Our Commitment

We are continually improving our shipping & handling processes in order to provide our customers with shipping choices, fast order turnaround time, accurate / timely information and top-notch service.

Fair pricing

While some companies choose to make money (or lose money) in this area, our philosophy is to break even. In taking this middle road we can be fair to our customers while giving us the ability to grow a healthy sustainable business.

We've implemented a key website enhancement (currently our BETA release) that helps us achieve this goal called Real Time Shipping Quotes. We use the weight of your order and your zip code to accurately calculate the shipping costs of your order at the time you check out. To estimate your shipping costs, simply place items in your cart, enter your zip code and click "update."

Always lowering your costs

Being based in the Midwest allows us to offer reasonable rates to everyone. Plus, as our business continues to grow we can leverage our volume to negotiate better pricing on shipping and handling charges. These savings are passed on to you.

Responsible packaging

We continually strive to reduce our eco-impact by using minimal packaging, reusing packaging whenever possible and constantly researching alternative packaging options.

Shipping Methods

When can I expect my order to arrive?

We strive to get your order to you as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Orders are typically processed and shipped within 24 hours. (Orders placed by 12 PM CST usually ship the same business day.) Orders placed over the weekend typically ship the next business day. For the fastest delivery, take advantage of our express delivery options. 

Standard Shipping

(UPS Ground* / USPS)

UPS: 3-7 business days after processing USPS: 3-7 business days after processing.

Note: Our history shows that some USPS orders (less than 1%) take up to 20 business days to arrive. Please keep this in mind when selecting a shipping method. For APO/FPO info and shipping times, please click here

Please note: Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii ship via USPS only.

Express (UPS 2nd Day Air) 2-3 business days

Overnight (UPS Next Day Air Saver**) 1-2 business days

* To see approximate delivery times from our Chicago warehouse for UPS Ground orders click here.

** UPS Next Day Air Saver offers an affordable delivery option for those important shipments that require next-business-day delivery, but don't have to be there in the morning. Overnight Delivery by 3:00 p.m. For more details visit UPS.com.

Tracking Shipments

Tracking for all orders will be emailed to you directly once your order ships. You can also access tracking information in the My Account* section of our website. (If you chose USPS for your shipment please note that it may take up to 48 hours from the time of shipment for your tracking number to show any details.)

Keep in mind USPS tracking is not as accurate or "real-time" as UPS. While your USPS package may appear to be stuck in one place for several days, nearly all packages arrive within the normal 3-7 business days. However, a few (less than 1%) may take up to 20 business days to arrive - a reality of doing business with the USPS!

In any of the following cases, please call Customer Service at 888-707-3873:

• If you see the message "undeliverable as addressed" or "misspent/misdirected" in your tracking information
• If you see the message "delivered" and your package has not been delivered, or
• If your package does not arrive in 20 business days.

*If you did not create an account at check out you can still log in to track your package. Get a system-generated password by following the instructions here.

APO/FPO Info

We ship to U.S. Military APO/FPO addresses, and the fees are the same as if you are shipping within the States. USPS delivers the package to the appropriate center on the east or west coast in 2 - 5 days -- the government takes it from there. After the government takes over delivery times are estimated to be between 14-28 days.

When entering your order information, be sure to enter APO or FPO in the "City" field; then enter the appropriate two-letter code (AA/AE/AP) in the "State" field. Here's an example of how a correct address should appear:

PFC Jane Smith
CMR 123, Box 1234
APO AE 09250

International Orders

When will I get my package?

Shipments to most destinations outside of the US take approximately 7-14 business days depending on where you live. On occasion orders have taken 20-30 business days, so please be patient. Also due to extra paperwork involved, processing of international orders does take a few days. We currently do not offer expedited shipping for international orders.  

Canadian Customers:

(updated Oct 2008) Over the past year we have become aware of lengthy delivery delays experienced in the mail-sorting centers due to the surge in internet orders. Once your package is delivered to customs, it may be held for an additional 10 days. We are confident your packages will arrive - it just may take longer than expected. We appreciate your patience!  

There is no state in my address, how do I fill our your address form?

Please select your country from the drop down menu before filling in the rest of your address. This should eliminate the required state menu.  

