Sales & Return Policy

Sales, Returns, Fitting, Online Orders & Service Policies

Purpose

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center is a professional skate fitting and technical service business. Our goal is to help each skater find equipment that supports their feet, skating level, movement, comfort, safety, and long-term progress.

A professional skate fitting is more than measuring a foot and choosing a size. Our process may include foot and structural evaluation, precision measurement, guided skate selection, fit education, lacing instruction, heat molding, comfort adjustments, blade alignment assessment, equipment care guidance, break-in recommendations, and sharpening education.

Because skate fitting is a professional service, these policies are designed to protect the skater, the fitting process, our staff, our inventory, and the quality of the equipment we provide.

By booking an appointment, keeping an appointment, purchasing equipment, placing an online order, authorizing service work, or accepting fitted skates, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the policies listed below.

Policy Highlights

Professional fitting and consultation services start at $125. If skates are purchased during the fitting appointment, the fitting service is included in the skate purchase.
If a skater is fitted or tries on skates during an appointment, but does not purchase or place an order for skates at that time, the fitting/consultation fee applies. That fee may be applied within 30 days toward the purchase of skates only.
Appointments are scheduled and fixed. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes late. Late arrivals may result in a shortened session or the need to reschedule.
The fitting area is limited to the skater and one accompanying adult during the appointment.
Heat molding, when applicable, is complimentary with skates purchased from Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center.
A free initial sharpening is included with all skate/blade purchases from Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center.
Skates, boots, blades, and frames are technical sporting goods and have strict return limitations once fitted, molded, mounted, sharpened, adjusted, worn, or used.
Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center does not buy back skates, whether purchased from us or elsewhere.

Professional Fitting Services

Professional fitting and consultation services start at $125.

This fee reflects the time, expertise, evaluation, inventory access, and professional guidance provided during the appointment. The amount may vary depending on the type of service provided, appointment length, skate try-ons, technical assessment, fitting complexity, and whether additional recommendations or adjustments are provided.

When skates are purchased during the fitting appointment, the professional fitting service is waived. This may include the evaluation, guided skate selection, fitting education, standard heat molding when applicable, basic fitting adjustments performed during that appointment, lacing education, break-in guidance, and initial fit recommendations.

If no skate purchase is made during the appointment, a professional fitting or consultation fee will apply. This fee may be applied toward the purchase of skates within 30 days.

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center does not provide free sizing, brand recommendations, model recommendations, or technical fit guidance without a paid professional evaluation.

Included With Skate Purchases From Houston Skate

Professional fitting service during the appointment
Heat molding, when applicable
Free initial sharpening on skate/blade purchases
Basic lacing, break-in, and wear/care education
Basic comfort and blade adjustment evaluation related to the original fit

Comfort and blade adjustment support is provided for skates purchased through Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center. Many basic fit-related comfort or blade adjustment evaluations may be provided at no charge at our discretion. Fees may apply for repairs, remounting, structural modifications, extensive labor, damage, wear, equipment purchased elsewhere, or services outside the original fitting process.

Appointment-Based Service

Houston Skate operates by appointment so each skater receives the time, attention, and preparation needed for a proper fitting.

Please arrive on time and ready for your appointment.
Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes late. Appointment times are fixed.
Appointments cannot be extended for late arrivals because doing so would interfere with another skater’s appointment time.
Late arrivals may result in a shortened session or the need to reschedule.
If you are traveling from out of town, we recommend arriving the evening before or booking a later appointment to allow for traffic, weather, flight delays, or other travel-related issues.

Travel delays do not create an exception to our appointment policy.

Cancellations, No-Shows & Rebooking

We request at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or appointment changes.
Because fittings require reserved time, preparation, and limited fitting space, late cancellations or no-shows may require a $125 deposit before rebooking.
This deposit may be applied to the attended appointment.
Repeated no-shows, repeated late cancellations, or repeated late arrivals may result in refusal of future bookings.

Fitting Space Is Limited

Because professional fittings require focus, space, and clear communication, the fitting area is limited to the skater and one other indvidiual during the allotted appointment time. Additional guests are welcome to wait in the front of the shop if seating is available.

Right to Refuse Service, Sales, or Technical Work

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center reserves the right to refuse service, decline sales, cancel orders, discontinue an appointment, or decline technical work for any lawful reason, including but not limited to safety concerns, inappropriate conduct, failure to follow shop policies, suspected misuse of equipment, concerns about fit or product suitability, inability to complete the service properly, suspected fraud, payment issues, inventory issues, or equipment that does not meet our service standards.

