Terms for domestic/UK Orders, [a]: (terms for international orders can be found halfway down the page)
UKa1 (acceptance of terms)
[a1.1] Orders are shipped at the buyer's own risk. This is clearly stated in bold on every product page. The Terms and Conditions of sale, including shipping and liability details, are accessible via links on all product pages and during checkout.
[a1.2] By ticking the box "I agree to the Terms and Conditions" when placing an order, you confirm that you have thoroughly read and understood these terms and accept legal responsibility for them. NO exceptions will be granted under any circumstances.
UKa2 (shipping methods)
[a2.1] Orders are shipped once a week on Mondays, with a cut-off time of 11:59pm (GMT) on Saturdays. As this is a one-man hobby managed in my spare time away from research, I regrettably am unable to ship orders multiple times a week like the other large, full-time vendors. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
[a2.2] Shipping days may be adjusted due to postal strikes, public holidays, or extreme weather conditions.
[a2.3] Eggs are shipped using "Royal Mail 2nd Class" (no tracking), which aims to deliver in 2-3 days.
[a2.4] Customers can choose between "Royal Mail Standard" or "Royal Mail Special Delivery" for live animal shipments:
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"RM Special Delivery": Aims for next-day delivery before 1pm (fully tracked and requires a signature)
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"RM Standard": A more economical option with a 1-2 day delivery aim (delivery confirmation only, no full tracking).
[a2.5] Tracked shipping services will require a signature upon delivery.
UKa3 (shipping protection)
[a3.1] Customers may purchase shipping protection at checkout, which provides compensation in case of stolen or lost deliveries.
[a3.2] If an order is lost or stolen, compensation will be issued as a refund equal to the value of the goods (excluding shipping costs), provided that shipping protection was purchased.
[a3.3] Shipping costs are non-refundable, as we have no control over shipments once they are handed to the delivery partner.
[a3.4] Compensation will be voided if the recipient misses or refuses delivery.
[a3.5] In instances when the shipment is undeliverable by the courier due to error of the buyer (e.g. incorrect/missing parts of an address), the order will be non-refundable. Please ensure that the delivery address is double checked before purchase.
UKa4 (live arrival of stock)
[a4.1] The Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG) applies only to orders shipped via Royal Mail Special Delivery, which is the express overnight shipping service provided. This is highlighted in bold and italics in product descriptions.
[a4.2] Royal Mail Standard is not a guaranteed overnight service and may experience delays. For live animal safety, customers are strongly advised to select Royal Mail Special Delivery. If a buyer opts for Royal Mail Standard, DOAs resulting from the negligence of selecting the guaranteed overnight delivery option is fully upon the responsibility of the buyer.
[a4.3] Every care is taken to select healthy stock and pack shipments securely to ensure survival in transit.
[a4.4] Live animals are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Royal Mail Special Delivery is strongly recommended during summer and winter months to ensure fast shipping and maintain the LAG policy. DOAs resulting from the negligence of selecting the guaranteed overnight delivery option for live stock, during summer and winter when extreme temperatures are likely, is fully upon the responsibility of the buyer.
[a4.5] If Royal Mail Standard is chosen, no compensation will be provided for DOA (dead-on-arrival) cases as this not a guaranteed next day service.
[a4.6] If Royal Mail Special Delivery is chosen, compensation is available for DOA cases with domestic UK orders. A full refund for the value of deceased stock will be issued if photographic or video proof is sent to [info@richardsinverts.com] within 24 hours of delivery. Claims made after this period will not be accepted. Please be aware that we only guarantee live arrival, and we are not responsible for live stock dying after it has been with you for more than 24 hours. This is becasue the conditions that the live stock are kept in once they have been shipped is out of my control. As per clause [a4.3], every care is taken to ensure that healthy stock is selected.
[a4.7] Shipping costs are non-refundable, even in DOA cases, as we have no control the stock in transit once handed over to the delivery partner.
[a4.9] The LAG is voided if the parcel is not received directly by the recipient at delivery, thereby extending the time the live stock is spending in the post. This can include cases such as:
- The recipient misses the delivery, and the parcel is taken back into the Royal Mail system.
- The recipient reschedules delivery mid-transit.
- The recipient refuses delivery.
UKa5 (winter orders)
[a5.1] The store will close around Christmas/New Year due to Royal Mail's holiday schedule and seasonal delays. Closure details will be announced on the website.
[a5.2] Live animal shipments will be paused when temperatures fall below 5°C to protect the animals.
[a5.3] As per [4.3], it is imperative to select the insured Royal Mail Special Delivery shipping option at checkout during winter for the guaranteed overnight service, for the safety of the live animals. This is of the utmost importance near December, when delays are common due holiday-related postal delays.