Some of your other required fields don't apply to my address.

Please enter a 0 or n/a in those fields - or leave a comment on your order letting us know how your address should appear.  

What are your international shipping rates?

Our international shipping rates* depend on the weight of your order and the destination country. To find the rate for your order, place items in your cart, enter your shipping information and proceed to checkout. Your shipping quote will be generated before you submit your order.  

*Orders over $200 require shipping via DHL Courier or a similar carrier that offers tracking/insurance. If so, we will notify the customer since this may create an additional cost.

Please note: Based on our experience, we require that all orders being shipped to Brazil and Russia ship via DHL Courier with tracking and insurance. If you are shipping an order to Brazil or Russia we will notify you of the cost for this service.  

Will I pay customs fees?

For all international orders, customers are responsible for paying any customs, import duties and/or any other charges or fees that may be incurred by importing products into your country

We cannot determine in advance what these fees will be. For more information, please contact your local customs office. We always make sure the proper customs paperwork is attached.  

What payments do you accept for international orders?

We accept either credit card or Paypal for payment.  

Are your prices in US dollars?

Yes. Here is a link to a handy currency conversion tool Click here

Holiday Shipping Info

(Updated: December 2009)

A few basics

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 24 hours. (Orders placed by 12 PM CST usually ship the same business day.) Orders placed over the weekend typically ship the next business day. Our general advice to avoid headaches & hassles from things out of our control (e.g. weather, items running out of stock, etc.) is to shop early!

Domestic ordering guidelines for delivery by Christmas (12/24):

• UPS Ground: see map below / USPS Standard: 12pm CST on 12/14
• UPS 2nd Day Air: 12pm CST on 12/22
• UPS Next Day Air Saver: 12pm CST on 12/23

UPS Ground Estimates for Delivery by Christmas (12/24):

Shipping internationally?

Please see our International Shipping information for estimated delivery times.

For APO/FPO we suggest: Hanukkah by 11/13, Christmas & Kwanzaa by 12/4.

Weather

All dates in this FAQ are our best estimates and are not guaranteed. Weather delays or other unforeseen circumstances may impact delivery time. For current service delays, please click here: UPS and USPS

Need a last-minute gift?

Send an E-Gift Certificate! Redeemable online, no shipping charge, no expiration date. A smart gift for that "hard to shop for" person.

Gift Options

During the checkout process you can select the gift option -- this will hide the prices on the packing slip and you can enter a personalized gift message to appear in the comments section.

Office Hours

While our webstore is always open, our office and warehouse will be closed after 12 pm CST on December 24th through December 27th.

Additional Holiday Shipping Info

Thanksgiving

Our office is closed on 11.26. UPS & USPS do not deliver or pickup on Nov. 26th or Nov. 27th. While expedited orders placed before noon on Nov 25th will ship same day, they may not deliver on time due to UPS / USPS holiday schedule. Non-expedited (standard shipping) orders placed on or after Nov 25 may not ship until Nov 30 or Dec 1.

Hanukkah (12/11):

• 12pm CST on 12/3 - 12/8 for UPS Ground - see UPS map (12/1 for USPS Standard)
• Midnight CST on 12/8 for UPS 2nd Day Air
• 12pm CST on 12/10 for UPS Next Day Air Saver
• APO/FPO we suggest ordering by 11/13

Kwanzaa (12/26):

• 12pm CST on 12/16 - 12/22 for UPS Ground - see UPS map (12/15 for USPS Standard)
• Midnight on 12/21 for UPS 2nd Day Air
• 12pm CST on 12/24 for UPS Next Day Air Saver
• APO/FPO we suggest ordering by 12/4

New Year's

Ground orders placed after 12 pm CT December 30th will likely ship on Jan. 5th or 6th due to year-end inventory and the New Year's holiday.

Our office is closed after 12pm CT on December 31st through January 4th. While expedited orders placed before noon on Dec 30 will likely ship same day, they may not deliver on time due to UPS / USPS holiday schedule. There is no UPS or USPS delivery or pickup on Dec. 31st or Jan. 1st.

Happy Holidays!

Click here to visit our store.