====== International 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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Generally, items will be shipped via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as long as they are within size and weight guidelines for the buyer's country with a value under $400.00 USD.  All other shipments will be through Federal Express.  Use the shipping calculator in the listings to see what shipping will cost to your country.  If the calculator does not give you a quote you can: 1) place the item in your "Cart" where you can submit a request for a shipping quote or 2) email us through the listing and ask for a quote.  We will respond to your request during business hours, Monday through Friday.

===== Tracking for Foreign Shipments =====

There are 4 methods of shipping which may be offered to buyers outside the U.S..  They are:

===== First Class International Package =====
Only quoted for parcels under 4 pounds, combined measurements of no more than 42 inches and a value of under $40.00 USD.  This method of shipping cannot be traced or insured.  There is no delivery time table for this method of shipping.  Obtainium is not be responsible for non-delivery or damage if this method of shipping is selected.

===== Priority International =====
This method of shipping is quoted for most parcels shipped outside the U.S..  Priority shipments can be insured (maximum amounts vary by country) and has tracking; using the customs number of the accompanying documents.  Information on shipments can be obtained on the [[http://www.usps.com|USPS website]].  Go into “Track & Confirm” and enter the customs number in the appropriate box.  Some countries may not have the scanning equipment to fully account for your parcel so check with your local postal service for more information.

Shipments via Priority Mail International are usually delivered within 10 business days, if not held in customs for an extended period.  

===== Priority Express International =====
Quoted for parcels of high value, size and/or to countries where additional monitoring is warranted.    Express shipments have automatic insurance coverage of $100.00 USD and additional insurance may be purchased for a low rate.  This method of shipping does have a tracking number which allows for detailed accounting of the shipment.  Information on shipments can be obtained on the [[http://www.usps.com|USPS website]].  Go into “Track & Confirm” and enter the tracking number in the appropriate box.  Some countries may not have the scanning equipment to fully account for your parcel so check with your local postal service for more information.

Shipments via Priority Express International are usually delivered within 3 to 5 business days.  We are not responsible for shipments which are held in Customs in buyer's country.  

OUR SHIPPING QUOTES DO NOT INCLUDE DUTIES, TAXES, BROKERAGE OR OTHER POSSIBLE IMPORT FEES.
=====Fedex International =====
Quoted for shipments of high value, size and/or to counties where additional monitoring is warranted.  These shipments will have required commercial invoices and tracking numbers.  Buyers with Fedex accounts who wish to have their account numbers included in the shipping documents for importing fees may convey this information via email when the sale has been confirmed.

OUR SHIPPING QUOTES DO NOT INCLUDE DUTIES, TAXES, BROKERAGE OR OTHER POSSIBLE IMPORT FEES.
===== 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.    

===== 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 Shipments to Countries Outside the U.S. =====

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.  

It is our policy that the buyer arranges and pays for their own freight shipping outside of the sale.  The buyer pays us for the price of the unit and crating fee (as stated in the listing) only.  

However, buyers in countries outside the U.S. (excluding Canada) must also have their items shipped to a shipper in the U.S. who can crate their item with materials that are allowed in their countries (i.e., pressure treated wood, plastic or metal pallets).  We are not equipped to offer this service.  This means you must make these arrangements or use a third party to make them for you.

There is a company in the U.S., Pilot Freight Services, who can crate your item according to your import regulations and ship the item to you.  There is a Pilot Freight Services office located in our area.  You can contact them through [[boi@pilotdelivers.com]].  This is for the location in Boise, Idaho.  They can pick up the item to be shipped and take care of these packing/shipping arrangements.  Otherwise, use a third party import/export company to make these arrangements for you.



===== 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.