Shipping
SHIPPING
A. Shippers/Carriers/Shipping Methods (USA)
We ship via the United States Postal Service (USPS); FedEx Express (not Ground nor Home Delivery), and United Parcel Service (UPS).
Available shippers and shipping methods:
- US Postal Service – Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, and Media Mail
- UPS – Ground and SurePost*
- FedEx - OneRate
* The UPS SurePost service provides the convenience of UPS shipping and USPS-delivery to customers' mailboxes. UPS determines if UPS or the USPS completes the final mile of delivery of each shipment. Delivery time is approximately 1 to 2 days longer than regular UPS Ground. SurePost can also deliver to PO Box addresses. The simplest way to think of how SurePost works is that UPS will transport and deliver your package to your local post office (instead of to you directly), then your local post office mail carrier will deliver it to you with your regular daily mail delivery.
B. Shippers/Carriers/Shipping Methods (International)
We ship via the United States Postal Service (USPS) with delivery confirmation, if available; UPS Mail Innovations International, and FedEx Express.
Available shippers and shipping methods:
- US Postal Service – 1st Class Mail Parcel International, Priority Mail International, Express Mail International
- UPS Mail Innovations – International Economy*
- FedEx (Air Express) - International Priority and International Economy
C. Shipping Cost - USA Lower 48 States
Three (3) options are available which are: Small Parcel, Flat Rate Standard, and Flat Rate Expedited.
- Ground Advantage LW – For orders containing small lightweight items with a total weight of no more than 15 ounces.
- The cost is dynamic (based on the weight). Please use our shipping calculator to determine the cost. Just add an item(s) to the shopping cart, and then click on the Shopping Cart symbol (located at the top right side of the webpage).
- Orders shipped this method will transit via the US Postal Service [via either Ground Advantage, or Media Mail (if the order qualifies)].
- Transit time is NOT guaranteed, and can range between 1 to 10 business days [2 to 15 business days for Media Mail].
- Checkout will offer this method only if the system estimates that the total shipping weight of the order is no more than 15 ounces.
- This shipping method cannot be used if your order contains any items considered hazardous (see Hazardous Items section for more information).
- Flat Rate Standard
- $9.99 for orders totaling (excluding shipping cost) up to $100.00
- $7.99 for orders totaling (excluding shipping cost) between $100.01 and $200.00
- Free shipping for orders totaling (excluding shipping cost and tax) over $200.00
• Transit time is NOT guaranteed, and can range from 1 to 15 business days (though in most cases it is not expected to exceed 7 business days).
- Flat Rate Expedited
- $16.99 for orders totaling (excluding shipping cost) up to $100.00
- $9.99 for orders totaling (excluding shipping cost) between $100.01 and $200.00
- $5.99 for orders totaling (excluding shipping cost) over $200.00
• Transit time will range from 1 to 5 business days.
• This method cannot be used for a PO Box address. In the event this method is selected for a PO Box shipping address, your order will be handled the same as Flat Rate Standard.
* The UPS SurePost service provides the convenience of UPS shipping and USPS-delivery to customers' mailboxes. UPS determines if UPS or the USPS completes the final mile of delivery of each shipment. Delivery time is approximately 1 to 2 days longer than regular UPS Ground. SurePost can also deliver to PO Box addresses. The simplest way to think of how SurePost works is that UPS will transport and deliver your package to your local post office (instead of to you directly), then your local post office mail carrier will deliver it to you with your regular daily mail delivery.
D. Shipping Cost - USA All Other Locations Except Lower 48 States
The cost is dynamic (based on the weight and service level desired). Please use our shipping calculator to determine your shipping options and associated cost. Just add an item(s) to the shopping cart, and then click on the Shopping Cart symbol (located at the top right side of the webpage). Provide your shipping information and the different shipping options along with the shipping cost will be displayed.
If your order contains any items considered hazardous (see Hazardous Items section for more information), then the only valid shipping method is Ground Advantage. If you place an order with an item(s) that is considered hazardous for air shipping, the shipping method for that order will be changed automatically to Parcel Select. Any additional cost (if any) will need to be collected before the order ships.
E. Shipping Cost - Non-USA / International Customers
International shipping options are offered via the US Postal Service, FedEx (Air express); or our International Economy service (see Shippers/Carriers/Shipping Methods section for more information about this method) .
The cost is dynamic (based on the weight and service level desired). Please use our shipping calculator to determine your shipping options and cost. Just add an item(s) to the shopping cart, and then click on the Shopping Cart symbol (located at the top right side of the webpage). Provide your shipping information and the different shipping options along with the shipping cost will be displayed.
Shipping time estimates may be obtained from each shipping company’s website (USPS: www.usps.com; UPS: www.ups.com;). We ship from US Zip Code: 64068.
Sprue Brothers Models LLC does not, express or implied, guarantee any transit times or delivery dates. Any shipping times stated are estimates only.
Sprue Brothers Models LLC has no control over any package shipped once it leaves our warehouse and goes into the possession of the shipping company, thus Sprue Brothers Models LLC does not bear any responsibility for any late deliveries or any damaged or lost packages. However all packages shipped via UPS or USPS are insured. We will assist in the completion of any and all valid insurance claims. Any insurance claim determination is made solely by the shipping company and/or their designated insurance company. Sprue Brothers Models LLC does not have anything to do with determination of any insurance claims.
