Frequently Asked Questions

Carbon Fiber iPhone 4S / 4 Cases Questions
When is my order shipping?

Your iPhone 4S / 4 Guardian case will usually ship 2-3 days after your order is placed.

We apologize for when we have long lead times. We are a small niche company which takes pride in making hand crafted products at the highest quality possible but that means we are limited in our production capacity.  I certainly understand that many people cannot wait and if you are uncomfortable with havingn to wait, please contact us to request a refund. We believe this is our best iPhone 4 case yet and will be well worth the wait!  We appreciate the support and patience of our loyal fans.

Your iPhone 4S /4 Shield case is in stock and usually will ship within 24 hours.

Will DRO Concepts cases work with the Verizon or Sprint iPhone?

YES! All of our iPhone 4S / 4 cases work on the Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T iPhone 4S and iPhone 4.

Will DRO Concepts cases work with the new White iPhone?

YES! our cases will fit the white iPhone 4S / 4 also without any problems.

What is the DRO Concepts Case Replacement Program?

If you break your case for any reason at any time we will offer you a 40% discount on a new one! The DRO Concepts iPhone 4S / 4cases are quite strong and very durable but crazy things happen and we can not guaranteed against drops of any kind. But if you drop and break one we have your back and we will give you the replacement discount. We take care of our supporters! (this is limited to identical product)

Even though we cannot guarantee it, we have recieved numerious reports from customers whose iPhones have been saved by our cases. One actually fell out of the pocket of a customer while on a moving motorcycle and the iPhone 4 was just fine.

When will I be able order custom etched carbon fiber iPhone 4 cases?

Custom cases will be available very soon...stay tuned.

Can I use a screen protector?

The simple answer is "YES" as long as you use our D-shield on the front. Some other brands will work although customers have damaged their screen protectors when they are too thick.

Definitely not on the back.

DO NOT use a screen protector on the back- it will cause the neoprene lining to tear and the case to fit to tightly!

We will not be issuing refunds for those who break their case by using a back screen protector! Please do so at your own risk please.

How light is the carbon fiber case?

Our case weighs only 10 grams and barely adds any weight to your iPhone 4.

Our customers are always surprised at how light and sturdy feeling the case is.

Remember, if you don't like it, simply return it!

What are the dimensions of the Guardian Carbon Fiber iPhone 4 case?

Length = 4.645"
Width = 2.480"
Height = 0.519"

Weight is 10 grams

Back Side is 0.089" thick including the liner.

Sides add 0.088" thickness including the liner.

Front add 0.039" thickness.

Headphone jack hole is 0.26" wide.

Camera hole is 0.295" x 0.590"

Charger hole is 1.811" x 0.2"

*sizes are approximate due to the fact the cases are finished by hand*

Can I use my third party headphones?

For the most part, YES. It will fit MOST manufacturers headphones.

The diameter of the headphone hole on the DRO Concepts cases is 0.26" If you want to use larger headphones you might have to use an adapter.

Can I use 3rd party chargers or a dock?

The DRO Concepts case supports most charging cables for the iPhone 4. The iPhone4 charger and iPhone3GS chargers fit with plenty of room to spare.

The bottom hole for the charger/speakers is as large as possible without compromising the structural integrity of the case.

**WARNING** Forcing any charger into the case could break it. Please be careful!

Older iPhone/iPod chargers may not fit.

We are not able to verify that all 3rd party dock connectors will work. If they are too large you can remove the bottom half of the case if you need to use those accessories.

Does the LED Flash work with the case on?

LED flash distortion has been a well documented issue with ALL hardcases from ANY brand.

The problem is caused by the flash firing at a wide angle and reflecting off the inside of the case, causing glare.

We addressed this problem best we can by widening the camera hole and leaving the inside of the case a matte finish

Result is acceptable at close range/normal pictures of people as long as it is not completely pitch black.

Performance will vary greatly depending on distance of the subject and the amount ambient light.

Can I get my case without the Aluminum Clip?

Sorry! We have permanently changed over to the Aluminum Clip. The aluminum clip has greatly increased durability and resolved all alignment issues. Also the Aluminum Clip allows the case to now be customized with laser etching and color anodizing.

Carbon Fiber iPad 2 Case
How long until my iPad 2 case ships?

Your iPad 2 smart cover usually will ship 1-2 days after your order is placed.

