====== U.S. Domestic Shipping Policies ======

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If you have any questions with our shipping policies, [[ginny@obtainium.biz|please contact us]].
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Most shipments to Alaska, Hawaii & U.S. Territories will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service.
Buyers who live in Alaska, Hawaii &, U.S. Territories should contact us to determine shipping alternatives to ground shipping, when this is the only option offered.

===== Our standard shipping carriers are USPS and Fedex Ground =====
Items weighing 2 pounds or less or are of a size that can be shipped flat rate will be shipped USPS First Class Package or Priority.  Items weighing 3 or more pounds may be shipped USPS Priority, Parcel Post or FedEx Ground.  

[Please note: The shipping calculator in some of our listings may show shipping through UPS, however, we will actually ship Fedex.] 

===== Shipping on Buyer Accounts =====
For liability reasons, we will not ship on buyer or third party accounts.  According to all carriers: until the bill is paid, the responsibility of payment falls on the shipper.  Unfortunately, we have learned this policy first hand and cannot offer this option.    

A pickup or “call” tag may be accommodated with prior approval.  Where required, buyer must provide us with all COMPLETED documents related to the shipment.  We will have the package ready for pick up. The buyer will be charged a packing/materials fee in this case.

===== Quoted Ship Rates =====

Our shipping rates include insurance, labor and materials.  Keep in mind that most of our items come to us with no packaging.  We have to create that packaging; safeguarding the integrity/fragility of the item so it arrives in the same condition it leaves our warehouse.  

Buyer pays for shipping & insurance fees.  Your purchase is referred to our shipping department as soon as payment is cleared, and is prioritized on that basis.  Your order will ship within one business day (excludes freight items.)

===== Combined Ship Rates =====

We will try to combine ship whenever possible, however, we will ship items separately when appropriate.


===== Damaged Shipments (non-freight) =====

Shipments that arrive damaged must be reported to us with 10 days of delivery.  Contact Obtainium immediately.  Save everything.  The box, packing materials and item(s) must be saved in the condition it was delivered.  Send us digital pictures, if possible and a description of the damage.  The e-mail address is [[ginny@obtainium.biz]]

===== Notifications =====

Our database is great for notifying our buyers every step of the way.  We send notification to our buyers via email for payment acknowledgment and shipping notification, including tracking numbers (where applicable). These are sent at the time the payment is received (business days only) and the item is shipped.  Buyers should check their spam blockers if notifications do not come through.  

===== Freight =====

Freight arrangements and payment (to the shipper) are the responsibility of the buyer.  

Generally, an item that is too large and/or heavy for ground shipping must be shipped by a freight carrier.  This includes, but is not limited to, items that weigh 150 pounds or more, are of a length or dimension beyond ground services, or are of a delicate and/or complex design.

===== Why Obtainium Does Not Arrange Freight Shipping =====

Freight costs vary considerably depending on where the buyer and seller are located.  In addition, charges may be assessed to a shipment that are not known at the time of a price quote due to location of the delivery, the ability to unload the shipment, etc.  Another consideration is that we do not accept responsibility for damages after the shipment has left our warehouse.  When the buyer makes the arrangements, they can negotiate damage coverage at a rate of insurance that is comfortable for them.

Buyers can get a better price on their own with carriers they have accounts through or by using an on-line service, such as [[http://www.freightquote.com|FreightQuote]].  
===== Palletizing and Rigging Fees =====

We take extra care to secure/pack your freight item.  As in our regular shipping fees, these are costs related to prepping, padding, protecting and strapping these large, heavy items to pallets so the item arrives securely to its destination.  This fee varies based on size and complexity of the item.  

Freight items must be picked up within 5 business days after payment is cleared.  After 30 days, the shipment will be considered abandoned.


