Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about quotes, shipping, returns, payment, and fitment. Can't find what you're looking for? Email us at info@specterparts.ca.
Quotes & Ordering
How do I get a quote?
Submit a request through our Quote Form at specterparts.ca/quote. Tell us your vehicle (year, make, model — or provide your VIN for exact matching) and the part you need. We'll respond within 24 hours with a detailed, all-in quote.
How long does it take to receive a quote?
We aim to quote within 4 business hours for common parts and within 24 hours for specialty or hard-to-find items. If your request is urgent, note it in the quote form and we'll prioritize.
Is there a minimum order?
No. We source single parts just as readily as multi-part orders. For fleet and bulk orders, visit our Fleet Parts page for volume pricing.
Can I order by part number?
Yes. If you have an OEM or aftermarket part number, include it in your quote request. A confirmed part number gives us the highest sourcing accuracy and helps us apply a Tier A confidence rating where possible.
What if you can't find the part I need?
We'll let you know within 24 hours if a part is unavailable across our network. In some cases we can suggest equivalent alternatives. If we can't source it, you owe nothing.
Fitment & Confidence Tiers
What is a confidence tier?
Every part we quote is assigned a fitment confidence rating: Tier A (Guaranteed Fit — OEM-verified), Tier B (High Confidence — cross-referenced fitment data), Tier C (Compatible — supplier fitment guide confirmed), or Tier D (Verify First — limited data, customer confirms before ordering). The tier is shown on every quote.
What does 'Guaranteed Fit' mean for Tier A parts?
If a Tier A part does not physically fit your vehicle due to a specification error on our end, we will coordinate the return with the supplier at no cost to you, including return shipping. This guarantee does not cover installation errors or modifications made after delivery.
Why don't all parts get a Tier A rating?
Tier A requires cross-referenced OEM data from multiple verified databases. Some older vehicles, rare trims, or aftermarket-only parts have incomplete fitment records — these receive Tier B, C, or D ratings reflecting the actual certainty we can verify. We never inflate a tier to make a sale.
Should I provide my VIN?
Yes, if you have it. A 17-character VIN encodes the exact production specs of your vehicle — trim level, engine, transmission, and build options — which allows us to source with the highest possible accuracy and increases the likelihood of a Tier A rating. Your VIN is found on the driver's-side dashboard or door jamb.
Shipping & Delivery
How long will my order take to arrive?
Canadian-sourced parts: 1–5 business days. US-sourced parts (crossing the border): 5–10 business days. Your quote will identify the source and expected delivery window for each item.
Is shipping included in the quote?
Not the carrier shipping cost. Your quote includes the part price, import duties, customs brokerage (for US-sourced parts), and applicable taxes. Carrier shipping is calculated at checkout based on your confirmed delivery address and supplier — the amount is shown before you authorize payment.
Will I be charged customs duties at the door?
No. For US-sourced parts, we pre-calculate and pre-pay all applicable CBSA duties and brokerage fees as part of your quote. The carrier should never present you with a collect charge — if this happens, contact us immediately.
Can I track my shipment?
Yes. Once your supplier ships your part, we email you the carrier name and tracking number. You can also view tracking in your Order History at any time.
Do you ship outside of Canada?
Not currently. We ship to all Canadian provinces and territories only.
Returns & Core Deposits
What is your return policy?
You may request a return within 30 days of confirmed delivery. Tier A fitment errors are covered in full. Tier B / C returns are reviewed case-by-case. Installed parts, consumables, and electricals that have been connected cannot be returned. See our full Returns page for details.
What is a core deposit?
A core deposit (or core charge) is a refundable amount applied to remanufactured parts — alternators, starters, calipers, power steering pumps, and CV axles. You pay it at checkout and get it back when you return your old part. You have 90 days to return the core.
How do I return my core?
Log into your account → Order History → click 'Request Core Return' on the relevant line. We'll email you a prepaid return label. Once the supplier receives and inspects the core, your deposit is refunded within 3–7 business days.
Payment & Security
When is my card charged?
At checkout, we place an authorization hold on the quoted amount — this reserves the funds but does not charge you. Your card is charged only when we receive confirmed supplier acceptance, typically within 4 business hours. If we can't source at the quoted price, the hold is released and you pay nothing.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa and Mastercard. All payments are processed through Stripe, a PCI-DSS Level 1 certified payment processor. We do not accept cash, e-transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Is it safe to enter my card details on your site?
Yes. Your card details are entered directly into Stripe's secure payment form and are never transmitted to or stored on Specter Parts servers. We receive only a transaction confirmation token. The connection is encrypted with TLS.
Are taxes included in my quote?
Taxes (GST, HST, or QST depending on your province) are calculated based on your shipping address and shown on your invoice before payment. Import duties for US-sourced parts are also pre-calculated and included — there are no post-checkout surprises.
Still have questions?
Email info@specterparts.ca — we respond within 1 business day.
Have a question?
Reach us at info@specterparts.ca