FAQ
Welcome to the Alvarez Hardware FAQ page. Below you will find answers to the most common questions our customers ask about shopping with us, order management, shipping, returns, and more.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q: What is Alvarez Hardware?
A: Alvarez Hardware is a Chicago-based hardware retailer offering a wide selection of quality hardware supplies, tools, home improvement products, and everyday essentials through our online store. We are proud to serve customers across the contiguous United States.
Q: Do I need to create an account to place an order?
A: No. You may check out as a guest. However, creating an account allows you to track orders, view order history, and enjoy a faster checkout experience in the future.
Q: How do I create an account?
A: Simply click the "Account" or "Sign Up" link on our website and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your name, email address, and a password of your choice.
ORDERING
Q: How do I place an order?
A: Browse our product catalog, add the items you want to your cart, and proceed to checkout. Follow the on-screen steps to enter your shipping and payment details, then confirm your order.
Q: Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?
A: You may cancel your order within 24 hours of placement, as long as it has not yet been processed or shipped. Please email us at info@alvarezhardware.net with your order number and the subject line "Cancellation Request." Once an order has entered processing, modifications or cancellations are no longer possible and will be handled through our Return & Refund Policy.
Q: Will I receive an order confirmation?
A: Yes. An order confirmation email is sent immediately after your payment is successfully processed. This email includes your order number, itemized list, shipping address, and payment summary. If you do not see it within 30 minutes, please check your spam or junk folder.
Q: Do you accept international orders?
A: At this time, we ship only within the contiguous United States. We do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, or international addresses.
PRICING AND PAYMENT
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. All transactions are processed in U.S. Dollars (USD). For full details, please see our Payment Policy.
Q: Are there any hidden fees?
A: No. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay, plus any applicable sales tax based on your shipping address. We do not charge processing fees, handling fees, or any other hidden charges. Shipping is free on all orders.
Q: When is sales tax applied?
A: Sales tax is calculated automatically at checkout based on your shipping destination and is determined by applicable state and local tax regulations.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
Q: How long does processing take?
A: Orders are processed within 1 to 5 business days (Monday through Friday, excluding major U.S. holidays). Orders placed before 3:00 PM Central Time on a business day typically enter processing the same day.
Q: How long will it take to receive my order?
A: Standard shipping within the contiguous United States takes an estimated 6 to 10 business days after your order has shipped. Please note that delivery dates are estimates and may vary depending on your location and the carrier.
Q: Is shipping really free?
A: Yes. We offer free standard shipping on every order, with no minimum purchase required.
Q: How do I track my order?
A: Once your order ships, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this number to track your package on the carrier's website. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for tracking information to appear.
Q: Which carriers do you use?
A: We partner with UPS, FedEx, and USPS to ensure reliable and timely delivery.
Q: What happens if my package is lost or damaged?
A: If your package is lost or arrives damaged, please contact us within 5 business days at info@alvarezhardware.net. Include your order number, tracking number, and photos of any visible damage. We will arrange for a replacement or full refund.
RETURNS AND REFUNDS
Q: What is your return policy?
A: We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for most items in their original, unused condition with all packaging intact. Please review our Return & Refund Policy for complete details, including eligibility requirements and instructions.
Q: How do I start a return?
A: To initiate a return, email us at info@alvarezhardware.net with your order number and reason for return. Our team will guide you through the process and provide return instructions.
Q: How long does it take to receive my refund?
A: Refunds are processed within 10 business days after we receive and inspect the returned item. The refund will be issued to your original payment method. Depending on your bank or card issuer, it may take additional time for the credit to appear on your statement.
Q: Who pays for return shipping?
A: If the return is due to a product defect or an error on our part, we will provide a prepaid return label. For all other returns, the customer is responsible for return shipping costs.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Q: Are product colors and images accurate?
A: We make every effort to display our products as accurately as possible. However, slight variations in color or appearance may occur due to differences in monitor settings, device displays, or lighting conditions.
Q: What if a product I want is out of stock?
A: If an item is temporarily out of stock, it will be marked as unavailable on our website. We restock regularly, so we recommend checking back periodically or contacting us for an estimated restock date.
ACCOUNT AND SECURITY
Q: How do I reset my password?
A: Click the "Forgot Password" link on the login page, enter your registered email address, and follow the instructions in the reset email you receive.
Q: Is my personal information safe?
A: Absolutely. We use 256-bit SSL encryption and comply with PCI DSS standards to protect your data. For more information, please review our Privacy Policy.
CONTACT US
Still have questions? Our customer service team is here to help. Reach out to us anytime:
Store Name: Alvarez Hardware
Phone Number: 312-733-3567
Email: info@alvarezhardware.net
Physical Address: 1323 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Business Hours: Monday–Friday 8 AM – 6 PM; Saturday 8 AM – 5 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 3 PM