We may also refuse or discontinue service if a customer, parent, skater, coach, or accompanying guest is disruptive, aggressive, disrespectful, threatening, repeatedly attempts to bypass policy, or interferes with the fitting or service process.

Our goal is to provide a safe, focused, professional environment for every skater and every staff member.

Right to Decline a Sale When Fit or Safety Is a Concern

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center may decline to sell skates, boots, blades, frames, or related equipment if we believe the product is not appropriate for the skater’s size, foot structure, skating level, support needs, or intended use.

We do not sell technical skating equipment simply because a customer requests it. If our professional evaluation indicates that a product is not suitable or may create a safety, comfort, fit, or performance concern, we reserve the right to decline the sale or recommend a different option.

Customer Role During the Fitting

The fitting process is guided by the fitter. The customer and skater participate by providing accurate history, following instructions, reporting comfort concerns clearly, and learning how to use and care for the equipment properly.

Customers should share skating history, previous skate issues, goals, budget, coach input, and comfort feedback.
Final fitting recommendations are based on the skater’s foot structure, support needs, skating level, and the professional judgment of the fitter.
A correct skate fit will feel different from a street shoe. Skates are not sized like regular shoes. A proper fit should be secure, supportive, and precise.

Socks

Skaters should avoid thick athletic socks, fuzzy socks, loose socks, anklet socks, or everyday street socks because they add bulk and result in a less than ideal fit.

We recommend a thin, smooth technical skating sock so the boot can fit accurately without unnecessary pressure, slipping, or bulk. Technical skating socks are available in-shop if needed.

Experienced skaters with a preferred skating sock should bring those socks so we can evaluate the fit with what they actually wear on the ice.

In-Store Skate Purchases & Included Adjustments

When skates are purchased through a professional fitting appointment, standard fitting services performed during that appointment are included in the purchase process. This may include heat molding, basic comfort adjustments, lacing education, break-in guidance, blade alignment assessments, and initial fit recommendations.

A free initial sharpening is included with all skate/blade purchases from Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center.

Houston Skate offers ongoing comfort and blade adjustment support for skates purchased from us. Basic fit-related adjustment evaluations may be provided at no charge at our discretion for as long as you own the skates. This does not include every possible repair, remount, modification, replacement, or service need.

Additional Service Fees May Apply For

Adjustments requested after the original fitting appointment that go beyond basic fit follow-up
Blade alignment changes requiring remounting or additional labor
Mounting or remounting work
Repairs
Punching, stretching, or structural modifications beyond basic fitting support
Follow-up services outside the original fitting process
Services requested after the skates have been used extensively
Skates purchased without a professional fitting
Skates purchased elsewhere
Situations where recommended supports, socks, adjustments, lacing instructions, or follow-up guidance were declined

If a customer leaves with skates before recommended adjustments are completed, declines recommended adjustments, or returns later requesting additional work not completed during the original fitting, standard service fees may apply.

Fit concerns after purchase are handled through assessment and adjustment when appropriate. They do not automatically make worn, molded, mounted, sharpened, or modified skates eligible for return.

Customer Responsibility After Purchase

A proper skate fit depends on correct use after purchase. Customers are responsible for following all lacing, break-in, maintenance, drying, blade care, support, and follow-up instructions provided during the fitting.

Many skate problems are caused by improper lacing, delayed reporting, poor maintenance, misuse, or failure to follow instructions. If discomfort, pressure, slipping, or fit concerns occur, customers should contact us promptly rather than continuing to skate in discomfort or attempting to modify the skates themselves.

Houston Skate is not responsible for problems caused by improper use, improper lacing, failure to maintain equipment, failure to follow care instructions, delayed reporting, declined recommendations, unauthorized modifications, or normal growth.

Deposits, Special Orders & Inventory

Although we maintain a large inventory, specific sizes, models, blades, frames, or accessories may need to be ordered.

Standard stock items ordered or held for a customer may require a 50% deposit.
Non-stock items, special orders, semi-custom products, Rapid Custom boots, custom-related items, and items ordered specifically for a customer may require 100% payment at the time the order is placed.
Shipping fees, when applicable, must also be paid at the time of order.
Deposits and special-order payments are non-refundable once the order has been placed with the manufacturer or distributor.

Manufacturer timelines, shipping delays, customs delays, discontinued products, backorders, and inventory fluctuations are outside Houston Skate’s control. We will communicate known delays when possible, but we cannot guarantee manufacturer availability or delivery dates.

