Shipping Policy

Delivering Craftsmanship to Your Doorstep

I. Introduction: Our Commitment to Secure and Reliable Delivery

At American Gifter LLC, we believe the journey of our handcrafted oak bookcases should be as exceptional as the craftsmanship itself. Our Shipping Policy is meticulously designed to provide you with clarity, reliability, and peace of mind from the moment you place your order until it arrives safely at your home. We understand that purchasing fine furniture online involves trust, particularly regarding the handling and transit of substantial, carefully crafted items. This policy outlines every aspect of our shipping process—from processing timelines and carrier partnerships to delivery procedures and international logistics. Our goal is to ensure that your investment is protected at every stage and that your delivery experience is transparent, predictable, and professional. By partnering with leading logistics carriers and implementing rigorous packing standards, we are committed to making the final step of your purchase as seamless and satisfactory as the first.

We encourage you to read this policy thoroughly to understand your responsibilities, our processes, and what to expect. Should any questions arise, our customer service team is dedicated to providing personalized support and tracking assistance.

II. Order Processing: From Confirmation to Carrier Handoff

A. Processing Time

An order’s journey begins with processing. Processing time is the period between when you receive your order confirmation and when the package is physically handed to the shipping carrier, complete with a tracking number.

  • Standard Processing: 3 to 5 business days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays).

  • Expedited Processing: For orders placed with expedited shipping (e.g., 2-Day or Next Day Air), we prioritize processing to 1 to 2 business days.

  • Factors Affecting Processing: During peak seasons (e.g., holidays) or promotional events, processing times may extend slightly. We will communicate any significant delays proactively via email. Custom orders or items noted as “pre-order” or “made-to-order” will have specific, longer processing times clearly stated on the product page.

B. Order Verification & Fraud Prevention

To protect you and our business, all orders are subject to verification and fraud screening. This may occasionally require our team to contact you via email or phone to confirm order details. While this can add a brief pause to processing, it is a critical security measure. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a secure transaction for everyone.

C. Packaging Standards: Our Multi-Layer Protection System

Your bookcase is a work of art and is packaged as such. We employ an industry-leading, multi-stage packaging protocol:

  1. Disassembly: The bookcase is strategically disassembled into major panels and components.

  2. Primary Protection: All wooden surfaces are wrapped in thick, soft foam sheeting or corrugated cardboard pads to prevent scratches.

  3. Custom Cushioning: High-density foam corner protectors are fitted to all vulnerable edges and corners.

  4. Secure Boxing: Components are organized and placed into a heavy-duty, double- or triple-walled cardboard shipping carton.

  5. Internal Bracing: Inside the box, components are separated and immobilized using additional cardboard braces and void-fill to eliminate movement during transit.

  6. Sealing & Labeling: The box is securely sealed with reinforced packing tape and clearly labeled with handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile,” “This Side Up”).

This “flat-pack” method is the global standard for shipping furniture safely, minimizing the risk of damage while optimizing freight efficiency.

III. Shipping Destinations & Carriers

A. Domestic Shipping (Contiguous United States)

We ship to all 48 contiguous states. We have established partnerships with major national carriers (FedEx and UPS) as well as specialized regional and “threshold” freight carriers for larger, heavier items. The most cost-effective and appropriate carrier is automatically selected for your order based on your delivery address, package dimensions, and weight.

B. International Shipping

We are proud to serve customers globally. International shipping is available to most countries on a case-by-case basis. At checkout, you can enter your international address to see real-time shipping options and costs. Please be aware:

  • Restrictions: Some countries may have restrictions on wood imports. It is the customer’s responsibility to verify that solid oak furniture can be legally imported into their country.

  • Carriers: International shipments are typically handled by FedEx International Economy or Priority, UPS Worldwide, or international freight services.

C. Shipping Exceptions

We are currently unable to ship to:

  • P.O. Boxes (due to carrier size restrictions).

  • U.S. Territories (Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.) on a standard basis. Please contact us for a custom freight quote.

  • Addresses with significant carrier restrictions (certain remote rural areas, military bases requiring special handling). If your address falls into this category, you will be notified during checkout or by our team after ordering.

IV. Shipping Costs, Methods, and Delivery Estimates

A. Calculating Shipping Costs

We do not charge arbitrary flat rates. Shipping costs are calculated in real-time at checkout based on:

  1. Ship-to Address (ZIP/Postal Code).

  2. Package Dimensions & Weight (dimensional weight is used by carriers).

  3. Selected Service Level (Standard, Expedited, etc.).
    This transparent system ensures you pay the actual carrier rate we secure, with no hidden markup.

A. Domestic Shipping Methods & Estimates

  • Standard Ground Shipping:

    • Cost: Most economical.

    • Transit Time: Typically 5-10 business days after processing.

    • Service: Doorstep or building entry delivery.

  • Expedited Shipping (2-Day, 3-Day, Next Day Air):

    • Cost: Premium, calculated at checkout.

    • Transit Time: As defined by the service (2 business days, etc.).

    • Note: Expedited shipping refers to transit time only. Your order must still be processed (1-5 business days) before the expedited transit clock starts.

Total Estimated Delivery = Processing Time + Transit Time.
*Example: An order placed on Monday with Standard processing (3-5 days) and Ground transit (5-10 days) has an estimated delivery window of 8-15 business days from the order date.*

C. International Shipping Methods & Estimates

  • Cost: Significantly higher than domestic, calculated at checkout. Includes carrier fees for international documentation and handling.

  • Transit Time: Varies widely by destination, from 10 to 30+ business days.

