How do you ship, when do you ship, and what does it cost?
All U.S. orders (including AK, HI and military addresses) ship by either Economy Parcel Post (2-9 days), USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days) or by Express Mail (1-2 days). You can choose which method when you are checking out. If you choose Economy, your item might occasionally ship by UPS Ground instead of Parcel Post. Your shipping total is calculated by order weight.
If you need something by a certain date, please contact me and tell me that so that I'll know to get it out the door ASAP. If you have one item out of stock, then your order will be held until that item comes in, so don't backorder items (backorder status is usually listed prominently next to the Add to Cart button) if you need them right away.
To find out how much shipping will be for your order, put the item in your shopping cart and click to check out. You can choose your preferred shipping method at that point, and find out what it will cost. You can cancel at any time by simply not pressing the final order submission button.
How can I get free or discounted shipping?
If I see your U.S. order come in and it's over $250 (before taxes and shipping), then I will refund all Priority Mail shipping fees to you. Express Mail orders do not qualify, sorry, as they are much more costly and troublesome for me to process, but I will provide a discount on Express Mail shipping if possible.
International orders of $500 or more will receive free Express Mail International shipping if the total weight of the order does not exceed 20 pounds. Orders qualifying for free shipping will be shipped in a single package to a single shipping address.
Please don't ask me for free shipping on any order less than the above amounts. If you are a little bit short of the $250 or $500 amounts, then order a hat or something.
How much is international shipping, what international shipping services do you offer, and will I need to pay taxes or import fees when my order arrives?
You can choose Priority Mail International (generally 6-10 days, no package tracking, and no insurance) or Express Mail International (1-5 days, package tracking and insurance included). Priority Mail is cheaper, but be aware that as soon as your package leaves my hands, it becomes your responsibility. I cannot track Priority Mail items, nor can I insure them for loss or damages.
To find out how much shipping will be for your order, put the item in your shopping cart and begin the checkout process. You can choose your shipping speed and estimate cost by clicking on the "Estimate Shipping" button. You can cancel your purchase at any time by simply not pressing the final order submission button.
I mark all international shipments as "GIFT" on the customs paperwork, whcih usually means that there will not be import fees due when you receive the package. However, there are 195 countries in the world with 195 different sets of import regulations, and the interpretation of those regulations varies depending on the individual customs agent who processes your package. There is no way for me to predict FOR SURE whether you will pay a customs import fee or not. If you are concerned about this, please check with the customs agency for your country ahead of time, before ordering. Under no circumstances can I refund a customs or import tax fee to you (I am not the one collecting it!), nor estimate it for you and add it to your bill. Customs and tax charges are your responsibility as the importer. Be informed.
What about other international shipping options?
If you frequently purchase items from the US, you can sign up for a US shipping address through Access USA or similar services. They will consolidate your US purchases and ship to you internationally at a reduced cost. This allows you to order from companies that only ship within the US, or from companies with very expensive international shipping fees.
I want Next-Day Shipping!
Express Mail shipping within the USA is an available option at checkout. Normally it means Next Day service. BUT if you order too late in the day for me to get a pickup, or if you live in a rural area, it can sometimes be 2-day service. Please keep in mind that I'm a one-woman operation - so if I'm out of town, solidly booked up during postal hours, have a screaming sick child clinging to me, or if I'm sick *myself*...well, I may not be able to ship your order the same day. If you really need your order to arrive by a certain date, then please email beforehand to confirm with me. Normally it's not a problem, but checking in never hurts.
