How are the beads shipped?

We normally ship via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. However we offer free shipping by standard U.S. mail, and we can also ship via UPS or Federal Express. The shipping options appear in the shopping cart during check-out.

When do you ship?

We strive to ship the next shipper's business day after the order is placed. However, many times we ship the same day if the order is received prior to 4:00 pm Mountain time.

How long will it take for my package to arrive?

U.S. Postal Service priority mail usually takes 2-3 business days within the continental U.S. However, UPS Ground or first class mail may take longer. Overnight air shipments should arrive the next day if the shipper delivers on that day.

What shipping method should I choose?

We try to give you an idea of how long the delivery time is for each shipping method during check-out. Keep in mind that the shippers may count days differently, such as not counting the day of shipment, and they may not deliver on week-ends. For more detail please check the shipper's web page.

What if my package does not arrive?

Unfortunately, that is a matter you will have to take up with the shipper. If the tracking number indicates that the package was delivered, then we take that as the package status, and any issues related to missing packages need to be addressed with the shipper. We will not ship a duplicate package if the shipper claims it was delivered. You are welcome to request "signature required" in the "comments" box on your order, which may help get your package delivered correctly.

Can you ship overnight?

Our ability to ship overnight depends on the time of day when you place your order and is limited by your location. Most orders placed by 2:00 pm (Mountain time) on normal business days to the continental U.S. can be shipped overnight. However, keep in mind that overnight shipments are limited by the shipper's business days and cut-off times for overnight packages, as well as their delivery days.

Do you ship to APO addresses?

Yes. However, because there is no package tracking for postal service delivery to APO addresses, we will not re-ship if the package is lost. We recommend that you choose Federal Express or UPS delivery, so the delivery or loss of the package can be verified.

Do you ship C.O.D. (cash on delivery?)

No.

Can you ship overseas?

Yes, to most countries. (We don't ship to Nigeria, Ghana, or Indonesia.) We don't accept international orders via email or telephone, only through our web site shopping cart. The shipping charges in our web shopping cart are defined for shipments to the United States and U.S. Territories. Additional shipping charges and delivery time will apply to international shipments. International package shipping is actual cost and is based on weight and size. We will be glad to email you the cost for your approval, just make a comment on your order. You, the customer, are responsible for any duty, taxes, or other fees imposed on imports by your government. Please email sales for further information on international shipping. If you checked the agreement for international shipping, the applicable charges will automatically be added to your order. If you are paying with PayPal, your country must be on the PayPal authorized countries list. The $20.00 shipping will be charged by PayPal, and we will refund the unused amount or send you a PayPal invoice if more money is required.

How much are your shipping charges?

Shipping options show up at checkout.

We offer free shipping via standard U.S. mail for all but extremely large or heavy packages to U.S. locations.

Our basic shipping, via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail, is $4.99 to U.S. locations with delivery normally 2-3 business days. (Extremely large or heavy orders are an exception. We will contact you regarding the shipping cost for them.)

We charge the actual cost of shipping the package for international orders. Even very large orders can be shipped for $37.00 in a flat-rate U.S. Postal Service box. Smaller orders will cost less. For example, a one-pound package can be shipped to Canada for $15.20, and to the United Kingdom for $19.00.

If you elect to ship via Federal Express or UPS, the shipping charges are higher ($14.99-$29.99 in most cases.)

International shipping is based on weight and size.

How do you handle orders where you run out of stock on an item?

We do not make substitutions without checking for your approval first. We ship what we have in stock, and adjust your charges accordingly. If you want us to notify you of any shortage, please make a comment to that effect on your order. If you want to back-order the item, we will be glad to do so, but require your specific instruction to put an item on back-order status. Back-order purchases are made on our normal buying schedule, which may be several months. There is no guarantee that the item's price will be the same or that we will be able to replenish our supply. If you don't receive all the items you ordered, and wish to back-order the out-of-stock items, please be sure to let us know that you wish to have the items back-ordered (shipped at a later date when they are available.) You may send an email, if you did not indicate it on your order, to sales@suncountrygems.com. Back-order payments are required when the items are available and only after you agree that you still want the items.