Store Policies

These policies apply whenever you use sciencefictionmods.ca or bring, ship or send a device, part or file to Science Fiction Mods in Barrie, Ontario. Booking a service, shipping us a device or approving a quote means you agree to them.

We don't take payments through this website. Every job is quoted and invoiced directly with you. We may refuse any job, for example if it's unsafe, unlawful, or not something we can do well.

Nothing here limits rights you have under the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, 2002 or any other law that can't be waived. If a policy conflicts with that law, the law wins and the rest of these policies still apply.

We may update these policies. The version in effect when you approve your quote applies to that job. Questions? Email [email protected].

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Every job starts with an inspection. If the fault is obvious, you'll get a quote right away. If it isn't, we'll tell you the diagnostic fee before we start troubleshooting.

• Nothing goes ahead without your approval. We'll send you a quote and wait for your OK before doing any paid work.
• If something changes, we ask first. If we find more damage or the cost goes up, we stop and get your approval before continuing.
• Declined quotes: if you decline, you only pay the diagnostic fee (if one applied) plus return shipping. Your device comes back in the condition it arrived.
• Estimates are estimates. Turnaround depends on parts availability and how hard the fault is. We'll keep you updated if anything changes.

Every device is logged and photographed when it arrives. We record any visible damage, missing screws or parts, signs of earlier repair attempts, and liquid damage.

Older hardware is fragile. Plastics get brittle, solder joints crack and capacitors leak with age. Retro consoles can also fail during or after a repair because of faults that were already there, not because of the work. We'll tell you before starting if a device looks especially risky.

Please only send what we need, and keep the box. Leave out discs, memory cards, accessories and cables unless we ask for them. We can't be responsible for extras that weren't listed when you booked.

• How to pay: invoices are paid by Interac e-Transfer or another method we agree on in writing. We never ask for card details by email or text.
• When to pay: payment is due before a device is shipped back or handed over at pickup.
• Deposits: we may ask for a deposit before ordering special-order parts or starting large custom builds or 3D print runs. Once those parts are ordered or that work has started, the deposit is non-refundable.
• What the invoice shows: parts, labour, diagnostics and return shipping are listed separately, so you know exactly what you're paying for.

You can cancel a job at any time. You'll only pay for diagnostics, labour already done, and any parts ordered for your device that can't be returned.

Finished labour, custom 3D prints and modifications you approved can't be refunded. That's because the time and materials are already spent and the result is made for you. If something we did isn't working, that falls under our Repair Warranty instead, and we'll make it right.

Parts we install and the work we do are covered for 90 days from the day your device is picked up or delivered back to you.

Covered: failure of a part we installed (for example a modchip, TMR joystick, capacitor or replacement port) or of the repair we did, under normal use.

Not covered:

• problems that were there before or that we noted at intake
• faults in parts of the device we didn't work on
• physical, liquid or power-surge damage
• damage from misuse
• software problems caused by later updates
• parts you supplied
• devices that someone else has opened or worked on after we serviced them

To make a claim, email us before sending anything. If the problem is covered, we'll repair it again or replace the part for free, and we'll pay return shipping on covered claims.

We only modify a device when you ask us to. Before booking a mod, please understand the following:

• Any manufacturer warranty will be void.
• Modified consoles may be banned or limited on official online services.
• Official system updates can disable or break a mod. Please don't install them unless we've told you it's safe.
• The console may behave differently from a stock one.

When you approve a mod, you accept these risks. We'll recommend the most reliable option for your hardware and explain how to use it.

We install homebrew, custom firmware and modchips so you can use hardware and media you legally own. That includes things like running backups of your own games, homebrew apps, region-free play and better video output.

We do not provide, install or share pirated games, copyrighted BIOS or firmware files, or any other content you don't have the rights to. We'll turn down any request that depends on it.

Repairs, firmware flashing, hard-drive replacement and testing can wipe the data on a device. Please back up your saves, and sign out of or unlink any accounts, before sending it in. If something can't be backed up, tell us and we'll take extra care where we can.

