Most online platforms require a shipping policy for your store in order for you to start selling. Your shipping policy can be as simple or as complicated as you like, as long as you include the most important points. If you're looking for a place to start, feel free to copy the text below and modify it based on your needs 😉
Note: the below example policy does not apply to your purchases on Pirate Ship; it is intended only for use as a template on your eCommerce platform(s).
Example Shipping Policy
Thank you for visiting and shopping at [YOUR WEBSITE/STORE NAME HERE]!
All of our orders are shipped via [USPS/UPS]. You will receive an email update with your tracking number once your order has shipped!
Delivery Times
All orders are processed within [INSERT ORDER PROCESSING TIME HERE]. Orders are not shipped or delivered on weekends or holidays.
If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by just a few days. Additionally, nationwide and global shipping delays (such as those caused by holiday volumes or inclement weather conditions) may have an impact on your estimated delivery date.
Domestic Shipments
Shipment method | Estimated delivery time | Shipping cost |
USPS Ground Advantage* | 2-5 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
USPS Priority Mail* | 1-3+ business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
USPS Priority Mail Express | 1-2 days guaranteed | [INSERT COST HERE] |
UPS Ground | 1-5 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
UPS 3 Day Select | 3 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
UPS 2nd Day Air | 2 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
UPS Next Day Air | 1 business day | [INSERT COST HERE] |
International Shipments
Shipment method | Estimated delivery time | Shipping cost |
First Class Package Int’l* | 1-4+ weeks | [INSERT COST HERE] |
Priority Mail Int’l* | 6-10+ days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
Priority Mail Express Int’l* | 3-5+ days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
Standard (Canada & Mexico) | 3-7 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
Worldwide Expedited | 2-5 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
Worldwide Saver | 1-3 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
Worldwide Express | 1-3 business days | [INSERT COST HERE] |
*Service is subject to shipping delays. Delivery times are estimates and not guarantees. Delivery estimates for all international services do not include customs processing times. Our store is not liable for any delays that may occur once your order has been shipped.
Tracking Your Order
Once your order has shipped, you will receive a tracking email within [INSERT TRACKING EMAIL TIMEFRAME HERE]. Please allow [USPS/UPS] up to 48 hours to reflect updates on their tracking page.
Customs, Duties, and Import Taxes
All fees imposed during or after shipping are the responsibility of the customer (tariffs, taxes, etc.). [IF YOU WISH TO REIMBURSE YOUR CUSTOMERS FOR THESE COSTS, ADD YOUR POLICY HERE]
Damages and Missing Orders
If you received your order damaged, or if the order appears to be lost during shipping, always contact [YOUR WEBSITE/STORE NAME HERE] first. Do not attempt to file a claim with [USPS/UPS] yourself. [YOUR WEBSITE/STORE NAME HERE] will file a claim on your behalf, and a refund or replacement may be issued pending your cooperation during the claim process.
If your order arrives damaged, please save all packaging materials and damaged goods for claim evidence purposes. Notice of damage must be provided within 15 days of delivery.
Photos of damaged items and both inner and outer packaging will be required when disclosing damage. Additional photos may be required throughout the claims process and are your responsibility, as the recipient, to provide them.
Do not release any products or packaging to any other entity, including the carrier, repair estimate facilitator, etc before consulting with [YOUR WEBSITE/STORE NAME HERE]. Doing so may risk invalidating the claim in progress and your ability to receive compensation for the lost or damaged item.
[REMOVE THIS SECTION IF YOU DO NOT SHIP VIA PRIORITY MAIL OR PURCHASE SHIPSURANCE COVERAGE]
Insurance Coverage [REMOVE IF YOU DO NOT PURCHASE SHIPSURANCE COVERAGE]
All of our shipments are fully insured, but we may require your assistance when proceeding with filing a claim. For missing shipments, we must file the claim within 120 calendar days from the date of the shipment. For damaged shipments, you must notify us within 15 calendar days of delivery.
Depending on the nature of your claim, you may need to provide photos of all outer and inner packaging as well as the package contents, and/or sign an affidavit that we send you once we begin the claim process.
Good Faith Cooperation
When an insurance claim needs to be filed for a shipment, both [YOUR WEBSITE/STORE NAME HERE] and you, the recipient, acknowledge both parties' respective responsibilities. Both parties agree to cooperate in good faith to provide any necessary items within the necessary timeframe as stipulated in the Terms and Conditions of insurance coverage. Should either party be unable or unwilling to fulfill the duties necessary for a successful claim approval, they may be liable for any losses not recovered.
Returns and Exchanges
[INSERT YOUR RETURN/EXCHANGE POLICY HERE, IF APPLICABLE. PLEASE NOTE THAT PIRATE SHIP ONLY SUPPORTS RETURN LABELS FOR DOMESTIC SHIPMENTS]
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your order, feel free to contact us! We typically reply within [INSERT RESPONSE TIME HERE].
Phone: [INSERT PHONE NUMBER HERE]
Email: [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS HERE]
Social: [INSERT SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES HERE]