Shipping Policy

Last Updated: April 29, 2025

This Shipping Policy explains how we handle order processing, shipping, and delivery for purchases made through the Wild Acres Farmstead online store. By placing an order with us, you agree to the terms outlined here.

1. Shipping Locations & Restrictions

Domestic Shipping Only: Wild Acres Farmstead currently ships orders only within the United States​. This includes the contiguous 48 states, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. (However, please note that delivery to Alaska or Hawaii may involve longer transit times and higher shipping costs, and certain large/heavy items may not be available to ship to those locations.) We do not ship to U.S. territories (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.) or internationally at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience to our international customers and hope to offer expanded shipping options in the future.

No P.O. Boxes for Certain Shipments: Because we use carriers like UPS and FedEx for many orders, we cannot ship to P.O. Box addresses for those shipments (UPS/FedEx do not deliver to P.O. boxes). If you enter a P.O. Box as the shipping address, we may contact you for a physical address. For orders that must go via USPS, P.O. Boxes are acceptable. To avoid delays, we recommend providing a standard street address for delivery.

Livestock/Local Pickup: Please note that live animals (livestock) are not shipped via carriers. If you purchase an animal from Wild Acres Farmstead, we will coordinate local pickup or delivery arrangements separately (this will be made clear in the product listing and through direct communication). Similarly, some large equipment or bulk farm items might be listed for local pickup only – those conditions will be specified on the product page.

2. Order Processing Time

Handling Time: We aim to process and ship all in-stock orders within 1–3 business days after the order is placed (business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). For example, if you place an order on Tuesday, we will typically ship by Friday at the latest. Orders placed on a weekend or holiday will be processed starting the next business day. In many cases, orders ship out the next day or even the same day, but this 1-3 day window accounts for variability in order volumes and farm operations.

Order Verification: After an order is placed, you may receive an order confirmation email. We may verify certain orders (particularly large orders or those with differing billing/shipping addresses) for security purposes, which could add a slight delay if we are unable to reach you. Please ensure your contact information is accurate so we can reach you if needed to confirm details.

Delays: If we anticipate a longer processing time (e.g., an item is temporarily back-ordered or there’s an unusually high order volume), we will let you know via email. We strive to meet our processing estimates, but please understand that occasional delays can occur (for instance, if an item is made in small batches and we experience a short production delay). If a delay exceeds a reasonable time, we will inform you and you have the option to cancel for a full refund before shipment.

3. Shipping Methods & Carriers

Wild Acres Farmstead uses reliable shipping carriers to ensure your order reaches you safely and in a timely manner. The carriers we most commonly use are United States Postal Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), and Federal Express (FedEx).

Carrier Selection: The shipping method for your order is typically determined by the system at checkout based on the items’ weight, dimensions, and your destination. We offer standard shipping options, and occasionally expedited options depending on the product. We reserve the right to select an alternative carrier or service if we find it will deliver your package more efficiently or if there are service issues (for example, if you selected USPS but we know UPS is currently more reliable for your area, we may use UPS at no extra cost to you). Our goal is to get your order to you in the best way possible.

Delivery Timeframes:
 

• Standard Shipping: Most orders are sent via standard ground services. Once shipped, delivery typically occurs within 2 to 7 business days depending on how far your location is from our farm in Indiana (or from the warehouse location). For example, Midwestern addresses might receive items in ~2-3 days, whereas West Coast could be ~5-7 days. Remember, these are estimates and actual delivery times can vary.
   

• Expedited Shipping: If you have an option to choose expedited shipping (e.g., 2-Day or 1-Day shipping) at checkout and select it, we will prioritize those orders. The processing time (1-3 days) still applies, but we try to ship expedited orders as quickly as possible (often same or next business day). Note that “2-Day” or “Overnight” refer to transit time once the carrier has the package. Expedited shipping costs more and will be calculated at checkout if available. If you need something urgently, you can also contact us and we’ll try to accommodate.
   