We aren't responsible for lost or corrupted data, or for locked or suspended accounts, that result from a repair or mod. We'll never access your accounts, messages or personal content beyond what's needed to test that the device works.

On some consoles we make a backup of system-specific data before working on them, such as EEPROM, NAND or hard-drive keys. You can download these through our System Backups portal using your console's serial number and the PIN printed on your invoice.

• Your PIN is stored scrambled (hashed) and is never shown on the website.
• Backups are only for restoring your own console. We won't give them to anyone else.
• We keep backups for as long as we run the portal, but we can't promise to keep them forever. Download a copy and keep it somewhere safe.
• Want yours deleted? Email us your serial number and we'll remove it.

We're happy to install parts you supply. We can't vouch for their quality or compatibility, so those parts aren't covered by our warranty.

Labour is charged as normal, even if the part turns out to be faulty. If a part you supplied damages the device, any extra repair it needs is billed separately, and only after you approve it. If we think a part is fake, damaged or won't work, we'll tell you before installing it.

• Quotes: the online slicer quote is an estimate. Your final price is confirmed before printing and may change for supports, finishing work, or if your model needs fixing first.
• Tolerances: FDM printing leaves visible layer lines and small size differences. For parts that need to fit precisely, ask about a test print first.
• Your files: you confirm you have the right to print every model you send. Your files are only used for your order and are never shared or sold.
• Things we won't print: firearm parts or accessories, weapons, counterfeit or trademark-copying items, and anything unsafe or illegal.
• Use: printed parts aren't rated for safety-critical loads, high heat or food contact unless we've agreed to that in writing.

Mail-ins: please submit a mail-in request on our website before shipping. Pack the device firmly in a box with padding on every side. We strongly recommend tracking and insurance. We aren't responsible for damage or loss in transit to us, including damage from poor packing. Report any damage on the way back to us within 48 hours of delivery and we'll help you file the claim.

Return shipping: we pack your device carefully and ship it back with tracking. The shipping cost is added to your invoice.

Local drop-off and pickup in Barrie and the surrounding area are by appointment only. We'll confirm the time and place by email.

When your device is ready, we'll let you know. If it isn't picked up or paid for within 60 days, we'll send a final notice. Devices still unclaimed after that may be sold or recycled to cover what's owed, as Ontario's Repair and Storage Liens Act allows. If something is holding you up, just let us know and we'll work with you.

As far as the law allows:

• Our total liability for any job is limited to the amount you paid for that job.
• We aren't liable for indirect losses, such as lost data, lost use of the device, or account bans.
• We aren't liable for problems caused by third-party updates, earlier repair attempts, or the age and condition of the hardware.

This doesn't limit any rights you have under consumer protection law.

Please don't ship devices with swollen, leaking or damaged batteries, or with any liquid or corrosion still active, unless you've arranged it with us first. Lithium batteries have to be shipped according to Canada Post and courier rules.

Old parts we replace, such as capacitors, batteries and boards, go to local e-waste recycling. If you'd like your old parts back, just ask when you book.

We follow Canada's federal privacy law (PIPEDA) and only collect what we need to look after your device.

What we collect: your name, email, phone number and shipping address; your device details and serial number; your repair notes and photos; and your invoices.

Why: to quote, repair and return your device, to contact you about your job, to handle warranty claims and backups, and to keep the business records the law requires.

Who else sees it: only the services that help us do the work:

• Web3Forms, which delivers our website forms
• CloudSlicer3D, which runs the 3D-printing quote tool
• our email provider
• shipping carriers

The website also loads fonts from Google Fonts. We never sell or rent your information.

Photos: we may post photos of the work in our gallery or on social media. We'll never include personal details, account names or serial numbers in them. If you'd rather your device not be shown, just tell us.

Your choices: you can ask to see, correct or delete your information at any time by emailing [email protected]. The only exception is records we're legally required to keep.