Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2023-12-24T18:28:31-05:00

ORDER INFORMATION

Do you have a law enforcement or military discount?2023-12-24T23:05:25-05:00

Dark Star Gear is committed to honoring the service and dedication of Law Enforcement and Military personnel. We are pleased to inform you that we offer a specialized discount for members of these esteemed communities. To take advantage of this discount, please use the promotional code ‘Blaster‘ during the checkout process. We are grateful for the opportunity to extend our appreciation through this gesture and look forward to serving you.

How can I track my order?2023-12-24T23:11:57-05:00

When you place an order with us, our first step is to conduct a thorough review. This process is essential to ensure that there are no hindrances or issues in fulfilling your specific requests. We prioritize accuracy and efficiency from the very beginning to provide you with the best service possible.

Once we have confirmed that your order is clear of any issues, it will transition from the ‘On Hold’ status to ‘Processing.’ This status change signifies that your order has been added to our production line’s work list. Depending on the nature of your order, this could involve assembling items from our nearly completed stock or creating a custom pattern tailored to your specifications.

Upon the completion of your order, we will keep you informed every step of the way. You will receive two emails from us; the first will notify you that your order is complete. The second email will provide you with the USPS tracking number, if applicable, allowing you to track the shipment of your order right to your doorstep.

How long will it take for my order to ship?2023-12-24T18:12:01-05:00

When you submit an order, we review it to ensure there are no issues with fulfilling your requests. Then the order will move from “On Hold” to “Processing.” This means it’s on the work list for the production line. Depending on the order, this could be assembly from our nearly finished stock or ordering a custom pattern. Once the order is complete we will send two emails, one noting the order is complete, and the other with the USPS tracking number, where applicable.

Where is my package?2023-12-24T23:22:13-05:00

At Dark Star Gear, our standard practice is to ship most of our items with USPS tracking to ensure a secure and traceable delivery process. When a package is marked as ‘delivered’ in the USPS tracking system to the address you have provided, this status serves as our primary point of reference. In situations where there is a discrepancy or issue with the delivery, we address each case individually with a commitment to assisting our customers to the best of our ability.

We understand that sometimes, delivery issues can occur that are beyond our control. While we are eager to help resolve any problems, we generally recommend that the initiation of a package claim with USPS be carried out by the buyer. This approach is often more effective, as you, the recipient, are more familiar with the specifics of your mail delivery circumstances. In many cases, issues such as misdelivery are more common than actual loss of the package. It has been our experience that packages are sometimes delivered to a nearby address by mistake or left in an unusual spot by the postal carrier.

By initiating the claim process, you can provide USPS with detailed information that may be crucial in locating the package. Additionally, this allows for a more direct line of communication between you and the postal service, which can expedite the resolution process. Rest assured, we at Dark Star Gear are here to support you throughout this process and will provide any necessary assistance to help rectify the situation. Our goal is to ensure that you receive your order promptly and securely, and we appreciate your cooperation in these rare instances of delivery complications.

SHIPPING QUESTIONS

Can I ship to a PO Box or APO/AFO?2023-12-24T23:25:31-05:00

Dark Star Gear is committed to providing extensive shipping options to accommodate our diverse customer base. We are pleased to announce that our shipping services extend to any location currently served by the United States Postal Service (USPS), including APO/AFO addresses and PO Boxes. This means that whether you’re stationed overseas, living in a remote area, or prefer the convenience of a PO Box, we can deliver our products right to your doorstep. Shipping to APO/AFO addresses and PO Boxes is an integral part of our effort to ensure that our customers, regardless of their location, have access to our high-quality gear. By leveraging the extensive network and reliable services of USPS, we strive to make our products readily available to you, wherever you may be.

Can I ship to an International Address?2023-12-24T23:23:06-05:00

Dark Star Gear is pleased to offer international shipping to our customers, subject to certain conditions. Our ability to ship internationally depends primarily on whether the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides service to the specific location in question. For destinations outside of North America, we evaluate the feasibility of shipping on a case by case basis. This approach allows us to assess each request individually and determine the best course of action for shipping our products to your location. We are committed to making our products accessible to a global audience and will do our utmost to accommodate international shipping requests within the limitations of our shipping carriers.

What should I do if I accidentally put the wrong address on my order?2023-12-24T23:21:29-05:00

In the event that you accidentally have your order shipped to an incorrect address, we have a process in place to handle such situations. Should the package be returned to our customer service department, we will issue a reimbursement for the cost of the product, minus the shipping cost. To ensure that your order reaches you successfully, we kindly ask that you resubmit your original order, taking extra care to verify that the shipping address is accurate. We are here to assist you throughout this process and appreciate your understanding in this matter.

