Green Thumb Gardens: Shipping Policy

Last Updated: October 26, 2023

We strive to get your gardening essentials to you quickly and safely. Here’s how we handle shipping:

1. Processing Time

• Standard Orders: Orders placed before 12:00 PM [Your Time Zone, e.g., PST] on a business day (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays) are processed and shipped within 1-2 business days. Orders placed after this time or on weekends/holidays begin processing the next business day.

• Peak Seasons & Holidays: During high-demand periods (e.g., Spring planting season, Black Friday, Christmas), processing may take 2-4 business days. We will post notices on our website during these times.

• Live Plant Orders: Require special care. We ship live plants Monday-Wednesday only to minimize weekend transit time. Processing may take 1-3 business days to ensure optimal plant health before shipment.

2. Shipping Methods, Carriers & Estimated Delivery Times

We primarily ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS Ground, and FedEx Home Delivery within the contiguous United States (Lower 48 states). Delivery times are estimates only and begin after processing is complete.

*Transit times exclude processing time. Actual delivery depends on carrier performance, destination, weather, and seasonality.

3. Shipping Costs

• Calculated at Checkout: Shipping costs are calculated based on your ship-to address, package weight/dimensions, and selected service level. You will see the exact cost before completing your purchase.

• Free Shipping: We offer FREE Standard Shipping on orders over $[Amount, e.g., 50] shipped to the contiguous US (Lower 48 states). (Optional: Mention any exclusions like bulky/heavy items or live plants).

• Live Plants & Heavy/Bulky Items: (e.g., large planters, bags of soil, furniture) may incur additional handling fees or higher shipping rates due to weight, size, and special packaging requirements. These fees will be clearly displayed at checkout.

• Alaska, Hawaii & Territories: Orders shipped to AK, HI, PR, USVI, and Guam are subject to significantly higher shipping costs due to carrier surcharges. Please review costs carefully at checkout. Some items (especially heavy or perishable goods) may be restricted.

4. Order Tracking

• Once your order ships, you will receive a shipping confirmation email containing your tracking number(s) and a link to track your package on the carrier's website.

• You can also track your order by logging into your account on our website.

5. Shipping Restrictions & Special Handling

• Live Plants: Shipped Monday-Wednesday only via expedited services (often 2-Day) to minimize stress. Subject to weather restrictions (see below). Requires signature in extreme temperatures (optional clause).

• Perishables (Seeds, Bulbs): Shipped via USPS First Class or Ground. Generally less time-sensitive than live plants.

• Soil, Fertilizers, Chemicals: May have shipping restrictions based on weight, size, or carrier regulations (e.g., hazardous materials). Ground shipping only. Quantities may be limited.

• Large/Bulky Items: (Planters, tools, furniture) Ship via freight or specialized ground services. Delivery may require an appointment or threshold delivery (curbside). Additional fees apply.

• Weather Restrictions (CRITICAL FOR PLANTS): For the safety of live plants, we reserve the right to delay shipment if extreme hot or cold temperatures are forecasted along the route or at the destination. We will contact you to discuss options (delay shipment, provide store credit, refund).

• Hazardous Materials: Certain gardening chemicals may have strict shipping regulations. We comply fully with carrier rules.

6. Delivery

• Address Accuracy: Double-check your shipping address at checkout! We are not responsible for delays or losses due to incorrect addresses provided by the customer. Address corrections may incur fees.

• Carrier Responsibility: Once your package is handed to the carrier, delivery timing, conditions, and final placement (e.g., porch, mailbox) are the responsibility of the carrier.

• Signature: Most deliveries do not require a signature. For high-value items or during adverse weather, signature confirmation may be added (sometimes at extra cost).

• Failed Delivery/Missed Packages: If a delivery attempt fails or a package is marked delivered but not received:

  1. Check tracking for carrier notes and delivery location photos.

  2. Check with neighbors or household members.

  3. Contact the carrier directly using your tracking number.

  4. If unresolved after 24-48 hours, contact our Customer Support at montresor-planter@outlook.com.

7. International Shipping

• We currently only ship within the United States and its territories (as listed above). We do not ship internationally outside of US territories at this time.

8. Undeliverable Packages

• Packages refused upon delivery or returned to us as undeliverable (due to incorrect address, refusal, unclaimed) will be refunded the original product cost minus the original shipping cost and any return shipping fees we incur.

9. Damaged in Transit?

• Please inspect your package immediately upon delivery. If damage is visible, note it on the carrier's delivery receipt (if applicable) and take photos.

• Report Damage Within 48 Hours: Email montresor-planter@outlook.com with your order number, photos of the damaged package AND damaged item(s), and a description of the damage. See our [Link to Return & Refund Policy] for full details on resolving damaged shipments.

Contact Us:
Questions about shipping? Contact our support team:

• Email: montresor-planter@outlook.com

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM [Your Time Zone, e.g., PST]