We apologize for when we have long lead times. We are a small niche company which takes pride in making hand crafted products at the highest quality possible but that means we are limited in our production capacity.  We certainly understand that many people cannot wait and if you are uncomfortable with havingn to wait, please contact us to request a refund. We believe this is our best iPad case yet and will be well worth the wait!  We appreciate the support and patience of our loyal fans.

Will your case utilize iPad 2 magnets?

Yep, our Carbon Fiber iPad 2 Smart Cover will attach to your iPad 2 almost exactly like the way the Apple Smart Cover does. It also utilizes magnets to turn the iPad 2 on/off and acts as a stand and also fits the typing position.

Can I use 3rd party headphones or chargers?

Our carbon fiber iPad 2 cases should work with almost all headphones and chargers.

What is the weight of the iPad 2 case?

About 8 ounces for the Carbon Fiber iPad 2 Case.

About 5 ounces for the Carbon Fiber iPad 2 Smart Cover

Does your Carbon Fiber iPad 2 Smart Cover bend and fold into multiple positions like the apple smart cover, or is it rigid?

Yes our Carbon Fiber iPad 2 Smart Cover consists of 4 carbon fiber panels attached to a leather base and it does bends / folds into several positions. It can be an upright stand in either the vertical or horizontal position and can also be a typing stand.

Does the front flap fold all the way back flat on the carbon fiber iPad 2 smart cover?

Yes, it folds all the way back so the iPad 2 will lay flat.

How sturdy is the typing/standing position of your iPad 2 carbon fiber smart cover?

The amount of deflection in our carbon fiber iPad 2 smart cover will be comparable to the Apple Smart Cover.

Can I use a screen protector with my iPad 2 case?

Yes, thin front screen protectors will work with no problems on both of our iPad 2 case.

Are vinyl skins compatible with the DRO Concepts carbon fiber iPad 2 case?

The Carbon Fiber iPad 2 smart cover will work with most vinyle skins.

The Carbon Fiber iPad 2 case (sleeve model) will unfortunately not work with any back vinyle skins. Sorry!

What is the DRO Concepts Case Replacement Program?

It will protect your iPad 2 from normal wear and tear and is designed to take quite a beating. Our iPad 2 cases are quite strong, very durable, and have gone through quite a bit of drop testing but crazy things happen in life and we can not guaranteed against drops of any kind. Never feer though we do offer our DRO Concepts Case Replacement Program where we will give you 40% off a new case if you break yours for any reason at any time.(limited to identical product)

Even though we cannot guarantee it, we have recieved numerious reports from customers whose iPads have been saved by our cases. One even dropped it all the way down a flight of stairs

Carbon Fiber Laptop Cases
Will my laptop fit the carbon fiber laptop case?

Presently our carbon fiber laptop case is made for 13" laptops. The case will fit ALL 13" Apple laptops including the 13" Macbook, 13" Macbook Pro, and 13" Macbook Air

The inner dimensions of the 13" carbon fiber laptop case is:

Length = 13.050"
Width = 9.050"
Height = 1.33"

Weight is 15.5 ounces

What are the dimensions of the laptop cases?

The inner dimensions of the 13" carbon fiber laptop case are:

Length = 13.050"
Width = 9.050"
Height = 1.33"

The external dimensions of the 13" carbon fiber laptop case are:

Length = 13.750"
Width = 9.750"
Height = 1.999"

Weight is 15.5 ounces

What is the weight of the 13" carbon fiber laptop case?

Weight is 15.5 ounces

Are you going to produce other laptop cases in different sizes?

Yes we have a 17" model coming in May and then a 15" Model coming in June

Carbon Fiber iPhone 3G / 3GS Cases
Will more carbon fiber iPhone 3G / 3GS cases be available?

We have permanently discontinued production of the carbon fiber iPhone 3G / 3GS cases. Sorry to disappoint you!

General Questions
Do you charge us when we order or when the product is shipped?

The full amount is charged when you place your order even if your product is not shipping for a long while. Unfortunately we do not have the ability to place a deposit. If you are at all uncomfortable with this situation we certainly understand and can always issue you a full refund. Sorry about that!

Do you offer corperate branding on your products for my company?

YES! We offer many different types of branding options. Please Contact us here to discuss further.

What can I not get custom laser engraved?

We cannot laser engrave anything that violates trademark or copyright law.

This means no company logos (unless it is your own company), sports teams, college logos, and other people's art to name a few.

Your artwork must be your own or by written permission from the original artist.

We will assume no liability for any trademark or copyright infringement disputes.

Will you be making carbon fiber cases for other cellphones and devices?

YES, but we need to hear from you on what you guys want. So be sure to Contact us and let us know what you would like to see.