CONTACT INFORMATION

How do I contact you?2023-12-24T23:27:13-05:00

If you need to get in touch with us at Dark Star Gear, we offer several convenient methods for communication. The most direct way to contact us is via email at support@darkstargear.com. This method ensures that your inquiries and requests are recorded and handled efficiently, allowing us to provide detailed and accurate responses. Additionally, you are welcome to connect with us through our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DarkStarGear. While we strive to respond promptly to questions received through Facebook, we may direct you to email us for more complex or detailed inquiries. This is to ensure we maintain a thorough record of our communication, which aids in accurately addressing your needs. Although phone calls can be arranged if you prefer, we strongly recommend using email as the primary mode of contact. Email communication not only captures all details of our conversations but also serves as a valuable reference for us to accurately fulfill your order requests and queries.

How long will it take to reply to my email?2023-12-24T23:20:32-05:00

Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand the importance of your queries and concerns. Our team is committed to providing timely and helpful responses. You can expect a reply to your email within 24-48 hours. We appreciate your patience and look forward to assisting you.”

RETURN/EXCHANGE & WARRANTY POLICY

Can I return my holster or exchange it for a different product?2023-12-24T23:19:26-05:00

At Dark Star Gear, we approach each customer’s experience individually and with great care. If you purchase a holster from us and find that it does not meet your satisfaction, we encourage you to inform us of the reasons why. We accept returns and exchanges for items in their original condition within 14 days from the date you receive the item, as indicated by the tracking number. This policy allows you to choose between a refund or an exchange, depending on your preference. Your feedback during the return process is invaluable to us, as it helps in shaping our products and guiding future developments. Please note that it may take 7-10 days for the refund to be processed, which we believe is an adequate timeframe considering our payment processing system and any potential unforeseen issues.

For returns initiated beyond the 14-day period, a 15% restocking fee will be applied. We encourage you to thoroughly evaluate the product upon receiving it to ensure it meets your needs. However, we are open to waiving this restocking fee if you have been in contact with us and are actively working through any issues with the help of our tips and tricks. Often, many concerns can be resolved with just a few minor adjustments on the user’s part.

Please be aware that we do not offer refunds after 30 days from the receipt of the item.

Return Address2023-12-24T18:43:26-05:00

Our return address is:

Dark Star Gear
4885-A McKnight Road #125
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

What is the return process?2023-12-24T23:18:27-05:00

To initiate the return process for your purchase from Dark Star Gear, we have made the procedure straightforward and user-friendly. You can begin by responding directly to the order confirmation email you received, or alternatively, you can send an email to support@darkstargear.com. In your email, please include the order number in the subject line for easy reference, and provide a brief explanation of why you need to return the product. Once we have received your email and reviewed the details, we will provide you with instructions on how to mail the product back to us. Our return address and any necessary guidelines will be communicated to you, ensuring a smooth and efficient return process.

What is your Warranty policy?2023-12-24T23:17:20-05:00

At Dark Star Gear, we are committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and addressing any concerns that may arise with our products. If you encounter an issue with any item, please reach out to us with a detailed explanation of what happened and why. Our team is dedicated to rectifying any problems and will make every effort to resolve your concerns fairly and efficiently. However, it is important to note that if the item has been modified, we reserve the right to deny the warranty claim. Despite this, we approach each situation with reasonableness and understanding. For example, if a modification such as removing a sweat shield is made and the holster experiences an unrelated issue, we will consider the possibility that the modification did not contribute to the problem.

We recognize and support the importance of training for our customers. Regular training can lead to wear and tear, and in some cases, potential damage to the holsters. We acknowledge that certain intense training scenarios, like having someone fall on you with an empty holster in an ECQC (Extreme Close Quarters Combat) situation, are not typically problematic for our products. In the event of a breakage or damage, we request that the broken items be returned to us for inspection. Additionally, we ask for a few photographs and a detailed description of the incident. This information is invaluable to us as it helps in our ongoing efforts to improve our products. We continuously seek to learn from each incident to enhance the durability and functionality of our holsters.

At the core of our business, we are gun enthusiasts who are passionate about delivering quality products and maintaining high standards of customer service. If you have any concerns or issues, please do not hesitate to contact us via email. We are here to work with you and find a suitable solution to any problem, always striving to uphold our reputation as dedicated and responsible professionals in the industry.

CUSTOM ORDERS

Can I customize my holster with colors and patterns?2023-12-24T23:15:55-05:00

In an ideal scenario, all products would be uniformly priced. However, at Dark Star Gear, we find it necessary to apply different pricing for colored holsters when they are available. The base price of our holsters includes the color black, which is a standard option. For those who are open to a bit of a surprise, we offer the ‘first available subdued color’ as a complimentary alternative. This option will likely result in a black holster, but there’s also a chance to receive other colors such as grey, OD, or coyote, depending on our current overruns.

For other color choices beyond these options, an additional charge is applicable. This charge varies based on the size and complexity of the holster. The specific pricing details for these colors can be found in the drop-down menu on our website, where this option is available.

Regarding patterned holsters, we also have a selection of common patterns, with their pricing clearly indicated in the drop-down menu. For those interested in other, more unique patterns, we handle these requests on a case-by-case basis. The pricing for these special patterns is determined based on the time required for production and the availability of the materials needed.