Abandoned Orders

Customers are responsible for picking up ordered items in a timely manner once notified. If an order is not claimed 30 days, the deposit may be forfeited and the item returned to stock, resold, or otherwise handled at the shop’s discretion.

Online Sales, Shipping & Returns

Online sales are separate from in-person professional skate fittings. Products purchased online do not include professional fitting, sizing, fit assessment, adjustment service, or technical consultation unless that service has been separately scheduled and paid for.

Customers ordering online are responsible for selecting the correct product, size, model, width, color, and specifications before placing the order. Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center does not provide free sizing, brand selection, model recommendations, or fit guidance for online skate, boot, blade, or frame orders.

For skates, boots, blades, and frames purchased online, the customer must already know the exact make, model, size, width, and specifications they need before ordering. Fit issues resulting from customer-selected sizing are not considered a product defect.

Houston Skate reserves the right to decline or cancel online orders when the order appears to require professional fitting guidance, when the product is not appropriate for online purchase, when information is incomplete, or when additional information is needed before the order can be processed.

Online Product Availability

Although we make every effort to keep inventory accurate, online availability may change due to manufacturer delays, backorders, discontinued products, inventory fluctuations, or in-shop sales.

If an item is unavailable, discontinued, delayed, or backordered after an online order is placed, we will contact the customer to discuss available options. These may include waiting for the item, selecting an alternative product, or receiving a refund when appropriate.

Houston Skate does not guarantee manufacturer availability, manufacturer timelines, or delivery dates although the average delivery time for online orders ranges from 4 days to 4 weeks depending on whether the item(s) are currently in-stock or need to be ordered from the manufacturer.

Online Order Cancellation or Refusal

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center reserves the right to cancel or refuse any online order for any lawful reason, including but not limited to product unavailability, pricing errors, inventory discrepancies, suspected fraud, shipping restrictions, incomplete information, payment concerns, or concerns that the item requires professional fitting guidance before purchase.

If an online order is canceled by Houston Skate before shipment, the customer will be notified and refunded when applicable.

Pricing, Typographical Errors & Inventory Errors

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center makes every effort to provide accurate pricing, product descriptions, and inventory information. However, errors may occur.

We reserve the right to correct pricing errors, product description errors, inventory errors, shipping errors, or website inaccuracies at any time. If an order is placed with incorrect pricing, incorrect availability, incorrect shipping information, or incorrect product information, we may contact the customer to correct the order, offer an alternative, or cancel and refund the order when appropriate.

Fraud Prevention & Payment Verification

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center reserves the right to request additional payment verification before processing or shipping an order.

Orders may be delayed, canceled, or refunded if payment cannot be verified, if fraud is suspected, if billing and shipping information cannot be confirmed, or if the transaction raises security concerns.

Online Shipping Policy

We currently offer free shipping via USPS on all orders over $100 (excluding skates and pic frames). Orders placed for which all items are in stock generally ship within 24 hours. However, although Houston Skate controls when an item is processed, packaged, and shipped, we do not control carrier delivery once the package leaves our shop.

Once an order has shipped, delivery timing, tracking updates, transit delays, weather delays, customs delays, lost packages, and carrier performance are the responsibility of the shipping carrier.
We cannot guarantee delivery dates.
Tracking information will be provided when available. Once tracking has been issued, the customer is responsible for monitoring shipment status through the carrier.
Additional shipping charges may apply for expedited shipping, oversized items, partial shipments, international shipments, replacement shipments, or special shipping requests.
Shipping fees are non-refundable unless the return is due to an error made by Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center.

When free shipping is offered, it applies only under the terms stated at the time of purchase. Certain items may be excluded from free shipping, including but not limited to skates, blades, frames, oversized items, special-order items, international shipments, or other items requiring special handling.

International Orders & Shipping

International shipping is available only to certain countries and may depend on product type, shipping carrier availability, manufacturer restrictions, package size, destination rules, customs requirements, and applicable laws.

International customers are responsible for all shipping charges, customs fees, duties, taxes, brokerage fees, import fees, value-added taxes, and any other charges required by their country. These charges are not controlled by Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center and are not included unless specifically stated at checkout or in writing.

Customs delays, border delays, carrier delays, rejected shipments, import restrictions, and delivery issues outside the United States are outside our control. If an international shipment is returned, refused, abandoned, delayed, taxed, or held by customs, the customer is responsible for any related shipping costs, return shipping costs, fees, or losses unless otherwise required by law.

