We stand behind our gear
Warranty & Faults
At ManCave Workwear, we stand behind the gear we sell. If something you bought from us has a genuine manufacturing fault, we're here to make the assessment and resolution process as simple as possible. Our Faulty Policy is designed to work hand-in-hand with your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, ensuring you get the support you need when your gear doesn't perform the way it should.
What Counts as a Manufacturing Fault?
Our products are built for tough work, but manufacturing defects can occasionally happen. A manufacturing fault is a problem with how the product was made or the materials used. This includes:
- Stitching coming apart
- Soles separating or crumbling
- Zips pulling away from the leather
- Waterproofing failing on a product that is rated for it
Please note that our products must be used for what they are designed and rated for. Using an item outside its intended purpose is considered misuse, not a manufacturing fault. For example, heat-resistant boots are rated for incidental worksite heat, not direct flame — resting your heels against a campfire will cause damage that isn't covered.
What Isn't Covered?
Not every product issue is a manufacturing defect. The following are generally not covered under our warranty policy:
- Normal wear and tear from regular, everyday use over time
- Damage from misuse or neglect, such as leather boots breaking down after being worn while standing in wet cement, or being exposed to harsh chemicals or lime
- Damage from unrated elements, including heat, burns, cuts, chemicals, or water where the product is not specifically rated for them
- Incorrect fitting or failing to follow the care instructions provided with the product
- Soles crumbling (hydrolysis) on boots that have been stored unworn for a long period — this is a natural reaction in some sole materials and is treated as a storage issue rather than a manufacturing defect
- Comfort and fit — if a product feels too narrow, rubs, or is uncomfortable, that is a fit issue rather than a manufacturing fault. Finding an item uncomfortable does not make it faulty
Tip: Looking after your gear matters. Following any care instructions that come with your product helps it last and keeps you covered if something does go wrong.
Proof of Purchase
To process any faulty claim, we need to confirm when and where the item was purchased so we can coordinate with the brand. Please provide one of the following as proof of purchase:
- Receipt
- Tax Invoice
- Online Order Confirmation
If you've misplaced your receipt, let us know. We will do our best to search our system and see if we can locate the transaction for you.
How to Make a Claim
We offer two easy ways to submit your faulty claim.
Claim In-Store (Quickest & Easiest)
The fastest way to resolve a faulty product issue is to visit us in person.
- Bring your faulty item and proof of purchase to any ManCave Workwear store
- Our team will inspect the item, verify your proof of purchase, and coordinate directly with the brand for assessment
Claim Online
If you purchased your gear online or can't make it to a store, you can submit your claim online. We don't require you to post the item back for our initial review. Simply contact our customer service team with your proof of purchase, a brief description of the issue, and clear photos showing:
- A clear shot highlighting the fault
- The front, back, left side, and right side of the item
- The heel, sole, or base
- The label inside the tongue and the label on the side of the boot
- The inside of the item
- Direct close-ups of the fault
If the fault is confirmed and approved, we will cover any shipping costs involved in getting your repaired or replacement item back to you.
The Assessment Process
Once you submit your claim, we work directly with the brand to assess the product.
- Assessment Time: Their quality team will confirm whether the issue is a genuine manufacturing defect. This process can take over a week, and we will keep you updated along the way.
- Minor Faults: If the product has a minor fault, it will typically be repaired for free.
- Major Faults: If the fault is major — meaning the product is unsafe or you wouldn't have bought it if you had known about the defect — you can choose between a replacement or a full refund.
Warranty Periods
Most of the brands we stock offer around a 6-month manufacturer's warranty, but this is not a fixed rule. Because each brand sets its own warranty guidelines, we recommend checking the manufacturer's official website for your specific product.
Please note that even after a brand's specific warranty period has ended, you may still be entitled to remedies under the Australian Consumer Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
A manufacturing fault is a defect in the materials or construction of the product, such as stitching unraveling, soles separating, faulty zippers, or failed waterproofing on rated gear. Issues caused by normal wear and tear, improper fit, or misuse are not covered.
Yes, we require proof of purchase (like a receipt, tax invoice, or online order confirmation) to verify the transaction for the brand. If you have lost yours, let our team know and we will try to locate it in our system.
Because we coordinate directly with the manufacturer's quality assessment team, the review process can take a few weeks. We will keep you informed of the progress.
If you make your claim online, you don't need to post the item to us for the initial assessment. If the fault is confirmed, we will cover all shipping costs to send the repaired or replacement item to you.
For minor faults, the standard outcome is a free repair. For major faults — where the product is unsafe or has a severe defect you wouldn't have accepted if you'd known beforehand — you can choose between a refund or a replacement.
Many brands offer a manufacturer's warranty of around 6 months, but this varies by brand. You can check the brand's website for specific details, and remember that you always have ongoing protections under the Australian Consumer Law.