Returns, Refunds, and What to Expect When Buying Through Our Links
Last updated: June 2026
I recommend products on lights.wiki based on personal testing and real-world use. When you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, the transaction happens entirely with the retailer — Amazon, Philips, Govee, or whichever store you're buying from. I don't process payments, handle inventory, or manage returns. But I want you to be confident in your purchase, so here's what you need to know about returns and refunds when buying through the links on this site.
Who Do You Contact for Returns or Refunds?
The retailer you purchased from. If you clicked an Amazon link on lights.wiki and bought an LED strip, your purchase is with Amazon. Their return policy applies — typically 30 days for most items, with free return shipping on defective products. If you bought through a Philips Hue link that directed you to the Philips store, Philips handles the return. I have no access to your order information, payment details, or purchase history. I can't initiate a refund, process an exchange, or look up your order status. Please check the retailer's website for their specific return policy before making a purchase.
What If a Product I Recommended Arrives Defective?
This frustrates me as much as it frustrates you. I test every product I recommend before writing about it, but manufacturing defects happen. If you receive a defective product: contact the retailer's customer service (Amazon is usually excellent about this — most defective items get replaced with free return shipping). Let me know via my contact form — I track defect reports to decide whether to continue recommending a product. If a product has a high defect rate, I remove it from my recommendations and note it in the guide. Your feedback helps me keep my recommendations honest.
Do You Get a Commission on Returned Items?
No. Affiliate commissions are only paid on completed, non-returned purchases. If you return an item, the commission is reversed. This means I have no incentive to recommend products that people return. My income depends on you being satisfied with what you bought. If you're unhappy with a purchase, the return process hurts me the same way it hurts you — I lose the commission and the time spent testing and writing about that product.
What About Warranty Claims on Lighting Products?
LED bulbs and strips typically carry warranties of 2-5 years from the manufacturer. Philips offers 2 years on standard bulbs and 1 year on Hue products. Govee offers 1 year. Mean Well power supplies carry 3-5 years. For warranty claims, contact the manufacturer directly — not me and not the retailer. The manufacturer will ask for proof of purchase (the email receipt from Amazon or the retailer), so keep that handy. Most manufacturers require you to pay shipping for warranty replacements, which is frustrating but standard. I note warranty terms in my product guides so you know what to expect before buying. See my Affiliate Disclaimer for more details on how my recommendations work.
My Promise to You
I only recommend products I've personally tested and would buy again. Every lighting guide on this site is based on real use — months of running bulbs, installing strips, and comparing brands. I don't accept payment for positive reviews. If a product fails during testing or has a high return rate, I say so. Your trust is worth more than any single commission. If you ever feel misled by a recommendation, please tell me — I'll investigate and update the guide accordingly.