Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

At Waldor Orchids, we are dedicated to delivering healthy, high-quality plants from our New Jersey greenhouse to your doorstep. Because live orchids are perishable and sensitive to transit conditions, we adhere to a strict shipping protocol to ensure their safe arrival.

1. Weekly Shipping Schedule
* Weather Permitting: All orders are shipped on Monday or Tuesday of the week following the date the order was placed. 
* Why we do this: Shipping early in the week prevents your delicate plants from sitting in cold or hot carrier warehouses over the weekend.
* Date Changes: Please contact us via phone at (609) 927-4126 if your shipping date must be changed. An extra charge may apply.

2. Carrier Options & Actual Costs
* Actual Cost Billing: Shipping via US Mail, UPS, and FedEx is charged at actual cost.
* Carrier Flexibility: To ensure the health of the plants, we reserve the right to switch the shipping carrier if necessary to guarantee a safer or faster delivery.
* Our Shipping Methods:
  - US Express Mail: Highly recommended if there is any question regarding the weather (usually overnight, but occasionally 2-day service).
  - US Priority Mail: Arrives in 2–3 days with shipping tracking and confirmation.
  - UPS and FedEx: Available especially for larger and heavier packages. Contact us for special arrangements and pricing.

3. Complimentary Shipping Insurance
* Peace of Mind: As a courtesy, we insure all shipments at no cost to our customers.

4. Plant Packaging (Bare-Root vs. In-Pot)
* Standard Method: Plants will be shipped out-of-bloom and usually bare-root to protect their foliage and roots during transit, unless we specify otherwise.
* Special Requests: Plants can be shipped in-pot upon special request (additional packing or handling fees may apply).

5. Weather Holds & Winter Heat Packs
* Weather Holds: Your order may be held due to unfavorable weather conditions—either at our shipping location in New Jersey, along the transit route, or at your final delivery location.
* Customer Monitoring: Although we take all precautions to avoid severe weather conditions, kindly let us know if the weather in your area does not appear to be conducive to shipping.
* Winter Heat Packs: If heat packs are necessary during the winter months, a fee of $2.00 for each pack will be charged. Heat packs are single-use and should be discarded after opening your shipment.

6. Address Accuracy & Return Shipping
* Buyer Responsibility: The buyer is responsible for supplying Waldor Orchids with their correct, up-to-date address when placing an order. Otherwise, merchandise returned to us will be reshipped at the buyer's expense.

7. Damaged Shipments & Issues
* 24-Hour Notice: If there is a problem with your order, you must contact us within 24 hours of receiving your shipment. 
* Keep Packaging: Please keep the original box, all packing materials, and the mailing label so we can assist with carrier insurance claims.