Shipping & Returns
Free shipping over $75, 60-day returns on unopened games, same-day shipping from Southern California.
Shipping
Rates
- Orders under $75: $6.99 or $8.99 flat rate based on size
- Orders $75 and up: Free shipping within the continental US
- Hawaii, Alaska, APO/FPO, and US territories: calculated UPS rates at checkout
Processing time
Most orders placed before 2pm PT on weekdays ship the same day. Orders placed after 2pm PT, on weekends, or on holidays ship the next business day.
Delivery
We ship from Southern California. Most orders arrive within 2–5 business days, with faster delivery to West Coast addresses.
Tracking
You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships.
Returns
We want you to love what you buy. If something isn't right, here's how we handle it.
What we can accept
Unopened games in original condition, with all original packaging and shrink wrap intact, returned within 60 days of your purchase date.
What we can't accept
- Games that have been opened, played, or show signs of use
- Products with visible wear or damage caused after delivery
- Items returned more than 60 days after purchase
How to start a return
Email us at support@thegameconnection.com with your order number and the reason for return. We'll reply with a return authorization number and the address to send it to. Please don't ship anything back until you've heard from us — unauthorized returns can't be processed.
When you ship it back:
- Pack the game securely, ideally in its original shipping box
- Include your order confirmation or packing slip
- Write the return authorization number clearly on the outside of the package
- Use a trackable shipping method (we strongly recommend this — if it doesn't arrive, we can't refund it)
Return shipping costs
Return shipping is the customer's responsibility, except when the return is due to our error or a defective product. In those cases, we'll cover it.
Refunds
Once we receive and inspect your return, we'll issue your refund to the original payment method within 5 business days. You'll get an email confirmation when it's processed. Depending on your bank, it may take a few additional days to appear on your statement.
Returns that don't meet our criteria
If you send back an item that doesn't qualify for return (opened, used, or outside the 60-day window) and still want a refund, we may deduct our original shipping cost from the refund amount. The same applies if a package is returned to us because the shipping address provided at checkout was incomplete or incorrect.
Damaged or defective items
If your game arrives damaged or defective, please contact us within 7 days of delivery at support@thegameconnection.com. Include your order number and photos of the damage (both the shipping box and the game itself, if possible). We'll make it right — either a replacement or a full refund, whichever you prefer, with no return shipping cost to you.
Damage in transit happens occasionally, and we'd rather hear about it than have you stuck with a game you can't enjoy.
Order changes and cancellations
Because we ship fast, there's a narrow window to change or cancel an order. If you need to make a change, email us right away at support@thegameconnection.com. Once an order has shipped, we can't cancel it — but you can return it once it arrives under the return policy above.
Questions?
Reach out anytime at support@thegameconnection.com. We're a small shop and we answer our own emails.