Online Return Eligibility

Eligible online purchases may be returned within 30 days of receipt only if the item is unused, unworn, unaltered, undamaged, in original condition, with tags attached, and in original packaging when applicable.

Items showing evidence of wear, use, odor, damage, alteration, missing tags, missing packaging, or customer handling beyond basic inspection are not eligible for return or exchange.
Returns must be approved before they are sent back. Customers should contact Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center before returning any item.
Items returned without approval may be refused or returned to the customer.
Customers are responsible for return shipping unless the return is due to an error made by Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center.
Refunds are issued only after the returned item has been received, inspected, and approved.
Original shipping fees are non-refundable unless the return is due to an error made by Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center.

Online Skate, Boot, Blade & Frame Returns

Skates, boots, blades, and frames purchased online may be returned only if they are in exactly the same condition as sold.

They must be unused, unworn, unmounted, unsharpened, unmodified, unmarked, unscuffed, uncreased, free of pressure marks, free of signs of having been worn indoors or outdoors, and in original packaging when applicable.

Skates that have been worn, even briefly or indoors, cannot be returned. Skates that have been mounted, sharpened, heat molded, adjusted, marked, scuffed, creased, or altered in any way cannot be returned.

Fit concerns, discomfort, sizing concerns, break-in issues, or customer preference changes do not qualify online-purchased skates for return once the skates have been worn, altered, mounted, sharpened, or used.

If a customer purchases skates online and later needs fitting help, adjustments, blade alignment, mounting work, or modifications, standard service fees will apply. Shipping fees may also apply.

Online Apparel & Accessory Returns

Eligible apparel and accessories may be returned within 30 days of receipt if they are unused, unworn, unwashed, unaltered, with tags attached, and in original packaging when applicable.

Items that have been worn, washed, altered, damaged, or used are not eligible for return.

For hygiene reasons, opened or worn socks, tights, undergarments, hair accessories, and similar personal-use items are not returnable.

Opened packages of skating tights are non-refundable. In the case of a manufacturer defect, tights may only be exchanged for the same model and size when applicable.

Online Dress Returns

A maximum of two dresses may be returned from any one online order, provided they are unworn, unaltered, unused, with tags attached, and in original condition.

Customers should be confident in size, color, style, and design before ordering. Houston Skate does not allow large-volume dress ordering for the purpose of trying multiple options and returning most of them.

Special-order dresses, custom dresses, altered dresses, and dresses ordered specifically for a customer are not returnable unless otherwise stated in writing before purchase.

Clearance, Sale & Final Sale Items

Clearance, discontinued, discounted, special-order, custom, altered, or final sale items are not eligible for return or exchange unless otherwise required by law or approved in writing before purchase. Items marked final sale are final sale.

In-Store Return Policy

Skate Return Policy

Skates, boots, blades, frames, and mounted equipment are technical sporting goods and are subject to strict return limitations.

Because we accompany customers through the fitting process, fitted skates purchased from Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center are not returnable once they have been purchased, fitted, shaped, heat molded, sharpened, mounted, adjusted, marked, scuffed, creased, modified, worn indoors, worn outdoors, or skated in.

Once a skate has been fitted, shaped, altered, mounted, sharpened, or used, it cannot be resold as new and is not eligible for return or exchange.

Fit concerns, discomfort, sizing concerns, break-in concerns, or customer preference changes after purchase do not qualify skates for return once the skates have been worn, altered, molded, mounted, sharpened, or used.

If, after follow-up evaluation, Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center determines in its professional judgment that a skater was not initially fit properly by us, we may offer a correction, adjustment, exchange, store credit, or other remedy at our discretion. This does not apply to normal growth, break-in discomfort, customer-selected changes, improper lacing, declined recommendations, misuse, equipment purchased elsewhere, or skates selected contrary to professional recommendation.

General Merchandise Return Policy

Eligible non-skate merchandise may be returned within 30 days of purchase only if it is unused, unworn, unaltered, in original condition, with tags attached, and in original packaging when applicable.

Items showing evidence of wear, use, odor, damage, alteration, or missing tags are not eligible for return or exchange.

Opened packages of skating tights are non-refundable. In the case of a manufacturer defect, tights may only be exchanged for the same model and size when applicable.

Special-order merchandise is not returnable unless approved in writing before purchase.

Dress Return Policy

A maximum of two dresses may be returned from any one order, provided they are unworn, unaltered, unused, with tags attached, and in original condition.

Customers should be confident in size, color, style, and design before ordering. Houston Skate does not allow large-volume dress ordering for the purpose of trying many options and returning most of them.