  • Important: Duties, Taxes, and Customs Fees are NOT included. You, the importer of record, are solely responsible for paying these charges to your local customs authority upon arrival. The carrier will typically contact you to collect these fees before making the final delivery.

V. Delivery Procedures and Your Responsibilities

A. The Delivery Process

  1. Tracking: Upon carrier pickup, you receive a tracking number. Use this on the carrier’s website for live updates.

  2. Final Mile: For standard parcels, the driver will deliver to your doorstep, garage, or building lobby. For large freight items, the carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment for a specific 4-8 hour window.

  3. Delivery Completion: The carrier’s responsibility ends at the “threshold” of your home (doorstep). They are generally not required to bring packages inside, up stairs, or into specific rooms unless you have purchased a “White Glove” service (which we do not currently offer).

B. Your Responsibilities at Delivery

  • Inspect the Packaging: Upon delivery, immediately inspect the exterior of the box(es) for any signs of severe damage (crushing, punctures, water damage). If visible damage is noted, take photos and note the damage on the carrier’s digital device or paper receipt BEFORE signing.

  • Be Available or Arrange for Receipt: Ensure someone is available to accept delivery. If you cannot be present, consider redirecting the package to a carrier hold location or authorizing a neighbor to sign. We are not liable for packages stolen after delivery is recorded.

  • Move Packages Inside Promptly: To prevent weather damage or theft, move packages inside as soon as possible.

  • Assistance Recommended: Our bookcases are packed in heavy boxes. We strongly recommend having a second person available to help move the box(es) into your home.

C. Failed or Missed Deliveries

If no one is available, the carrier will leave a door tag with instructions. It is your responsibility to contact the carrier directly (using the phone number on the tag) to reschedule delivery or arrange pickup at their local depot. Packages unclaimed after the carrier’s holding period (usually 5-7 days) will be returned to us. If this occurs, you will be responsible for the cost of return shipping and a restocking fee, and the original shipping cost will not be refunded.

VI. Damage, Loss, and Issue Resolution

A. Shipping Damage or Loss

Despite our best efforts, incidents can occur. Our policy is to resolve them swiftly.

  • Concealed Damage: If you discover damage after accepting and unpacking the delivery:

    1. STOP. Do not assemble the product.

    2. DOCUMENT. Take clear, well-lit photographs of the damaged part, the packaging material, and the shipping label on the box.

    3. REPORT. Email us at lcnecom@gmail.com with the photos, your order number, and a description within 48 hours of delivery. We will file a claim with the carrier and ship replacement parts or a whole new unit at no cost to you, often coordinating a pickup for the damaged item.

  • Lost in Transit: If tracking shows no movement for an unreasonable period (e.g., 7+ days past the estimated delivery), contact us. We will investigate with the carrier and, if the package is deemed lost, reship your order immediately.

B. Incorrect or Incomplete Shipments

If you receive the wrong item or parts are missing, contact us immediately with your order number. We will arrange for the correct items to be shipped out expediently.

VII. Order Changes, Address Corrections, and Cancellations

  • Address Correction: If you enter an incorrect address, contact us IMMEDIATELY via phone. If the order has not shipped, we can often correct it. If it has shipped, we can attempt an address change with the carrier, but fees may apply, and success is not guaranteed. We are not liable for orders shipped to an address provided incorrectly by the customer.

  • Order Cancellation: To cancel an order, you must contact us by phone before it enters the “Processing” stage. Once processing has begun, cancellation may not be possible, and standard return procedures would apply upon receipt.

VIII. Transparency and Proactive Communication

We believe in keeping you informed:

  • Order Confirmation: Sent immediately after purchase.

  • Shipping Confirmation with Tracking: Sent as soon as the carrier scans your package.

  • Delivery Exception Alerts: We monitor tracking and may proactively contact you if the carrier reports a significant delay or issue (e.g., weather, address problem).

  • Customs/Hold Notifications (International): For international orders, we provide the necessary commercial invoice and documentation. However, direct communication regarding customs holds is between you and the carrier/customs agency.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (Shipping)

Q: Can I pick up my order from your warehouse to save on shipping?
A: No. We operate a centralized fulfillment model and do not offer local customer pickups. This allows us to maintain quality control, efficiency, and consistent nationwide pricing.

Q: Why was the shipping cost so high?
A: Shipping large, heavy furniture is inherently expensive due to dimensional weight pricing. We do not markup shipping; you see the direct carrier rate. The cost reflects the space your box occupies in a truck and the careful handling required.

Q: The carrier says “Delivered,” but I don’t see my package. What do I do?
A: First, check all possible delivery areas (garage, side door, with neighbors). Then, contact the carrier directly with your tracking number to verify the GPS delivery coordinates and get a proof-of-delivery signature. If the package is truly missing, file a report with the carrier and contact us for further assistance.

Q: Do you offer assembly service?
A: We currently do not offer in-home assembly or “White Glove” service. Our products are designed for straightforward customer assembly with the provided instructions and hardware.

Q: My international package is held in customs. What should I do?
A: The carrier or customs agency will contact you directly (via phone or mail) regarding any required duties, taxes, or paperwork. You must respond to them promptly to clear the package. We cannot intervene in another country’s customs process.

X. Our Shipping Commitment

We view shipping not as a mere logistical task, but as the final, crucial chapter in delivering American craftsmanship to your home. We are committed to continuous improvement in our partnerships, packaging, and processes to ensure your American Gifter LLC bookcase arrives in perfect condition, ready to become a part of your story.

Thank you for your trust.

Sincerely,
The American Gifter LLC Team