• Local Pickup/Delivery: If you are local to us (Northeast Indiana region) and we offer a local pickup option for certain products (like farm produce or livestock), you can arrange a pickup time. Local pickup orders have no shipping cost. We will contact you to schedule pickup (or you can reach out to us for an appointment). For limited situations, we might offer local delivery for bulky orders – terms would be arranged individually.
   

Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email notification with tracking information (tracking number and a link to track). The subject of the email might be “Your Wild Acres Farmstead order has shipped” or similar. Please use the tracking link to stay updated on the delivery status of your package.

4. Shipping Rates & Free Shipping Promotions

Calculated Shipping: Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout. Our store is set up to calculate rates automatically based on the combined weight of the items, the size of the package, and the destination zip code. We do not add handling fees beyond what the carrier charges; the rate you see is directly from the carrier’s rate calculation. You will be able to review the shipping cost before finalizing payment.

Multiple Items: If you order multiple items, the system will try to consolidate them into as few shipments as possible. In some cases, we may ship items separately (for instance, if one item is delayed or shipping from a different location). You will not be charged extra for separate shipments; the cost quoted at checkout covers the entire order. We will provide tracking for each package if the order is split into multiple shipments.

Free Shipping / Flat Rate Offers: Wild Acres Farmstead may run promotions or offer free shipping or flat-rate shipping in certain cases:
 

• For example, we might offer free standard shipping on orders over a certain amount (e.g., free shipping on orders over $X). If your order qualifies, the free shipping option will be shown at checkout. If you return items from such an order and the remaining total falls below the free shipping threshold, we reserve the right to deduct the normal shipping cost from your refund.
   

• Occasionally, we might provide a flat-rate shipping option for specific product categories or during special sales (e.g., “All candle orders ship for $5 flat”). Any such offers will be clearly advertised on our site and typically will have certain limitations (like within the continental U.S. only).
   

• Coupon Codes: Sometimes a coupon code might grant free shipping. If you have a valid free-shipping coupon, enter it at checkout and the shipping cost will be adjusted accordingly.
   

Exclusions: Free or flat-rate shipping promotions, when offered, may exclude certain heavy or oversized items, or deliveries to Alaska/Hawaii where costs are substantially higher. We’ll note any exclusions in the promotion details. Also, live animals and some farm equipment are excluded from standard shipping calculations and promotions, as they aren’t shipped via parcel services.

The bottom line: unless a free shipping promotion or coupon explicitly applies, the customer is responsible for all shipping costs for their orders. We strive to keep shipping costs reasonable and in line with actual carrier rates.

5. Order Tracking and Delivery

Tracking: As mentioned, once your order has shipped, you will receive a tracking number by email. You can use this to track the package on the carrier’s website (USPS, UPS, or FedEx). It may take up to 24 hours for tracking information to update after we send the notification, so if you don’t see movement immediately, please check again later. If you have an account on our website, you can also log in and check your order status and tracking info in your order history.

Delivery Confirmation: Our carriers usually provide delivery confirmation. According to the tracking, when an order is marked “delivered,” we consider it delivered. Be aware that sometimes a carrier will mark a package as delivered slightly before it actually arrives (for instance, towards the end of their route). If you get a delivery notice but can’t find the package, please allow a little time and double-check around your property (front door, back door, mailbox, with a neighbor, etc.).

Signature Requirement: For most orders, a signature is not required upon delivery, to make it convenient for you. However, for high-value orders or at our discretion, we may require a signature confirmation. If a signature is required, the carrier will generally leave a note if you are not home, and will attempt delivery again or allow you to pick up at their local facility. We will inform you if we have added a signature requirement to your shipment (usually via email or in the shipment notification).

Multiple Packages: If your order ships in more than one package, the emails we send will include tracking for each package, or we will send multiple emails. Packages may arrive on different days even if shipped at the same time, depending on carrier logistics. If you receive part of your order, please be patient for the rest, but feel free to contact us if something seems amiss.