Additionally, please be aware that the US Postal Service does not offer any guarantee for transit times/delivery date for any of their services except for Express Mail. And that the transit time/delivery dates listed by the USPS are estimates only (and appear to be based on ideal conditions which does not happen most of the time, especially in the winter). Please expect the actual delivery date could be later than what is stated by the USPS.
Certain items (such as certain paints and glues) are considered hazardous for shipping and can only be shipped via a ground method. These items are clearly noted.
- US Customers - If a hazardous item is in your shopping cart, the entire order can only be shipped via a ground shipping method (UPS Ground, UPS SurePost or USPS Parcel Post). If you place an order with an item(s) that is considered hazardous for air shipping, the shipping method for that order will be switched automatically to the least expensive ground shipping method available. In the event you select a shipping method that cannot be used for hazardous items, you will be contacted to pay the additional cost of the shipping method that can be used prior to shipping.
- Non-US/International Customers – We cannot ship any hazardous items to you because there is no method to ship you a hazardous item at a reasonable cost (the US post office discontinued surface mail service in 2007).
Special delivery request such as, but not limited to: delivery time (such as “only delivery in the AM”), delivery location (such as “leave on front porch” or “leave with neighbor”, etc), can be made however we have no way to direct or require a delivery driver to comply. Delivery drivers handle all packages within the policies and procedures of their company (UPS/USPS//etc). Sprue Brothers Models LLC does not accept any responsibility for any requests of a delivery company/driver that such driver/company does not comply with.
Please note that once the shipping carrier has received the package from us, we have no control over it (no different than if you were to ship a package). Thus, Sprue Brothers Models LLC cannot take responsibility for any packages once the shipping carrier takes it from our possession. However, if insurance is available, we will make all efforts to assist with any claims you have with the shipping carrier should there be an issue with the shipping carrier (loss or damage).
J. International Packages/Parcels
No true "tracking" is available for Air Mail, First Class International or Priority Mail International. We do provide the customs form number for your shipment as it has been reported to us that certain countries may use the Customs Form number like a tracking number. If you need tracking for an international shipment, you would need to select Express Mail International (EMS) service.
The shipping cost does not include any customs fees, duties, taxes OR any additional charges incurred with your local post office or government. These are charged by your local customs office/government and we have no control over if they will charge you or how much they will charge you. Please contact your local customs office more information.
Please do not ask us to provide false information on customs forms. We do not falsify invoices, customs forms or shipping labels. The customer is responsible for any applicable custom fees, duties or taxes. Any questions regarding those fees, duties or taxes should be directed to your local authorities. Refused packages will affect return credit.
K. Combining Orders for Shipping
The only way to guarantee all the items you order are shipped together is to place them on the same order. Once an order is placed, it is not likely it can be combined with another order.
L. Shipping Costs of $0.00 or $0.01
When placing an order and a shipping cost of $0.00 or $0.01 is shown by the shopping cart (and the shipping method not indicate it is for free shipping), this means the system was unable calculate the shipping cost. In this event, we will contact you with the shipping cost for your approval prior to shipping your order. NOTE - we can only do this if the order is actually placed (please complete checkout fully) otherwise your order is not recorded by our system and there is no way we would know to provide you a shipping cost.
M. Information About Tracking Numbers
For UPS, FedEx or USPS, it can take up to one business day before tracking shows any data. For USPS, please note that their scanning systems are not as good/reliable as UPS so occasionally the only scan shown is the delivery scan.
For international customers who select International Economy as the shipping method, it can take sometimes up to a week before tracking shows any data.
Returns are accepted up to 14 days from your receipt of your order as indicated by tracking. Returns must be received back in the same condition it was received. Unless the return is a result of our error, you are responsible for the return shipping cost. If there is an error, please contact us at help@spruebrothers.com before sending it back, This way we can work with you on the best way to solve the problem.
The easiest way to start the return process is to log into your account. Then click on the "person" silhouette in the top right corner of the screen. Then go to the Orders section, and click on where it says "Return Items?" for the associated order. Then complete the return form, and we will reply to the return request typically within one (1) business day.
If the item was purchased via Guest Checkout, email us at help@spruebrothers.com and tell us the Order Number, what item(s) you want to return, the return reason, and your preference of Store Credit, Replacement, or Something Else (please specify). Return instructions along with the RMA # will typically be provided in one (1) business day.
O. Route Package Protection Shipping Insurance
Route Protect is a package protection solution that helps cover you in the event that your order gets lost, stolen, or damaged while in transit. We know how frustrating it is to have something happen to your order, so we’ve partnered with Route to offer added assurance that you’re supported, no matter what. Route Protect is automatically added during checkout, however you can opt out if you prefer not to have this protection for your order. If you opt out, you are then only potentially covered by the shipping company's insurance (if offered). For example, USPS Ground Advantage does not come with any insurance, and UPS Ground comes with up to $100 of coverage.