Ties

Refund, Cancellation, and Return Policy

This Refund, Cancellation, and Return Policy ("Policy") governs all transactions made with the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES), including but not limited to the purchase of products, enrolment in training programmes, and availing of laboratory and technical services.

By making any payment to TIES, the customer ("User") expressly agrees to be bound by this Policy.

1. No-Refund Principle for Services

1.1 Training and Educational Programmes

This includes, but is not limited to:

Internships
Research training programmes
Skill development programmes
Workshops, seminars, and awareness sessions

All fees paid for the above programmes are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances, including but not limited to:

Voluntary withdrawal
Fall in attendance (full or partial)
Change in personal schedule, academic requirements, or eligibility
Dissatisfaction with programme content or delivery

Once payment is made, the seat is deemed confirmed and resources are allocated; therefore, no claim for refund, adjustment, or transfer shall be entertained.

1.2 Laboratory and Technical Services

This includes, but is not limited to:

Laboratory testing and analysis
Water, soil, and environmental quality testing
Microbial and scientific studies

All payments made towards such services are strictly non-refundable, as:

The services involve advance planning, procurement of consumables, and allocation of technical resources; and
Processing may commence immediately upon confirmation of payment or receipt of samples

No refund requests shall be entertained once the service has been initiated or scheduled, irrespective of submission delays, non-submission of samples, or change in user requirements.

2. Limited Refunds for Products (Goods Only)

2.1 Eligibility

Refunds or replacements shall be considered only if:

The product delivered is defective, damaged, or incorrect; and
The issue is reported within 7 days of delivery

2.2 Conditions

To qualify:

The product must be unused, unopened, and in original packaging
Valid proof of purchase must be provided
Prior written approval from TIES must be obtained before return

2.3 Exclusions

Refunds/replacements shall not be provided in the following cases:

Normal wear and tear or misuse
Products opened, used, or altered after delivery
Perishable or biological materials (including but not limited to mushroom spawns) once opened
Requests made after the stipulated reporting period

2.4 Discretion

All returns are subject to inspection and sole discretion of TIES, and the decision shall be final and binding.

3. Cancellation Policy

No cancellations shall be permitted for training programmes or services once payment has been made.
For products, cancellation requests will only be considered if the order has not yet been processed or dispatched.

4. Exceptional Circumstances

Refunds, if any, may be granted solely at the discretion of TIES under exceptional circumstances, including:

Inability of TIES to deliver the agreed service
Cancellation of a programme by TIES

In such cases:

Refunds may be partial or full, as determined by TIES
No interest, compensation, or damages shall be payable

5. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

TIES shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with any service or product
TIES shall not be responsible for delays, disruptions, or non-performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control (force majeure), including natural disasters, government restrictions, or technical failures

6. Refund Processing (If Applicable)

Where a refund is approved:

It shall be processed only to the original mode of payment
Processing timelines may vary depending on financial institutions
TIES shall not be responsible for delays caused by banks or payment gateways

7. Shipping and Returns (Products Only)

Return of products shall be undertaken only after prior written approval
Customers shall bear all return shipping costs
Shipping charges are non-refundable
TIES does not guarantee receipt of returned items and recommends insured/trackable shipping

Return Address:
Ecological Research Campus, K.K Road, Velloor P.O, Kottayam, Kerala – 686501, India

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.

Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Kottayam, Kerala.

9. Policy Acceptance

By making a payment, enrolling in any programme, or availing any service offered by TIES, the User:

Confirms having read and understood this Policy; and
Agrees to be legally bound by its terms without limitation or qualification

Refund Policy