6. Shipping Issues and Delays

While we work hard to ensure smooth and timely deliveries, issues can occasionally occur during shipping that are outside of our control. Here’s how we handle common scenarios:
 

• Delivery Delays: As noted earlier, delivery dates are estimates. Weather events, natural disasters, high shipping volumes (especially during holiday seasons), or carrier logistical problems can all lead to delays. Wild Acres Farmstead is not liable for delivery delays once a package has been handed over to the carrier​. We cannot refund shipping fees for transit delays caused by the carrier. However, if you notice a significant delay in your shipment (e.g., tracking hasn’t updated for many days), please reach out. We can sometimes open a case with the carrier to locate a stalled package. Most packages do eventually arrive. If a package is severely delayed beyond a reasonable window, we can discuss a resolution (such as sending a replacement or refunding the order) on a case-by-case basis.
   

• Lost Packages: If tracking shows that a package has not been delivered within a reasonable time after shipment (e.g., tracking stops moving and it’s well past the estimated delivery date), or if the carrier marks it as delivered but you did not receive it, please notify us. For non-delivered packages, we will file a lost package claim with the carrier. This process usually involves a short investigation by the carrier. We may ask you to check with neighbors or your local post office (for USPS) as part of this process. If the carrier confirms the package is lost, we will either send a replacement at no cost or issue you a full refund, depending on your preference and product availability. If tracking shows delivered but you cannot locate the package, we may require a brief waiting period (a few days) to see if it turns up (sometimes carriers prematurely mark delivered or a neighbor brings it by). If still not found, we treat it as lost/stolen and can assist accordingly.
   

• Incorrect Address / Undeliverable Packages: If a package is returned to us because of an incorrect or undeliverable address that you provided, we will contact you to confirm the address. We can reship the package to the correct address, but additional shipping charges will apply (we may ask you to pay the new shipping invoice before reshipment). To avoid this, please double-check your address during checkout. If you decide not to have the package re-sent, we can treat it as a return (with refund of the product cost minus the original shipping cost).
   

• Damaged Packages: If your package arrives and has been visibly damaged in transit, please refer to the Return & Refund Policy’s section on “Damaged in Transit” (Section 5 of that policy). In short, document the damage and contact us immediately. We will make sure you get a functional product, either by sending a replacement or refunding you, and we will handle the claim with the carrier.
   

• Weather Sensitivity: Some products (like candles or certain food items) can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. We take steps in our packaging to protect items (insulation, ice packs for perishables when needed, etc.), but in cases of very hot weather, candles or wax melts might soften or slightly melt. We recommend allowing them to cool/solidify at room temperature before handling. Such minor melting or softening during shipping is not typically considered “damage” as the product is still usable. However, if an item is completely ruined due to melting or freezing, please let us know and we will work with you (these cases are rare). We may adjust shipping timing around severe weather for certain products to mitigate this.
   

Carrier Contact: If you have specific delivery instructions or issues (for example, “leave the package at the side door” or you want to schedule a vacation hold), you might consider creating an account with the carrier’s online tools (UPS MyChoice, FedEx Delivery Manager, USPS Informed Delivery) to manage deliveries. Unfortunately, when we ship, we cannot control the exact delivery instructions beyond perhaps adding a note, but the carriers’ systems allow recipients to customize deliveries in many areas.

7. International Shipping (Not Currently Offered)

We currently do not ship outside the U.S., as noted. Any orders with an international shipping address will not be processed and will be canceled and refunded. If you are outside the U.S. and interested in our products, please contact us – we might be able to discuss a special arrangement or let you know if/when we expand our shipping range.

8. Changes to this Shipping Policy

Wild Acres Farmstead may update this Shipping Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our shipping practices or carrier rates. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy whenever you place an order to stay informed of how we will handle shipping for your purchase.

9. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns regarding shipping, please contact us:
 
​Wild Acres Farmstead LLC
2571 S 400 E
Marion, IN 46953 (USA)

Email: support@wildacresfarmstead.com (for general inquiries)
Phone: (765) 251-8949 (Call/Text)
 
We will be happy to assist you with any inquiries about shipping, delivery statuses, or special requests if possible. Thank you for shopping with Wild Acres Farmstead – we appreciate your support and will do our best to ensure your order reaches you smoothly!