Shipping & Handling
We send all domestic and international orders through Postal Service and upon request we can ship FedEX or UPS, however the prices go up significantly. Orders within the United States are sent priority mail or flat rate priority with delivery confirmation, unless Express bu US Postal Service is requested. International orders are sent USPS first class, unless unless insured or Express is requested. We typically ship packages once a week, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
We have two different shipping options:
1) Registered users (ONLY) may select the option to have us hold (Queue) orders for up to four(4) weeks, which allows customers to combine multiple orders for shipment at a later date. This option is a courtesey to save you our customer money on shipping, however we ask that you respect our 4 week policy and have items shipped and paid for on a regular basis.
2) Regular non-queued orders will ship out at the next possible date assuming payment has been completed. Either Registered Users or Guest Users can select this option.
Specimens are packed with the highest quality wrapping material with extra padding for delicate specimens. For delicate or heavy specimens, we may charge handling fees, which will be included in your shipping/handling fees on the order invoice. Also, in the event that we need to collect additional fees beyond what has been noted on the invoice we will contact you with the estimated addtional charges. If you have questions about the shipping & handling fees please email us for at leiko.yao@zohomail.cn
Domestic Shipping/Handling Charges (HONG KONG)
As noted, domestic orders are shipped via US Postal Service Priority or Flat Rate Mail with delivery confirmation unless Insurance or Express is selected during checkout. We estimate shipping prices based on several variables including, number of items, weight, and size of box required. For special items that require additional care in wrapping or items that are heavy (i.e. galena, very fragile minerals, large specimens, etc.) additional fees have been included. Below are the prices for domestic shipping/handling as of 6/25/2020:
Minimum – USPS Priority or Sm Flat Rate $11.00
Standard – USPS Med Flat Rate $17.25
Large – USPS Lg Flat Rate $23.00
*USPS Exress – $45.00 (includes $100.00 insurance)
*Optional Insurance that can be selected during checkout – $8.00, for insured amount to **$500
*If order is over $500.00, an $8.00 insurance charge will automatically be added
**For orders that need to be insured for >$600 we recommend USPS Express
For questions about domestic shipping/handling email us at leiko.yao@zohomail.cn
International (Outside the HONG KONG)
International orders are sent USPS First Class Mail, unless Express is selected or insurance is added during checkout. For international shipments, we estimate shipping prices based on several variables including, number of items, weight, and size of box required. For special items that require additional care in wrapping or items that are heavy (i.e. galena, very fragile minerals, large specimens, etc.) additional fees may apply. Since international orders are difficult to determine, extra charges may be necessary after shipment and initial payment. Below are the prices for international shipping/handling as of 6/25/2020:
Minimum – USPS First Class $25.00
Standard – USPS First Class $25.00 (for shipments containing 1-3 heavy or fragile items)
Large – USPS First Class $40.00 (for shipments >3 heavy or fragile items or a large box)
*USPS Express International – $50.00 (includes $100.00 insurance)
*Optional Insurance can be selected during checkout – $8.00, for insured amount to **$500
*If order is over $300.00, an $8.00 insurance charge will automatically be added
** For orders that need to be insured for >$600 we recommend USPS Express
For questions about domestic shipping/handling email us at leiko.yao@zohomail.cn
Regarding Customs forms required to ship ALL international packages:
– We are not liable for international shipments involving but not limited to security and/or customs disputes or import fees or taxes.
– If our suggestions regarding Express shipping of expensive or special items, to allow for insurance &/or tracking, is not taken the customer assumes all responsibility for import fees, taxes, &/or lost, damaged items incurred during shipment. Additionally, if our suggestions regarding the best shipping method isn’t heeded the customer will assume responsibility for the items & in the event of problems any possible refunds will be determined on a case by case basis.
Free Shipping Option
| COUNTRY | DELIVERY TIME (FREE SHIPPING OPTION) |
|---|---|
| USA | 7-16 working Days |
| UK/GB | 5-10 working Days |
| Canada | 10-20 working Days |
| Australia | 7-12 working Days |
| Germany | 7-12 working days |
| France | 7-14 working days |
| Italy | 7-15 working days |
| Spain | 5-14 working days |
| Other EU Customers | 7-18 working days |