Special-order dresses, custom dresses, altered dresses, and dresses ordered specifically for a customer are not returnable unless otherwise stated in writing before purchase.

No Buybacks

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center does not buy back skates, boots, blades, frames, apparel, accessories, or used equipment, whether originally purchased from us or somewhere else.

Damaged, Incorrect, or Defective Items

If an item arrives damaged, incorrect, or appears to have a manufacturer defect, customers must contact Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center promptly before using, wearing, mounting, sharpening, altering, washing, or returning the item.

Photos may be required before a return, exchange, or warranty review can be processed.

Manufacturer defects are handled according to the manufacturer’s warranty policies. Houston Skate will assist when appropriate, but we do not control manufacturer warranty decisions, replacement timelines, shipping timelines, or product availability.

Damage caused by wear, improper use, poor maintenance, misuse, improper drying, unauthorized modification, blade neglect, skating activity, or customer handling is not considered a manufacturer defect.

Equipment Purchased Elsewhere

Equipment purchased from another retailer, online seller, coach, manufacturer, distributor, or third party may be evaluated for service at our discretion.

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center is not responsible for the fit, sizing, mounting, alignment, workmanship, product condition, product authenticity, warranty status, or performance of equipment purchased elsewhere.

We reserve the right to decline service on equipment that appears incorrectly sized, improperly mounted, structurally unsafe, defective, excessively worn, incompatible, previously modified, unsuitable for the requested work, or outside our service standards.

If equipment was purchased or mounted elsewhere, customers may be directed back to the original seller, fitter, manufacturer, or service provider. Houston Skate does not assume liability for equipment it did not sell, fit, mount, or modify.

Mounting, Blade Alignment & Technical Services

Mounting, blade alignment, permanent screw installation, repairs, and technical services are performed only when the equipment meets our safety and workmanship standards.

Houston Skate may decline to mount, adjust, align, or modify equipment if doing so would create a safety concern, compromise the equipment, conceal an existing issue, or place responsibility on Houston Skate for a problem that originated elsewhere.

Technical service fees are separate from product purchases unless specifically included in writing.

Rush Orders, Competitions & Deadlines

Houston Skate understands that competitions, tests, shows, and events can create time pressure. However, rush timing does not override safe fitting, proper mounting, correct adjustment, or workmanship standards.

We cannot guarantee that skates, blades, mounts, modifications, special orders, repairs, or adjustments will be completed by a competition, test, show, or travel deadline unless that timing has been confirmed in writing.

Manufacturer delays, shipping delays, backorders, customs delays, and scheduling limitations are outside Houston Skate’s control. Rush services, when available, may require an additional fee.

Assumption of Risk & Liability

Assumption of Risk

Skating involves inherent risk. These risks may include, but are not limited to, falls, collisions, blade cuts, bruising, sprains, strains, overuse injuries, equipment-related discomfort, pressure areas, skin irritation, balance loss, and injury from improper use or failure to follow instructions.

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center provides professional fitting, technical guidance, equipment recommendations, and skate services, but no skate, blade, fitting, adjustment, or recommendation can eliminate the risks associated with skating.

Customers skate at their own risk and are responsible for following rink rules, coach instruction, safety guidance, equipment care instructions, break-in recommendations, and all instructions provided during the fitting or service process.

A signed acknowledgment, release, or waiver may be required before certain services are performed or before fitted equipment is released.

Liability Acknowledgment

By purchasing skates, accepting fitted equipment, authorizing service work, or using equipment purchased from Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center, the customer acknowledges that skating carries risk and that equipment use is the responsibility of the skater and/or parent or guardian.

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center is not liable for injuries, discomfort, performance issues, skating accidents, falls, misuse, failure to follow instructions, delayed reporting of fit concerns, unauthorized modifications, improper maintenance, or risks inherent to skating.

For minors, a parent or legal guardian is responsible for reviewing these policies, supervising equipment use, and ensuring the skater follows all safety, care, and break-in instructions.

Policy Updates

Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center reserves the right to update, revise, or modify these policies at any time. The policy in effect at the time of appointment booking, purchase, order placement, or service authorization will generally apply unless otherwise required by law or stated in writing.

Policy Agreement

By booking an appointment, keeping an appointment, placing an online order, purchasing equipment, authorizing technical service, accepting fitted skates, or using equipment purchased from Houston Skate & Sports Orthotics Center, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these policies.

For questions about our policies before your appointment, purchase, or order, please contact us before proceeding.