Shipping  Companies Click Here

Packaging Click Here

Insurance Click Here

International  Orders Click Here

Shipping Policy & Information

• Item prices prices DO NOT include shipping or handling fees.
• Shipping weight and package size are calculated with a complex computer program using product weights and dimensions, which are used to determine the rates directly from the US Postal Service and/or UPS. This will be validated when we prepare your order. It is accurate for most shipments, and our intent is to closely estimate our cost for shipping so that we can process your order on-line and give the customer the lowest possible shipping charge.  Although in some instances, we will automatically issue a shipping refund if appropriate.
• Shipping costs shown are determined by the shipping company rate (based on weight, package size, items value, and destination) plus our handling fee.  Handling fees are reasonable charges to cover packaging materials (boxes, labels, etc.), insurance, and any international fees (if applicable.) 
• Once you complete your order online or confirm by telephone, we will proceed with processing and shipping your order without waiting for further verification, unless there are questions written in the "notes" section of the checkout.
  
• Unless special arrangements have been made (for example, a wholesale order), we require full payment for your order before we ship.
• We typically ship within one to three business days from confirmation of your order.  Some orders require extra care for the large size and/or fragile nature of the order.  If you provided an e-mail address, we will send to you an e-confirmation, which verifies shipping date.
  

• The fastest way to make an urgent order request is to Contact Us by Telephone  in order to determine if we can help you. 
• We will do everything possible to ship your order when we promise.  Once the order leaves our office and is in possession of the shipping company, we cannot be responsible for circumstances beyond our control, such as delays due to inclement weather.
• Further, we cannot be responsible for incidental problems arising from these types of circumstances (for example, a misdirected or lost package.)  However, we will try our best to work towards a resolution of any problems, and to keep you advised of the situation.
• Our standard Express service is via USPS Express, which guarantees delivery, usually in 1-2 business days within the USA.
• International Express (outside USA) is offered to many but not all locations.  Typical delivery to Canada and Australia is around 5-6 business days (about a week), and varies for other locations. This service does NOT provide a guaranteed delivery date.
• USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground (depending on location) may also be viable options for less urgent requests which still require a certain delivery date.  Note, however, that these services are not guaranteed. 

Shipping Companies - Domestic (USA) Orders

• We typically ship either by US Postal Service or UPS (within the USA only), due to their overall reliability, value, convenient options, and their proximity to our office.
• Appropriate shipping options will be offered to you in the online checkout process, and determined according to package weight, item value, and shipping destination.
• If you call us to place an order, we will try to calculate shipping options for you over the phone, so that you may select an option.
• We insure and put a tracking number on all domestic (USA) packages. 
  
• If your insured parcel was damaged or lost, you may choose whether or not to receive a refund or to receive replacement items.  However a refund will NOT be processed until the claim is resolved by the shipping company, which could take 4-6 weeks.

Insurance & Shipping Problems

• We insure all domestic (USA) orders.  This postal insurance only covers your package while in possession of the shipping company.
  
• Insurance does NOT cover incidental damages as a result of circumstances over which we have no control, for example, delays due to inclement weather, or packages stolen* or mislaid once delivered. 
  
• For domestic orders (USA), you must notify us within 14 days of the purchase (shipping) date if there is a problem with delivery or loss/damage of your merchandise.
• We cannot process a return, exchange, or claim for loss/damage if you have not notified us within 14 days (USA) from the purchase (shipping) date.  Click HERE to read more information about our Return/Exchange Policy.

Shipping - International (Outside USA)

• For international orders, the only shipping options available are via US Postal Service, and include First Class (no tracking or insurance), Priority Mail, and Express.  See "Express" section above for more information.
  
• We will insure all international orders valued at $100 USD or more, and/or if the parcel weighs more than 4 pounds.  This postal insurance only covers your package while in possession of the shipping company.
• If the value is less than $100 USD, we offer the option of declining this insurance.  However, if declined, ATU cannot assume any responsibility for lost or damaged packages.
• For international parcels which are insured (to Canada & beyond), you must notify us within 21 days of the purchase (shipping) date if there is a problem with delivery or loss/damage of your merchandise.  Sorry, we cannot track or recover uninsured parcels.
• We cannot process a return, exchange, or claim for loss/damage if you have not notified us within 21 days (outside USA) from the purchase (shipping) date. 
• If you choose to insure the parcel, and it was damaged or lost, we can send replacement items only after the claim has been resolved by the shipping company, which could take 4-6 weeks.
• Postal Insurance does not cover stolen or mislaid parcels/merchandise, once the shipping company delivers the parcel.  (See above note on Stolen Merchandise.)
• Please be aware of your country's customs's taxes and fees which you may have to pay upon receipt.
  

Packaging