Please follow us on twitter @DROConcepts or Facebook for updates.

What kind of carbon fiber do you use?

100% real 3k carbon fiber. We use woven and unidirectional carbon fiber depending on the structural requirements. Our Laptop and IPad cases utilize twill weave(2 over / 2 under) and our iPhone cases utilize plain weave(1 over / 1 under).

How can I clean the case and maintain it?

Use a damp rag to rub and wipe off dry.

For more rigorous cleansing use a diluted solution of water and mild dish soap on a rag and wipe dry.

What is the polish or finish you use on the cases?

After the clear coating, we hand polish each of our products 6 times. It is extremely labor intensive but believe me you will feel the difference!

Do you offer a screen protector?

We do sell and include a screen protector named our D-shield screen film. But many of us do not utilize them since Apple doesn't believe in them Apple will no longer carry them in their stores and we may discontinue their production shortly.

How can I customize my iPhone 4 case?

More details will be coming in June when we make this option available.

What other products are you coming up with?

We are constantly trying to develope new and original products.

After the iPhone 4 and iPad 2 we have a few on the drawing board.

Shipping and Orders
What’s your return policy?

Exchange / Refund Procedure

We are reasonable people, if you are not happy with your DRO Concept product please email us and we will work something out.

If you are not happy with your purchase, you may return your item(s) within 30 days of receiving it for replacement or refund (excludes shipping costs). After 30 days, DRO cannot accept returns. *except custom cases*
-ALL RETURNS AND EXCHANGES MUST have an RMA code or they can not be processed.
-Email ( support@droconcepts.com ) for a return authorization (RMA) code.
-Package and return your product to the address provided by Customer Care. Please include the original packing list with the RMA code written on the front. Also include the RMA code on the return shipping label.
-All returnes and exchanges must be processed back into our facility with an RMA code. All returns and exchanges must be returned in new condition with all original packaging, packing slip, and parts. Returns and exchanges recieved in poor condition or without original packaging will be subject to a 15% restocking fee.
-All return shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. We do recommend customers return merchandise via a carrier that provides tracking (e.g. FedEx) and insure the package if necessary.
-Confirmation e-mail will be sent to the customer once a return is processed and credit applied. Credits generally take 9-14 business days to appear on the customer's credit card statement.


DRO Concepts Case Replacement Program

If you break your case for any reason at any time we will give you a 40% discount on a replacement. =)


Lifetime Warranty

Very straight forward, we offer a lifetime warranty to guarantee... that means we guarantee our products will free of manufacturer’s defects for the life of the product, if not we will fix it our replace it. It is that simple

We do not cover damage from abuse, exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and impacts (such as dropping your phone).

The case is designed to protect your phone from normal wear and tear. We do have a Case Replacement Program- please see details.


Custom Cases

We cannot refund custom orders unless due to manufacturer’s defect.


Color

Due to variations in monitor/screen settings, we cannot guarantee a color match with images on the website.

Exchanges/Replacements

All exchanges will be made only with the identical product ordered.

Original Purchaser

Warranty is only valid with the original purchaser with a valid order# and matching email address. For example: if you buy from a 3rd party on eBay all warranties are void.

Collaborations/Special Editions

Warranty is only valid for one month due to experimental nature of projects. Refunds only- no replacements. If you are unhappy with this warranty please contact us before the month is up and we will fully refund you.


Can you combine discount codes or use them on introductory prices or pre-orders?

Sorry, we cannot honor combined discounts.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes we do!

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping costs vary depending on your exact location. We offer USPS and FedEx as carriers for both Domestic and International shipments

To calculate your shipping costs please place the product you want in the shopping cart and it will calculate the cost for you.

PLEASE NOTE: THE CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CUSTOMS FEES, IMPORT DUTIES, OR TAXES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY YOUR COUNTRY’S CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.

Is there tracking information?

USPS and FedEx Domestic shipping includes tracking.

USPS international shipping does not include tracking.

FedEx international does include tracking.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards and PayPal

Can I make changes to my order after it has already been placed?

Once an order is submitted through our website, you have 15 minutes to make changes by calling us.

We do our best to engrave and ship orders as quickly as possible which makes these types of changes very difficult.

Ofcourse you can always contact us to request a change to your order, and we will see if we can catch it before it ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't see your question here?
If you haven't found the anwser to your question here, be sure to contact us.

Email --- support (at) droconcepts (dot) com

Customer Service Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm EST
Saturday and Sunday: Closed