Here’s the short version of the return policy: if your park bench arrives damaged, you should not have to pay for a replacement or return shipping in most cases. Report it right away—ideally within 48 to 72 hours of delivery—because many sellers have a time limit for shipping damage claims.
Start by taking clear photos or a video of the damage. Include the packaging, the damaged area, and any hardware that is broken or missing. Send those to customer service along with your order number. For damaged outdoor furniture, most companies will then offer one of three options: a full refund, a free replacement bench, or a replacement part if only one section is damaged. If they want the bench back, they almost always cover the return shipping since the item did not arrive in good condition.
If the damage is minor, ask if they can ship just the replacement slat, bolt, or bracket. That is often faster than swapping the whole bench. Keep the original packaging until the problem is fully resolved, and do not throw anything away. If the seller refuses to help, you can check your credit card or PayPal purchase protection and file a dispute.
A polite message with clear photo evidence usually gets this settled quickly. No one expects you to keep a broken bench.