[a5.4] Royal Mail Standard may experience severe delays leading up to Christmas. Customers are strongly advised to use Royal Mail Special Delivery for live animal shipments.
[a5.5] We understand that last-minute Christmas orders are common, and the store will remain open until Royal Mail's final recommended shipping date. However, if severe delays are expected, the store reserves the right to close earlier to prevent disruptions to live animal deliveries.
[a5.6] As per [4.1], the LAG only applies to Royal Mail Special Delivery. Customers who choose Royal Mail Standard accept full responsibility for potential losses, especially during winter.
Terms for International Orders, [b]:
INTb1 (acceptance of terms)
[b1.1] Orders are shipped at the buyer's own risk. This is clearly stated in bold on every product page. The Terms and Conditions of sale, including shipping and liability details, are accessible via links on all product pages and during checkout.
[b1.2] By ticking the box "I agree to the Terms and Conditions" when placing an order, you confirm that you have thoroughly read and understood these terms and accept legal responsibility for them. NO exceptions will be granted under any circumstances.
[b1.4] When you accept these legally binding terms, you declare that you possess all necessary import permits as required by law. Orders are shipped under the assumption that the correct documentation and permits are in place and will be presented upon arrival.
INTb2 (shipping methods)
[b2.1] Orders are shipped once a week on Mondays, with a cut-off time of 11:59pm (GMT) on Saturdays. As this is a one-man hobby managed in my spare time away from research, I regrettably am unable to ship orders multiple times a week like the other large, full-time vendors. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
[b2.2] Shipping days may be adjusted due to postal strikes, public holidays, or extreme weather conditions.
[b2.3] Orders are shipped using a registered international service, which aims to deliver within 14 days once the package has been processed through the exporting agency. *there have been severe delays since the pandemic which has negatively affected delivery times and can take up to 4 weeks*
[b2.4] Eggs also have an alternative option of being shipped via Royal Mail International Economy (no tracking), with an estimated delivery time of up to 60 days depending on the destination.
INTb3 (customs & import permits)
[b3.1] It is the buyer’s responsibility to check their country’s import regulations and ensure that the products purchased can be legally imported. Orders are processed under the assumption that the buyer has fulfilled this responsibility.
[b3.2] The buyer is responsible for ensuring that all necessary import permits are present upon arrival. Therefore, fraudulent orders where buyers have neglected to obtain the necessary import permits prior to purchase will hold the buyer liable for any issues related to the importation process. Any discrepancies or any attempts to falsify the possession of documents required is strictly prohibited.
[b3.3] In countries where import permits are required by customs laws, the buyer must present them in their name to comply with the regulations. By placing an order and confirming that you have read and understood the T&Cs, you agree that you acknowledge the requirement of import permits where necessary.
[b3.4] If an a package (or any part of its contents) is confiscated by customs due to missing or incorrect permits, we canot be held liable for any losses, and no refunds will be issued.
INTb4 (arrival of stock)
[b4.1] International shipping conditions are beyond our control. Orders placed outside the UK are entirely at the buyer’s risk.
[b4.2] Every care is taken to select healthy stock and pack shipments securely to ensure survival in transit.
[b4.3] If livestock arrives dead-on-arrival (DOA), we do not provide refunds or replacements for international orders as we have no control over its condition during transit, once the stock is handed over to the delivery partner,
[b4.5] We cannot held responsible for other issues that may arise during transit, including confiscation by customs due to the lack of a required permit or other issues related to the shipment such as delays or losses by the courier. This is due to the nature of international shipments and the risks associated, which are out of our control.
INTb5 (winter orders)
[b5.1] Buyers must ensure that temperatures in the destination country are suitable for receiving live animals.
[b5.2] If temperatures in the destination country drop below 5°C (40°F) at night, it is strongly recommended to delay ordering until warmer weather returns. Many species originate from tropical climates and do not tolerate cold conditions well.
[b5.3] If unexpected cold weather arises in the UK, shipping delays may occur. Notices will be posted on the website or sent via email if orders need to be postponed due to unsafe shipping conditions.
[b5.4] As stated in [4.1], all international orders are shipped at the buyer’s risk. No refunds will be issued for shipments affected by cold weather. Packages are shipped in good faith that all necessary checks are carried out prior to purchase, for the safe transit of the animals once they land in the destination country.
INTb6 (final acknowledgment & agreement)
[b6.1] By placing an order from outside the UK, the buyer fully accepts all associated risks. Proceeding with the purchase confirms that the buyer has read and understood these terms and agrees to assume complete responsibility for their order.
[b6.2] Orders are shipped only under the assumption that the buyer has familiarized themselves with the terms and conditions and has ensured compliance with import laws.
[b6.3] Any attempt to falsify import permits or misrepresent legal requirements is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
