive engineering done, or you can make a guess and do some testing.  We are not a full-service engineering firm but we will do some light analysis and make recommendations when possible.  There may be unseen factors or under estimated loads and you may have a failure.  Generally, we consider this part of the prototyping process, but again we will help when we can.

Privacy Policy

Note: the privacy practices set forth in this privacy policy are for this web site only. If you link to other web sites, please review the privacy policies posted at those sites.

Collection of Information

We collect personally identifiable information, like names, postal addresses, email addresses, etc., when voluntarily submitted by our visitors. The information you provide is used to fulfill your specific request. This information is only used to fulfill your specific request, unless you give us permission to use it in another manner, for example to add you to one of our mailing lists.

Cookie/Tracking Technology

The Site may use cookie and tracking technology depending on the features offered. Cookie and tracking technology are useful for gathering information such as browser type and operating system, tracking the number of visitors to the Site, and understanding how visitors use the Site. Cookies can also help customize the Site for visitors. Personal information cannot be collected via cookies and other tracking technology, however, if you previously provided personally identifiable information, cookies may be tied to such information. Aggregate cookie and tracking information may be shared with third parties.

Distribution of Information

We may share information with governmental agencies or other companies assisting us in fraud prevention or investigation. We may do so when: (1) permitted or required by law; or, (2) trying to protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud or unauthorized transactions; or, (3) investigating fraud which has already taken place. The information is not provided to these companies for marketing purposes.

Commitment to Data Security

Your personally identifiable information is kept secure. Only authorized employees, agents and contractors (who have agreed to keep information secure and confidential) have access to this information.