Shipping Policy
Standard POD Shipping Timeline
Your policy should break down the total wait time into two distinct phases:
- Production Time: Usually 5–7 business days to print and pack.
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Shipping Time: Once dispatched, delivery typically takes:
- Domestic (Standard): 3–8 business days.
- Domestic (Express): 2–3 business days.
- International: 10–30 business days (varies significantly by country)
Essential Policy Clauses
Include these specific terms to protect your business and set customer expectations:
- Production Delays: State that processing times may increase during peak seasons (e.g., holidays).
- Split Shipments: Mention that items in the same order may arrive in separate packages if they are fulfilled by different print providers.
- Address Accuracy: Explicitly state that you are not responsible for orders delivered to an incorrect address provided by the customer.
- Customs & Duties: For international orders, clarify that the customer is responsible for any import taxes or duties.
- Tracking: Confirm that tracking numbers will be provided via email once the item leaves the production facility.
How to Handle Issues
- Damaged/Defective Items: Offer a free replacement or refund if the product arrives damaged or with a printing error, provided it is reported within a set timeframe (e.g., 30 days) with photo evidence.
- Lost in Transit: Specify that if tracking shows no movement for an extended period, you will issue a replacement.
- Buyer’s Remorse: Most POD businesses do not accept returns for wrong sizes or changed minds because items are custom-made; clearly state this to avoid disputes.