Obtaining a Safe Serve Food Handlers Certificate is a crucial step for anyone working in the food service industry. ServSafe is a leading provider of food safety training and certification, offering various materials to help individuals and businesses ensure safe food handling practices. Understanding the return policy for these materials is as important as the training itself. This article outlines the ServSafe return policy, ensuring you know what to expect should you need to return any purchased items.
Key Aspects of the ServSafe Return Policy
ServSafe, administered by the National Restaurant Association, has a clear return policy designed to be fair while addressing the nature of their products, particularly online and custom materials. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these points before making a purchase related to your safe serve food handlers certificate training.
Return Authorization is Essential
Before returning any physical product, contacting the National Restaurant Association Service Center to obtain a Return Authorization Number is mandatory. You can reach their service center at 800-765-2122 ext. 6703 or 312-715-1010, ext. 6703 during their operating hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm CST. This number is essential for processing your return efficiently, whether for a full credit, exchange, or replacement of damaged goods. Ensure this number is clearly displayed on the outside of every package you return.
Non-Returnable Items: Online Products and Custom Materials
It’s important to note that ServSafe’s policy explicitly states that online products are nonrefundable and nonreturnable. This includes online courses and online exams, which are integral parts of obtaining your safe serve food handlers certificate in many cases. These online courses also have an expiration period, typically one year from purchase or 60 to 90 days from course launch/completion, depending on the specific course. Additionally, custom materials, likely designed for specific business needs, are also not eligible for return. Therefore, confirm your needs and selections carefully before purchasing online or custom products related to your food safety training.
Timeframe for Returns and Condition of Items
For physical products that are returnable, the window is limited. All returns must be initiated within 30 days from the invoice date. Furthermore, the condition of the returned items is critical. Products must be in original and resalable condition. CDs and videos, if applicable to your safe serve food handlers certificate study materials, must be unopened. Any damage to returned products may result in them being sent back to the customer without credit, and at the customer’s expense.
Proper Packing and Shipping Procedures
When returning items, proper packing is necessary to ensure your return is processed correctly. Include a copy of the original invoice or packing slip in the first box of your return shipment. Clearly mark your Return Authorization Number on the outside of each box. If you are returning multiple boxes, label them (e.g., 1 of 2, 2 of 2). Remove or mark out any unrelated shipping labels on the boxes. Ideally, use the original packaging for the return shipment. Note that shipping costs are not credited by National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC.
To safeguard your return, use a traceable shipping method such as Federal Express, UPS, RPS, or Insured/Certified First Class Mail. This allows you to track your shipment and confirm its arrival at the correct destination. ServSafe cannot issue a credit for returns that cannot be traced.
Using the Correct Return Address
Returning products to the correct address is paramount. Any returns sent to an 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 address are not permitted. Always confirm the correct return address when you receive your Return Authorization Number.
Call-Tags for Fulfillment Errors
ServSafe will issue call-tags only in cases where a fulfillment error has occurred on their part. Call-tags will not be issued for any other reason.
Conclusion: Understanding Return Policies for Your ServSafe Certificate Journey
Understanding the return policy for ServSafe materials is a vital part of your journey towards obtaining a safe serve food handlers certificate. While online products are non-returnable, physical products have a 30-day return window and specific condition requirements. By adhering to the outlined procedures – obtaining a Return Authorization Number, ensuring products are resalable, packing returns correctly, using traceable shipping, and sending to the correct address – you can ensure a smooth return process if needed. For any uncertainties or specific situations, contacting the ServSafe Service Center directly is always recommended to clarify your options and ensure a hassle-free experience with your safe serve food handlers certificate materials.
