FAQ

PortSide Gear is an independent, multi-brand specialty retailer based in Seattle. We were founded in 2019 and focus exclusively on laptop docking stations, USB-C hubs, and connectivity accessories. Our team includes former hardware test engineers, and we take a hands-on approach to every product we carry.

We specialize in laptop docking stations, USB-C hubs, and related accessories from trusted brands like Razer, Corsair, Plugable, and STM Goods. Rather than carrying hundreds of similar items, we curate a focused catalog so we can give you accurate, in-depth advice for your setup.

Our buying team evaluates every candidate against a set of practical criteria: compatibility with major laptop brands, power delivery stability, video output across multiple operating systems, thermal performance, driver and firmware update frequency, and the manufacturer’s support reputation. We also purchase a sample unit and test it independently before adding a new item to the store.

We keep our overhead low as an online-first operation and buy through approved distribution networks, often with volume pricing and early-season inventory. We don’t spend money on physical retail space, and we use drop-shipping for slower-moving SKUs. Those savings go into our everyday prices. Promotions like the PORT15 code come from our operating margin, not from inflating prices beforehand.

Discount depth varies by brand and product. Manufacturers set minimum advertised pricing for many items, which limits how much we can reduce the regular price. For products without that restriction, we have more flexibility to offer deeper discounts or run sitewide promotions. The final discount you see at checkout always reflects a real reduction from our standard price.

PORT15 gives you 15% off eligible items. Coupon eligibility follows the rules shown at checkout; most products in our catalog qualify, but some brand-restricted items may be excluded. If a product is excluded, the checkout will let you know before you pay, and you’ll always see the final discounted price before confirming your order.

Every product we sell is sourced from vetted distributors and manufacturer-authorized supply channels. We require original packaging, serial numbers, and any accompanying documentation for every unit. If we can’t verify provenance, we reject the product. If you ever receive anything that doesn’t feel right, we’ll make it right with a full refund or replacement and investigate the source.

New inventory is inspected on arrival for tampering, shipping damage, and missing accessories. We also open a random sample from each batch and test it with common devices to verify power delivery, data syncing, and video output. If any anomaly is found, the entire batch is quarantined and returned to the distributor.

Contact our quality assurance team within your order timeline at quality@portsidegear.us with your order number, clear photos of the product, packaging, and serial number, and a description of what looks off. We’ll verify the product and, if an authenticity issue is confirmed, provide a full refund including both original and return shipping, or send an immediate replacement if you prefer.

Standard shipping is $8.00 for orders under $45.00. Orders over $45.00 ship free. Shipping is available to the United States, and we use major carriers that provide tracking numbers.

Once your order is dispatched, you’ll receive a tracking number by email. Transit times depend on your location and the carrier, but you can monitor progress directly with that tracking number. If a package is delayed, damaged, or lost, our shipping support team can help.

You can return unused, undamaged items within 30 days of delivery. We’ll provide a prepaid return label for eligible returns, and once we receive the item and confirm it’s in original condition, we’ll process your refund. Returns follow the standard 30-day policy.

Email our after-sales team at aftersales@portsidegear.us with your order number and the reason for the return. If the return qualifies, we’ll send you a prepaid label and simple instructions. Please include photos if the item arrived damaged or defective.

Warranty terms vary by product and manufacturer. PortSide Gear shares the available support information on each product page before purchase where possible. For warranty claims, our after-sales and quality assurance teams coordinate with the manufacturer’s support process to get you a replacement or repair.

Start by contacting our after-sales team at aftersales@portsidegear.us with your order number, product model, serial number, and a description of the issue. If it’s a quality or defect concern, the quality assurance team at quality@portsidegear.us will take over, collect the needed documentation, and work with the manufacturer on your behalf.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as other standard online payment methods available at checkout. Payments are processed securely and you’ll see the exact total (including any coupon savings) before you place your order.

Add eligible items to your cart, open the cart page, enter PORT15 in the promo code field, and click apply. The discount will be reflected in your order total. Coupon eligibility is determined at checkout, and the code can’t be combined with other promo codes on the same order.

For order status, product setup, returns, or warranty questions, email our after-sales team at aftersales@portsidegear.us. For compatibility or product selection advice, our pre-sales team at presales@portsidegear.us can help. For shipping issues, use shipping@portsidegear.us. General questions about the site, payments, or coupons can go to support@portsidegear.us, and we’ll route you to the right specialist.