Shipping | Returns

GENERAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: Orders are shipped INSURED with Delivery Confirmation or Tracking. Shipping is based on weight and combined for multiple items. Excessive shipping charges are refunded. Orders will ship within 1-2 business days - Saturdays when possible. Delivery within the Continental United States generally takes 2-7 business days* depending on destination and chosen method however, delivery delays are possible and should be expected during holiday and heavy volume shipping periods. Orders over $100 may be shipped with Signature Confirmation at no additional cost to you.

*NOTE: Mail delivery times and dates are not guaranteed.

2023 CHRISTMAS ORDER DEADLINE: Orders must be placed by end of day December 14, 2023 for delivery by Christmas*

Orders placed between December 15 & December 26 WILL NOT SHIP until December 27th or later.*

*This applies to ALL carriers and available services and is not guaranteed.

SHIPPING DISCOUNTS:
$9.95 Flat Rate on orders totaling $50 or more (USPS or UPS Ground)
FREE SHIPPING on all orders totaling $75 or more and all Harmony Kingdom* pieces
*Does not include Harmony Ball Pot Belly or Jardinia collections.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you have unusual delivery circumstances (ie: you may not be home to accept delivery, a secure drop-off site is unavailable, your mailbox is not large enough to hold packages or, you have previously experienced problems with undelivered/stolen mail, etc.) please be sure to leave special instructions for your carrier at your drop-off location or contact me to request "Hold For Pickup" service.

AVOID PACKAGE THEFT - If there is NOT a SECURE place for the postal carrier to leave your package(s) please contact me to request the "HOLD FOR PICKUP" service.

While I will certainly assist you in rectifying any issues, I can not be held responsible for: lost, stolen, misdirected or, delayed shipments.

All items are guaranteed to be as described. Whenever possible, photographs of unique, non-production items will be of the actual piece you will receive. While I try to provide my own photos for all items, it may be necessary to use stock photos from the manufacturer therefore, item(s) received may have slight variations in color and finish. For items that may have variations, to insure your satisfaction and avoid the need for returns, you may request photographs of the actual item you will receive prior to purchase - send your request to: customercare.animalemporium@gmail.com and allow 1-2 days for a response. - Please refer to the item description for additional information.

GIFT BOXES: Not all items are gift boxed. If you would like an item gift boxed contact me prior to purchase as I may be able to provide one for an additional charge. Please keep in mind this may delay shipping time.

   • ALL MERCHANDISE IS IN-HOUSE AND READY TO SHIP - NEVER DROP-SHIPPED! •

SAVE MONEY • SAVE TIME • SAVE GAS & REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT!
By purchasing multiple items at the same time you're not just saving time and money but saving energy and reducing waste as well. To do my part, whenever possible I purchase and/or use quality recycled and biodegradable shipping materials.

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RETURNS:

Gift Cards: Gift Cards are not returnable, can not be refunded and, can not be exchanged for cash.

Discretionary Return Procedure:

• Contact me within two (2) days of receipt of your purchase to initiate a return.

• I will email you instructions for returning your item(s).

• Ship the unused item(s) in the original packaging (unopened if shrink wrapped) to the address given to you with my return instructions within 14 days of purchase.

• A refund less original shipping costs and transaction fees (2.9 - 4.0% + .30, depending on what method of payment was used) will be issued upon receipt of the original undamaged item(s) and packaging.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Original shipping costs are refunded only if the return is for; defective products, products that were not as described or, incorrect orders.

• Returned products are your responsibility. I suggest using a trackable shipping method and purchasing insurance for items of high value.

• Some items may be excluded from this guarantee. Please check the product description before you place your order.

• Animal Emporium Plus / Design Zoo™ is a Micro-Business and unfortunately, I do not do the volume of sales that would afford me to provide full refunds on discretionary returns like many of the bigger retailers can. I appreciate your understanding.

• Shipping charges and a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from order refund for orders returned without a Return Authorization.

• Refused orders or orders not received due to no fault of Animal Emporium Plus / Design Zoo™ and/or the US Postal Service/UPS will not be refunded.

• If you received free shipping with your order, the actual, original shipping charge will be deducted from your refund.

NOTE: If the return is a result of our error or an item was grossly misrepresented, I will refund the price of the salable item(s) plus shipping costs.

DAMAGED MERCHANDISE: - Inspect your packages immediately upon receipt. - In the event any item(s) are damaged, you must contact us within 2 days and provide photos via email of the damaged item(s) and packaging so that we may determine the appropriate course of action.
Although I take exceptional care in packaging each and every item/order, accidents do happen therefore, all orders shipped via USPS are insured by USPS and/or U-PIC. Orders shipped via UPS include UPS insurance. Should your order arrive damaged, inform your carrier of the damage and obtain documentation if possible then contact me within 2 days for claim protocol. Please be sure to retain all packaging and packing materials as received as it will be necessary for you to either present the package to your local US Postal Service or UPS Office or, return the entire order to me.

LOST ORDERS: In the event that you believe your order was lost while in transit, please obtain a copy of the Delivery Confirmation or Tracking information and immediately contact us, your carrier and/or the USPS or UPS Office closest to you. I will do my very best to assist in locating your order however, a 45 day waiting period is required before insurance claims can be issued for lost parcels.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Due to increasing costs, delivery and payment issues, I no longer ship outside of the United States. - Orders addressed to forwarding (proxy) shippers may be cancelled at our discretion. - we (Animal Emporium Plus / Design Zoo™) can not be held liable for mishandling or misdirection by proxy shippers.