Refund policy
RETURN POLICY
Effective August 2026. Last updated August 2026.
Gut Balancing is operated by Researched Elements Tech LLC. We supply microbiome collection kits and, once a sample is sequenced, a personalized educational report. Please read this policy in full before ordering, because purchasing from us means you accept it.
WHAT WE DO NOT ACCEPT RETURNS FOR
This section governs and overrides anything else on this website that may appear to offer a broader return. We do not accept returns, and we do not issue refunds, for:
- Results you did not expect, did not want, or disagree with. The report describes what the sequencing found. An unwelcome result is not a defect.
- A belief that the report was not detailed enough, or did not contain a diagnosis. No diagnosis is given and none is implied.
- Any adverse reaction, sensitivity or intolerance to a supplement or protocol suggested in a report, whether purchased from us or elsewhere.
- A change of mind after a kit has been registered, opened or used.
- A sample that could not be sequenced because it was collected incorrectly, contaminated, insufficient, or returned outside the stability window described in the kit instructions. A replacement kit may be offered at our discretion.
- Delay caused by the laboratory or the carrier.
Gut Balancing is an educational service. It does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition, and no clinical outcome is promised.
WHAT WE DO ACCEPT RETURNS FOR
An unopened, unregistered kit, within 30 days of delivery. A kit qualifies only if the outer seal is intact and no component has been opened or used, the kit has not been registered to a patient or practitioner, and the request is made within 30 days of delivery. Your refund is the purchase price less return shipping. Original shipping is not refunded.
Once a kit is registered, opened or used, it is final. Once a sample reaches the laboratory, or sequencing begins, the order is final and no refund is available, because the cost has been incurred and the work has started. Reports and any digital or educational material are final once delivered or accessed.
If a kit arrives damaged, is missing a component, or is not what you ordered, contact us within 7 days of delivery at pipeline@researchedelements.com with your order number and photographs of the kit and outer packaging. Where we confirm the fault we will replace the kit or refund it, at our option, and cover return shipping. No fee applies.
HOW TO RETURN
Do not ship anything back before you have authorization. Unauthorized returns are refused and returned to sender at the customer's expense. Email pipeline@researchedelements.com with your order number and the reason. If your request qualifies we will send written authorization, instructions and the return address. Ship the unopened kit in protective packaging and send us the tracking number. Refunds are processed within 2 to 3 business days of our receiving and inspecting the return, to the original payment method. Your bank may take a further 3 to 5 business days.
LOST OR MISSING DELIVERIES
Once a carrier marks a package delivered, responsibility passes to the customer. Please open a Missing Mail Search with the carrier using your tracking number, check with neighbours and building management, then notify us with your order number and all carrier correspondence. As a one time courtesy per customer account we may offer a discount toward a replacement. Later incidents on the same account are not eligible.
CHARGEBACKS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
All return and refund matters are handled directly by Researched Elements Tech LLC at pipeline@researchedelements.com, and that process is the sole and exclusive first remedy. Where a dispute cannot be resolved directly, it is resolved under the dispute resolution provisions of our Terms of Service and, where the purchaser is a member, the Balancing Network Private Membership Association agreement.
Starting a chargeback with your bank or card issuer without first completing our direct process is a breach of those terms, and you agree to the stipulated judgment provisions of our Terms of Service.
CHANGES
Researched Elements Tech LLC may update this policy at any time. The version published on this page at the time of your order governs that order. Questions: pipeline@researchedelements.com