Understanding Shipping

Review shipping policies and options to ensure smooth delivery with TracTuff

Standard Default Shipping Method

Since the new website launch, I have yet to figure out how to provide multiple shipping choices at checkout. As a temporary solution, I have decided to ship United States Postal Service (USPS) "Ground Advantage" for domestic addresses and "Priority Mail International" for all international addresses. I have assigned a "flat rate" shipping cost based on popular box dimensions and weights; so far, it has been a close calculation, but I have had to cover costs most of the time, so its very fair to you.

 

Optional Shipping Methods

USPS has been a fantastic shipping partner for the past 12 years; customers routinely comment on how fast they received their orders and how fair the pricing was for that fast service. However, if you have a different experience, a special preference, or you would simply like a faster service than the website's default, I am happy to quote other United States Postal Service (USPS) and/ or United Parcel Service (UPS) options AFTER you have completed your order. Just send an email with your order number, requested service, and pay the difference for that service.

 

Shipping Cut-Off

All "In Stock" orders generally ship within 24 hours. Orders placed after 2:00 pm (PST) ship the next day. Please understand that I am a one-man operation, and I am completely reactive to the number of orders that come in, and there can and will be exceptions.

 

Tracking & Notifications

Tracking numbers are automatically emailed when I print the shipping label. In some cases, the email address you used during checkout may be superseded by the email address associated with your online payment profile. Make sure the email address is up to date. If the address is up to date, be sure to check your SPAM folder or search for an email from ShipStation.

 

Insurance & Claims

Carriers (e.g., USPS, UPS) often have a low default liability limit (typically around $100). The shipping price quoted and/ or paid during checkout DOES NOT INCLUDE coverage over $100.

Default liability, as well as increased insurance coverage, only protects your package from loss or damage while it is in the hands of the shipper. Insurance DOES NOT cover loss, damage, or theft once DELIVERED.

 

  • Use your tracking number on the carrier's website (USPS or UPS) and look for status changes like "Out for Delivery"
  • Get an estimated delivery window to know when to expect your package
  • If you can't be home, use delivery management tools to tell the driver where to leave it (porch, garage, with a neighbor) or hold it at a facility for pickup
  • Enroll in free services (like USPS Informed Delivery) for text/email alerts and even picture proof of delivery
  • If a carrier leaves a notice, use the tracking number to schedule redelivery or arrange pickup from the post office

If a package is lost or damaged WHILE IN THE HANDS OF THE CARRIER and a claim needs to be made... who files it?

  1. The shipper often files for lost items if the package never arrived, as I have the original receipt/label info.
  2. The recipient files for damaged goods or missing contents upon delivery, needing to show proof of value and damage.
    • Upon delivery, check for damage and note it with the agent.
    • Submit the claim online or by mail, including all details and documentation, within the carrier's deadline.
    • Respond to carrier requests for inspections or more info.
    • Track the claim until resolution, which can take up to 120 days
    • The claimant needs proof of insurance, value, and the shipment details (receipts, tracking).
    • Each carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) has specific deadlines and procedures, so check their website.

 

 

Duties & Taxes

Duties and taxes are imposed to generate revenue and protect local industry; almost all shipments crossing international borders are subject to duty and tax assessment by the importing country's government. Customs officials assess duties and taxes based on information provided on the shipping label, the Commercial Invoice, and other relevant documents.

 

  • How Duties and Taxes Impact Your Shipment

In some countries, duties and taxes must be paid before the shipments are released from customs. A shipment's duty and tax amount is based on the following:

      • Product value
      • Trade agreements
      • Country of manufacture
      • Description and end use of the product
      • The product's Harmonized System (HS) code
      • Country-specific regulations

 

  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Value-Added Tax (VAT)

Many countries have a general consumption tax, which is assessed on the value added to goods and services. In some countries, such as Canada, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, this tax is known as the goods and services tax or GST.

For European Union (EU) countries, this tax is known as a Value-Added tax (VAT). Businesses that are VAT-registered and fully taxable do not bear the final costs of VAT because it is a tax on consumer expenditure.

TracTuff does not pay duties or taxes, nor do I under declare orders to help reduce duties or taxes. I insure the package for its full value so that if something happens in transit, I can file a claim for the full amount and either refund or replace the goods.