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Terms and Conditions
Payment due within 5 days of auction close or commitment to buy.
Shipment terms may vary on individual items. |
See Shipping Policies below.
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Shipping Policies for U.S.
Any shipping prices or shipping calculators displayed in our ads are for continental U.S. addresses only.
Most shipments to Alaska, Hawaii & U.S. Territories will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service unless the shipment is of a size, weight or value exceeding USPS limits.
Bidders who live in Alaska, Hawaii &, U.S. Territories MUST contact us to determine (non-freight) shipping costs.
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 Priority. Items weighing 3 or more pounds may be shipped USPS Priority, Parcel Post or FedEx Ground.
Larger/heavier items are shipped FedEx Ground. Buyers may requests other carriers, a faster method or shipping to a post office box. In these cases, buyers are responsible for paying costs over our quoted shipping charge.
[Please note: The shipping calculator in our listings is for UPS. This is due to the lack of a Fedex calculator on Ebay. We manually correct differences in shipping costs, where applicable, in the calculator to reflect Fedex Ground cost.]
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 labor and materials. Keep in mind that most of our items come to us with no packaging. We have to crate that packing; safeguarding the integrity/fragility of the item so it arrives in the same condition it leaves our warehouse. Many of our items are electronic and/or delicate instruments that require extra care in their preparation for a safe shipment.
Buyer pays for shipping & insurance, and any additional packing/palleting/crating fees.
The amount we charge for shipping, whether given as a fixed rate or calculated after closing for the individual buyer, INCLUDES our costs in materials and packaging.
We are a small company and make every effort to move our inventory along quickly. Your purchase is referred to our shipping department as soon as payment is cleared, and is prioritized on that basis.
We will do our best to get your shipment out within the week, but it may take up to 5 business days.
Combined Ship Rates:
We will calculate combined shipping rates whenever possible, upon request. However, we reserve the right to ship items separately when the safety of the items are threatened due to inequities in weight, materials or if an item is prepackaged.
Damaged Shipments (non-freight):
A: Contact Obtainium! immediately. Save everything. The box, packing materials and item must be saved in the condition it was delivered. Send us digital pictures, if possible. The email 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. Obtainium takes no responsibility for buyer system spam blockers.
FREIGHT
Freight shipments are the responsibility of the buyer – to arrange and pay for.
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. It is very difficult for us to recuperate these charges from a buyer after-the-fact. 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.
Another factor is the time and paperwork it takes for our staff to arrange a freight shipment. Buyers can get a better price on their own with carriers they have accounts through or by using an on-line service, such as, www.freightquote.com. The calculator in our freight listings is sponsored by freightquote.com. Be aware that the calculator only gives and idea of what freight shipping might cost. Freightquote.com can offer a range of options, when contacted for a quote.
Palletizing and Rigging Fees:
As our previous customers can attest, we make a real effort to secure/pack your freight item. This takes time. As in our regular shipping fees, these are costs related to prepping, padding, protecting and strapping these large, heavy items to pallets (in most cases) so the item arrives securely to its destination. This fee varies based on size and complexity of the item.
Fines on Freight Shipments:
Items must be paid within 5 days. Pick up must be within 10 days of close of auction or sale. After 10 days, the buyer will be charged with a $10.00 per day storage fee. Items not picked up after 21 days will be relisted; the buyer paying a $100.00 restocking/relisting fee, in addition to storage fees which will be deducted from their refund.
Freight Damage:
Buyers should know that we photograph our freight shipments as they are loaded on the truck. The condition of the item is on record in our database. Buyers arranging their own freight are welcome to these photos should they need them to file a claim.
Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories
Generally, items will be shipped via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as long as they are within size and weight guidelines. All other shipments will be through Fedex Ground. Bidders must contact us for a shipping quote before bidding.
Shipping Policies for Countries Outside the U.S.
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. All other shipments will be through Federal Express. Bidders must contact us for a shipping quote before placing a bid.
Tracking for Foreign Shipments via USPS:
There are 3 methods of shipping (USPS) which may be offered to buyers outside the U.S.. They are:
First Class Mail: Only quoted for parcels under 4 pounds and a value of under $20.00 USD. This method of shipping cannot be traced or insured. There is no delivery time table for this method of shipping. Obtainiuim will not be responsible for non-delivery or damage if this method of shipping is requested.
Priority Mail 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 basic, periodic tracking, using the customs number of the accompanying documents. Information on shipments can be obtained on the USPS web site at www.usps.com. 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.
Express Mail 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 USPS web site at www.usps.com. 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.
We are not responsible for shipments which are held in Customs in buyer's country and/or any duties or taxes incurred.
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 labor and materials. Keep in mind that most of our items come to us with no packaging. We have to crate that packing; safeguarding the integrity/fragility of the item so it arrives in the same condition it leaves our warehouse. Many of our items are electronic and/or delicate instruments that require extra care in their preparation for a safe shipment.
Buyer pays for shipping & insurance, and any additional packing/palleting/crating fees.
The amount we charge for shipping, whether given as a fixed rate or calculated after closing for the individual buyer, INCLUDES our costs in materials and packaging.
We are a small company and make every effort to move our inventory along quickly. Your purchase is referred to our shipping department as soon as payment is cleared, and is prioritized on that basis.
We will do our best to get your shipment out within the week, but it may take up to 7 business days.
Combined Ship Rates:
We will calculate combined shipping rates whenever possible, upon request. However, we reserve the right to ship items separately when the safety of the items are threatened due to inequities in weight, materials or if an item is prepackaged.
Damaged Shipments (non-freight):
Contact Obtainium! immediately. Save everything. The box, packing materials and item must be saved in the condition it was delivered. Send us digital pictures, if possible. The email 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. Obtainium takes no responsibility for buyer system spam blockers.
Freight Shipments to Countries Outside the U.S.
Freight shipments are the responsibility of the buyer – to arrange and pay for. An additional pallet fee will be charged (in additional to the palletizing fee) for shipments going to countries outside the U.S. to comply with international shipping requirements. Bidders outside the U.S. must contact us for an estimate of this fee before placing a bid.
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. It is very difficult for us to recuperate these charges from a buyer after-the-fact. 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 outside the U.S. must use a third party shipper in arranging their freight shipping needs. If the buyer does not have a third party shipper, we recommend Freightquote.com. They can offer a range of options, when contacted for a quote.
Palletizing and Rigging Fees:
As in our regular shipping fees, these are costs related to prepping, padding, protecting and strapping these large, heavy items to pallets (in most cases) so the item arrives securely to its destination. This fee varies based on size and complexity of the item. An additional pallet fee will be charged (in additional to the palletizing fee) for shipments going to countries outside the U.S. to comply with international shipping requirements.
Fines on Freight Shipments:
Items must be paid within 5 days. Pick up must be within 10 days of close of auction or sale. After 10 days, the buyer will be charged with a $10.00 per day storage fee. Items not picked up after 21 days will be relisted; the buyer paying a $100.00 restocking/relisting fee, in addition to storage fees which will be deducted from their refund.
Freight Damage:
Buyers should know that we photograph our freight shipments as they are loaded on the truck. The condition of the item is on record in our database. Buyers arranging their own freight are welcome to these photos should they need them to file a claim.
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