Delivery Confirmation
- For orders with a value of less than $500USD, we do not require a signature for delivery. When shipped via UPS, it is at the delivery driver's discretion to leave the package or not. If you prefer to have your order shipped 'Signature Required,' the comments box on the checkout page is the correct place to note this preference.
- For orders greater than $500USD, our insurer requires adult signature confirmation of delivery.
Domestic Shipping Information
We offer free UPS ground shipping on all orders over $200. A small shipping insurance fee ($.55/$100) will be billed on all orders, even those that qualify for free shipping. Every package that we ship is insured!
For orders less than $200, or orders which need priority shipping, we will bill you the UPS list rate for your shipment.
UPS is a very reliable carrier, and we have great success with them as our primary shipper. We do understand that there are local variations in service, and respect our customers past experiences with different carriers. If for some reason you DO NOT want to use UPS, mark the order as an "Special Shipping Instructions/Best Way" during checkout & provide other instructions in the comments box. We'll calculate a rate with your requested carrier and get back to you via email for approval. We can also process these requests over the phone. Please keep in mind that we take full advantage of UPS automation, so using another carrier (especially USPS), will likely delay your shipment by a day or two.
Exceptions:
U.S. Postal Service Small Flat Rate Priority Boxes are very inexpensive (presently $6.35 regardless of weight). So if it fits in one of those small boxes, USPS might be best for you. And for most of the USA, they really do achieve 2 to 3 day delivery.
U.S. Islands
Shipping to Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Saipan, etc. is best by U.S. Priority Mail. It is fast!
Alaska
If we are shipping to you in Alaska, you probably know which method is best for you, whether it is USPS or UPS. Please let us know your preference.
A valid telephone number is required for all international shipments! That is not just our rule, but no shipper will accept an international shipment without a telephone number. Providing your telephone number is for your benefit if the shipper has any questions.
We are very flexible and accommodating with international shipping methods. We understand that our customers know better than we do what works in their home countries, and we'll do what we can to fulfill special requests.
UPS offers extremely fast delivery to nearly everywhere on the planet. Their rates are expensive, but this is a premium service with outstanding tracking service. For large purchases, UPS is strongly recommended, even though it is more costly. UPS Worldwide Expedited reaches most destinations within 48 hrs.
USPS offers much less expensive rates than UPS, but their tracking service is useless. We've found that USPS Global EMS reaches most destinations in about a week, and USPS Global Priority reaches most destinations in about 2 weeks. These times are longer than the estimated times quoted on the USPS web site, but are realistic based on our experience.
Delays are almost always caused by customs clearance issues, and can be resolved by communicating with the customs authority in your country. Customs will usually try to call you when the package lands, but contacting them can't hurt.
Canada
We've had an alarming number of complaints about customs brokerage charges and incorrect classifications on items carried by UPS to Canada. We suggest that our Canadian customers choose USPS.