Earning your Servsafe Food Handler Certification is a crucial step in demonstrating your commitment to food safety and hygiene, essential for anyone working in the food service industry. Whether you’re a chef, server, or handling food in any capacity, this certification provides foundational knowledge to ensure safe food preparation and service. Sometimes, in the process of obtaining this certification, you might encounter situations where returning materials becomes necessary. This guide outlines the ServSafe return policy to ensure a smooth process should you need to return any purchased items.
Navigating the ServSafe Return Policy: Key Guidelines
It’s important to review your received materials as soon as they arrive. Should you find yourself needing to return your ServSafe materials, contacting the National Restaurant Association Service Center is the first step. Before sending anything back, you’ll need to secure a Return Authorization Number. This number is specific to your materials and is essential for processing your return correctly.
You can reach the Service Center Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm CST at 800-765-2122 ext. 6703 or 312-715-1010, ext. 6703. Make sure to clearly display this Return Authorization Number on the outside of every package you are returning, whether it’s for a full credit, exchange, or replacement of damaged goods.
Important Points to Note Regarding ServSafe Returns:
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Online Products: Non-refundable and Non-returnable: Be aware that all online purchases, including online courses and exams related to your ServSafe Food Handler Certification, are final. These items are nonrefundable and nonreturnable. Online courses typically have an expiration period, usually one year from purchase or 60 to 90 days from course launch/completion, depending on the specific course.
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Prompt Returns Are Necessary: If you have items eligible for return, ensure they are sent back within 30 days from the date of the original invoice. Returns outside this timeframe may not be accepted.
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Custom Materials Are Not Returnable: Any materials that are custom-made or personalized are considered non-returnable.
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Condition is Key for Returns: Returned products must be in their original, resalable condition to be accepted. This is particularly important for CDs and videos, which must be returned unopened. Products damaged upon return due to inadequate packaging or handling will be sent back to the customer at their expense, and no credit will be issued.
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Properly Packing Your Return: Include a copy of the original invoice or packing slip within the first box of your return shipment. Critically, ensure the Return Authorization Number is clearly visible on the exterior of each box. If you’re sending multiple boxes, label them (e.g., 1 of 2, 2 of 2). Remove or mark out any unrelated shipping labels on the boxes. Whenever possible, use the original packaging for your return to aid in proper processing. Note that shipping costs are not credited by National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC.
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Using the Correct Return Address: Returning products to any address other than the one provided by the Service Center will lead to delays in processing your credit and incur a $25.00 processing fee. Returns to the National Restaurant Association business address or lockbox are not permitted. Always confirm the correct return address with the Service Center when obtaining your Return Authorization Number.
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Traceable Shipping for Your Protection: For your security and to ensure your return is processed, use a traceable shipping method such as Federal Express, UPS, RPS, or Insured/Certified First Class Mail. If a package cannot be traced to the warehouse, unfortunately, a credit cannot be issued.
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Call-tags for Fulfillment Errors: Call-tags for shipping will only be issued if the return is due to a fulfillment error on the part of the National Restaurant Association. Call-tags will not be provided for any other return reasons.
By understanding these guidelines, you can navigate the ServSafe return process efficiently and ensure that your focus remains on achieving your ServSafe Food Handler Certification and upholding the highest standards of food safety.
Alt text: A sample ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, demonstrating the official recognition for food safety training.