Do you make sheaths for my knife?2023-12-24T23:13:49-05:00

At Dark Star Gear, we pride ourselves on our ability to create sheaths for a wide variety of items, each tailored to meet specific needs and preferences. Our expertise is particularly evident in our favored style and carriage method. Over the years, we have dedicated significant time and resources to the development of our belt wrap sheath. This design has proven to be highly effective and well-received, garnering considerable appreciation from our customers for its sleekness and functionality. If you have a specific model in mind and would like to explore how it can be accommodated within our distinctive style, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact us by sending an email to support@darkstargear.com, and our team will be more than happy to evaluate how your requirements align with our design approach.

I don’t see my gun listed. Can you make a holster for my firearm?2023-12-24T23:14:53-05:00

Dark Star Gear was established in late 2008, driven by a commitment to innovation and the desire to craft products that were not readily available in the market. Our foundation was built on the principle of addressing gaps in the industry, particularly in areas where other manufacturers were either not producing specific items or were unwilling to modify their production processes to meet unique needs. Over time, as our business grew, we focused on refining our production to accommodate a broader range of firearms. However, due to the nature of our production processes and the volume of work we handle, it is no longer feasible for us to create one-off models. We make a concerted effort to stay informed about the offerings of our peers in the industry, and whenever possible, we provide referrals to other reputable manufacturers. However, we acknowledge that there may be instances where a direct referral isn’t available.

FIT AND FUNCTION

What do I do if my holster doesn’t feel quite right?2023-12-24T23:12:54-05:00

If you are experiencing issues with your holster, we encourage you to contact us via email to discuss the specifics of your situation. At Dark Star Gear, we understand that holster fitment can vary among different users, so we strive to ensure our products accommodate everyone effectively right out of the box. However, we recognize that sometimes adjustments are necessary. Whether these adjustments need to be made on our end or by the user, our team is well-equipped to guide you through the process. We have compiled a wealth of knowledge based on what has successfully worked for other customers, enabling us to resolve most issues swiftly.

One common issue we have identified is the use of overly stiff belts. While exceptionally rigid belts have become popular, often being likened to tow straps for heavy-duty vehicles, they may not always be the best choice for holster functionality. A belt with a slight flexibility tends to allow both the holster and any attached accessories, like a pad or wedge, to operate at their best. This level of flexibility also contributes to overall comfort. The era of floppy leather holsters that required substantial support has passed. Modern holsters designed for inside-the-pants wear require a balance: they should be tight enough to provide the necessary inward force to stay securely in place, yet possess enough vertical rigidity to facilitate a smooth and efficient draw.

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Is Dark Star Gear associated with any firearms manufacturers?2023-12-24T23:08:24-05:00

Please be advised that Dark Star Gear and its range of products are independent entities and are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially approved by any other manufacturers. Any mention of specific manufacturers, use of logos, or inclusion of product imagery within our materials or communications are purely for reference purposes. We respect and acknowledge that all rights and trademarks associated with these referenced manufacturers are the sole property of their respective owners. Dark Star Gear maintains its status as an independent company and asserts no proprietary claims over the trademarks and intellectual properties of others.

DISCLAIMER: “GLOCK” is a federally registered trademark of GLOCK, Inc. and is one of many trademarks owned by GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. Neither Dark Star Gear nor this site are affiliated in any manner with, or otherwise endorsed by, GLOCK, Inc. or GLOCK Ges.m.b.H. The use of “GLOCK” on this page is merely to advertise the sale of GLOCK pistols, parts, or components. For additional genuine GLOCK, Inc. and GLOCK Ges.m.b.H products and parts visit www.glock.com

Links to Our Friends2023-12-24T18:44:12-05:00

Giving credit where credit is due.  The following links are people, places, and things we know and trust and are willing to recommend to our friends.  Our link here does not imply an endorsement on their part.  Please check them out.

 

Class 3 Designs, LLC

Protective Shooting Concepts

Pistol-Training.com

F2S Consulting 

Shivworks

MDST Training

Steadfast Defense

Anti-Fragile Training

Stout Training Pittsburgh

Keepers Concealment

Immediate Action Combatives

Raven Concealment Systems

MDTS Training

360 Performance Shooting

Aridus Industries

Rangemaster

Gabe White Training

Van Halen or Van Hagar?2023-12-24T18:21:37-05:00

Van Hagar all the way. We think they were just a touch better musically.

Where to Find Our Gear2023-12-24T18:45:23-05:00

We take pride in our gear being used and abused. If you purchase anything from us please let us know where it has been and we will make sure to add it to the list. Better yet, if you want to send us a picture you might make it to the front page as a featured customer.

So far our gear has been to the following classes without any reported issues:

None of the above mentioned instructors and trainers are implied to be endorsing Dark Star Gear products.

We also encourage anyone to send us pictures of our gear, either in use or just in pics to show it off.   Post them to Facebook or tag us on Instagram.

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