I worked for a company for 27-years who made it a point to offer what they called world-class service. Here's how they handled it:
Ӣ Standard operating procedure was to charge for shipping when the item was shipped. If the customer decided they didn't like it, or it was the wrong size, or they should have had a different gauge shotgun built, or they changed their mind, they could return it for refund or exchange but would have to pay for shipping. To make it easy to exchange, they were NOT charged shipping on the replacement item. Basically, it was the customer's fault it needed to be returned, so the customer paid the shipping.
Ӣ If they received a defective item, we sent them a return label and covered shipping back to us as well as free-shipping on the replacement. That's because it was our fault it was being returned. Additionally, we did everything we could to get the replacement into their hands as quickly as possible.
The second procedure is what I would have expected from the builder who used a defective barrel.
Having said that, most warranties specify that they will warrant the goods against defects for "X" amount of time. However, if you need warranty work, it is your responsibility to get it back to them. Then they fix it free or at a previously specified price and cover the return shipping to you. My guess is that was what was included in the contract.
Virtually all of those warranties have an "over the counter replacement" time period so you don't get stuck with a "dead on delivery" item. Once beyond that time period (30-days, 60-days, etc.), you had to send it in to the manufacturer at your expense.
Presuming everything went as specified, I'm surprised he was not compensated for the return shipping.
Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:
Dan