Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

Order Processing Times

  • Standard Orders: Processed and prepared for dispatch within 2 to 3 business days.

  • Express / Expedited Orders: Prioritized and packaged either the same business day (for orders placed before 12:00 PM CST) or the next business day.

  • Orders are packed Monday through Friday. High-volume drop dates, federal postal holidays, and severe weather events may temporarily extend processing times.

Domestic Shipping Rates & Carrier Services

Shipping Tier Order Qualification Carrier & Service Estimated Transit Time
Standard Domestic Orders under $300 USPS Ground Advantage 2–5 business days
High-Value Insured Orders $300 and above UPS Ground (Signature/Insurance) 1–5 business days
Expedited / Express Selected at checkout USPS Priority Mail or UPS 2nd Day Air 1–3 business days

Orders valued at $300 or more are automatically upgraded to UPS Ground with full parcel insurance at no additional charge to protect the integrity of high-grade specimens.

Order Tracking & Notifications

Once your specimen is packaged and handed off to the carrier, an automated shipping confirmation containing your tracking number will be sent to the email provided at checkout. Please allow up to 24 hours for the carrier's initial scan to update online.

Packaging & Preservation

Every authentic fossil is secured inside an archival 3D floating suspension membrane frame, buffered with protective cushioning, and boxed in heavy-duty outer packaging to prevent shift or pressure damage during carrier handling.

P.O. Boxes, APO/FPO, and Address Accuracy

  • USPS Ground Advantage can deliver to residential addresses, commercial suites, P.O. Boxes, and APO/FPO addresses.

  • Orders shipped via UPS require a valid physical street address and cannot be delivered to standard P.O. Boxes.

  • Please ensure your shipping address is completely accurate before finalizing checkout. Primal Slab LLC is not liable for orders misdelivered due to incorrectly provided address details.

Damaged, Lost, or Delayed Packages

  • Transit Delays: Once scanned into the postal stream, carrier transit speeds are subject to regional hub capacity.

  • Damage in Transit: If an order arrives damaged, refer directly to our Return and Refund Policy and email support@primalslab.com within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damaged packaging and specimen.

  • International Shipping

    Carrier & Delivery Estimates

    • International orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail International or UPS Worldwide Saver / Expedited, depending on the destination and selected checkout method.

    • Estimated transit times generally range from 6 to 15 business days, though exact delivery dates depend on local postal networks and foreign customs clearance speeds.

    Customs, Duties, and Import Taxes (DDU / DAP)

    • All international orders are shipped DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid).

    • Any applicable import duties, customs tariffs, Value Added Tax (VAT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), or handling fees levied by the destination country are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Primal Slab LLC does not collect or remit these fees at checkout.

    • Customs policies vary widely by country. Contact your local customs office for exact tariff estimates prior to purchasing.

    Customs Declarations & Compliance

    • Every parcel is declared accurately on international CN22/CN23 customs documentation with authentic retail values and proper Harmonized System (HS) geological specimen codes.

    • We cannot alter invoice values, mark items as "gifts," or falsify customs documentation under international export regulations.

    • Authentic prehistoric fossils are exempt from modern wildlife trade restrictions (such as CITES/ESA) because they predate modern fauna. However, the buyer is responsible for verifying that their country allows the personal importation of paleontological specimens.

    Refused or Returned International Shipments

    • If an international shipment is refused by the customer due to unpaid customs/VAT fees, or if it is deemed undeliverable due to an incorrect address, the package may be abandoned by the carrier or returned to our facility.

    • Original shipping fees are non-refundable, and any return freight charges or carrier penalties will be deducted from any eligible refund once the items are safely received back in original condition.