Who do we ship with?
We currently offer shipping via the United States Postal Service (USPS). Please also note that USPS shipping rates will always be rounded up to the next full pound. We sometimes ship with the United Parcel Service (UPS) but only for custom orders. Please contact us directly if you prefer UPS shipping (this may include additional fees)
What shipping methods are available and which one do I choose?
We're located in Connecticut, so depending where your ship-to-address is, the ship times are usually around:
- First Class (slowest) is 3-10 business days and is not guaranteed by USPS to be delivered during this time period
- Priority (standard) is 2-5 business days and is not guaranteed by USPS to be delivered during this time period
- Express (fastest) 1-2 business days and is guaranteed by USPS
Do you guarantee delivery especially during the holidays?
The answer to this question is both Yes and No. We can guarantee making your shirts and shipping it out the door by a specific date (when requested). We will always strive to do our best in this regard. But we can not guarantee or accept responsiblity for the amount of time USPS takes to actually deliver your package.
You are also solely responsible for picking the appropriate shipping method necessary for your order to be delivered on time.
Please keep in mind that during the holidays in December, shipping takes sometimes twice as long due to delays. We are not responsible for shipping delays. You will need to choose the appropriate shipping method based upon your needs and if possible try to order your shirts a couple weeks ahead of time. Also feel free to communicate with us your need by date and we'll also do what we can to help expedite processing your order.
What do you mean by appropriate shipping method?
EXAMPLE: If you live in a 3 day ship zone and need your family set of shirts to arrive before you leave on vacation on Tuesday, August 12, but you placed your order on Saturday, August 2nd. Yes it may seem like that was 10 days or over a week ago. But your order queues up for us starting on the next business day Monday, August 4th and under normal processing time with no additional rush processing fees it would usually take 5 business days to complete and ship out your order on Friday, August 8th. That would have left only 1 business day (Monday, August 11) of ship time. Saturday and Sundays do not count as business days. So even if you selected First Class or Priority Shipping your shirts will most likely not be delivered to you in time for your vacation. You would have needed to select USPS Express Shipping.
I don't want want to pay so much for shipping. Is there any other way we can receive our order faster?
The best way to handle this is to please contact us prior to placing an order (or call us at 203-255-5550) We will discuss your best options. Also, when placing an order with us and especially if you don't contact us then you MUST note during check out your need by date. This way we can ensure your order is processed in a timely manner. Rush processing fees of $5 per shirt may apply to orders needed in less than 5 business days. Rush processing fees may increase during "peak time" (during the Christmas Holiday season).
We always do our best to be helpful but it is impossible for us to remember every single prior conversation that we may have had. We do receive many phone calls and messages every day.
What is the difference between Express Priority Shipping and Rush Processing?
Processing time is the amount of days our company takes to create your products before they are shipped to you. Rush Processing has no influence on your shipping method. Our processing time varies during the year due to the custom nature of our products. Every shirt is made to order and based on each customers specific request. We process all queued orders in the order they have been received. With Rush Processing your order skips this queue and is shipped in 1 to 2 business days. Please send us a message to inquire about rush processing if you feel it may be needed for your order. You are responsible for choosing a shipping method to have your order arrive on time. During peak seasons Rush Processing may not be available.
Express Priority shipping is a service offered and paid to USPS. Express Priority shipping is a shipping method that guarantees 1 to 2 Day shipping time on your package once it has been given to USPS from our company. This USPS service does not have any effect on how quickly your order is processed by Puddle Bear Clothing.
Can't find your delivered package?
If a package is shown as being delivered by USPS tracking system, but you can't find it, please contact your local USPS right away and ask for a supervisor. Explain the situation and then they will most likely speak with the mail-carrier responsible for delivering mail to your address. Puddle Bear Clothing is not responsible for lost or stolen packages. However, we will do our best to work with you on resolving this issue on a case-by-case basis.