Shipping policy
I can definitely help you draft a shipping policy for RK-Quality Glass.
Since RK-Quality Glass is a wholesale company dealing with glass products, the shipping policy needs to address the unique considerations of bulk orders, fragility, and business-to-business logistics.
To make this policy as comprehensive and accurate as possible, please provide specific details on the following:
- Shipping Locations: Where do you ship to (e.g., contiguous US only, Canada, internationally)?
- Order Processing Time: How long does it typically take from when an order is placed (and paid/approved) until it's ready for shipment? (e.g., 2-3 business days, 5-7 business days for large orders).
- Shipping Carriers: Which carriers do you primarily use for wholesale shipments (e.g., UPS Freight, FedEx Freight, LTL carriers, common carriers)? Do you offer multiple options?
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Freight Costs:
- FOB Origin vs. Destination: Is shipping typically FOB Origin (customer pays and owns goods once they leave your dock) or FOB Destination (you pay and own goods until delivery)? FOB Origin is more common for wholesale.
- How are shipping costs calculated (e.g., weight, dimensions, destination, freight quotes)?
- Do you offer "Freight Collect" (customer pays carrier directly) or "Prepay & Add" (you pay carrier, add to invoice)?
- Do you offer free shipping for orders over a certain value? (Less common for wholesale, but possible).
- Customer's Own Shipping: Can customers arrange their own shipping using their carrier accounts? If so, what is the process?
- Packaging: How are glass products packaged to ensure safety during transit (e.g., custom crating, palletizing, reinforced boxes)?
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Delivery Expectations:
- Do you require a signature upon delivery?
- Is there a lift-gate service option (and who pays)?
- What should the customer do upon delivery (inspect for damages, sign clean BOL or note damages)?
- Shipping Insurance: Is shipping insurance included or an optional add-on? Who is responsible for filing claims with the carrier in case of damage (you or the customer)? (Typically, if FOB Origin, the customer is responsible, but you might assist).
- Tracking: How do customers receive tracking information?
- International Shipping (if applicable): What are the additional considerations (customs, duties, taxes, documentation)? Who is responsible for these?
- Handling of Damaged Shipments: Reference your Refund & Return Policy here.
Once I have this information, I can draft a detailed and clear shipping policy for RK-Quality Glass.
In the meantime, here's a general template for a wholesale shipping policy for fragile goods, which you can customize:
RK-Quality Glass - Wholesale Shipping Policy
Last Updated: June 5, 2025
At RK-Quality Glass, we understand the importance of secure and timely delivery of your wholesale glass products. This Shipping Policy outlines our procedures and your responsibilities regarding the shipment of your orders.
1. Order Processing & Lead Time a. All wholesale orders are processed upon successful payment or credit approval. b. Typical order processing time is [e.g., 2-5 business days] for in-stock items. For large or custom orders, processing times may extend to [e.g., 7-14 business days]. We will provide an estimated lead time at the time of order confirmation. c. Orders are processed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.
2. Shipping Locations a. RK-Quality Glass ships to wholesale customers within [e.g., the contiguous United States / North America / worldwide]. b. For international shipments, please see Section 6.
3. Freight Costs & Terms a. All shipments are made FOB Origin (RK-Quality Glass Facility). This means that ownership and risk of loss for the products pass to the Wholesale Partner upon our delivery of the goods to the chosen carrier. b. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the Wholesale Partner. These costs are calculated based on the total weight, dimensions, destination, and selected shipping method of your order. c. Freight Quotes: We will provide a shipping quote for your approval before finalizing your order. d. Payment for Freight: Shipping charges will be [e.g., Prepay & Add to your invoice / billed directly to your provided carrier account / available for Freight Collect upon delivery].
4. Shipping Carriers & Methods a. RK-Quality Glass primarily ships via [e.g., LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight carriers such as FedEx Freight, UPS Freight, or other reputable common carriers] for bulk orders to ensure safe transport. b. For smaller wholesale orders, we may utilize [e.g., UPS Ground, FedEx Ground]. c. We reserve the right to choose the most appropriate shipping method and carrier unless otherwise specified by the Wholesale Partner. d. Customer's Own Shipping: Wholesale Partners may arrange for their own shipping and pickup using their preferred carrier accounts. Please notify us at the time of order placement if you wish to arrange your own shipping. We will provide pickup details once your order is ready.
5. Packaging & Protection a. All glass products are meticulously packaged to minimize the risk of damage during transit. This includes [e.g., robust corrugated boxes, custom foam inserts, secure palletizing, shrink-wrapping, and appropriate labeling for fragile contents]. b. Larger orders are typically shipped on pallets to enhance stability and protection.
6. Delivery & Inspection a. Signature Required: All wholesale shipments will require a signature upon delivery. b. Immediate Inspection: Upon receipt of your order, it is CRITICAL that you immediately and thoroughly inspect all packages and products for any visible signs of damage, shortages, or discrepancies before signing the Bill of Lading (BOL) or delivery receipt. c. Documenting Damages: * If damage is visible: Note all damages directly on the carrier's BOL or delivery receipt before signing. Be as specific as possible (e.g., "Crushed carton, 3 broken items"). * Take photos: Capture clear photographs of the damaged packaging and products before the driver leaves. * Refusal (Severe Damage): In cases of severe, irreparable damage to a significant portion of the shipment, you may refuse the damaged portion of the delivery, making sure to clearly note the refusal reason on the BOL. d. Reporting Claims: Any damages, shortages, or incorrect items discovered must be reported to RK-Quality Glass within 48 hours of delivery as detailed in our Wholesale Refund & Return Policy. Failure to properly document damages on the BOL or report them within the specified timeframe may result in the denial of your claim.
7. Shipping Insurance a. [Choose one or specify]: * Option A (Common for FOB Origin): Shipping insurance is the responsibility of the Wholesale Partner. We recommend obtaining appropriate insurance for your shipments. RK-Quality Glass is not liable for damages incurred during transit. * Option B (If you arrange & include): RK-Quality Glass includes standard shipping insurance on all shipments up to a certain value. For additional insurance coverage, please request a quote at the time of order. b. Damage Claims: In the event of transit damage, RK-Quality Glass will [e.g., assist you in filing a claim with the carrier / file the claim on your behalf], provided you have followed the inspection and documentation procedures in Section 6.
8. Tracking Your Order a. Once your order has shipped, we will provide you with tracking information via [e.g., email]. You can use this information to monitor the progress of your shipment directly through the carrier's website.
9. International Shipping (If Applicable) a. For international wholesale orders, the Wholesale Partner is solely responsible for all customs duties, taxes, tariffs, and any other fees imposed by the destination country. b. RK-Quality Glass will provide necessary customs documentation. c. Delays due to customs processing are beyond our control.
10. Delays & Force Majeure a. RK-Quality Glass is not responsible for shipping delays or non-delivery caused by factors beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: carrier delays, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, acts of government, or other force majeure events.