Shipping policy

The Macrocosm ships both live invertebrates and physical (non-living) products. Because these items require different handling, shipping policies are outlined separately below. Placing an order indicates agreement with the terms described on this page.


Live Animal Shipping (Live Invertebrates)

This section applies to all live invertebrates, including but not limited to springtails, isopods, and other cultured insects.

Shipping Schedule

Live animals ship Monday–Wednesday, unless the destination is experiencing consistently safe weather conditions. Orders placed after Wednesday may be held until the following week. Live animals are not shipped before weekends or major holidays.

This schedule is intentional and helps ensure safe transit and live arrival.

Temperature Requirements (IMPORTANT)

To protect the health and viability of live animals, destination temperatures must meet the following criteria: The 7-day average temperature at the destination must be between 45°F and 85°F. If destination temperatures fall outside this range, the order may be held or cancelled at our discretion. Compliance with these temperature guidelines is required for shipment.

Weather Monitoring

Local weather conditions for each order are reviewed prior to shipment, including temperature trends at both the shipping origin and destination. Shipping decisions, weather holds, and delivery requirements are determined based on these conditions to ensure the safety and viability of live animals.

Processing Time

Orders require 1–3 business days to prepare before being transferred to the carrier. Some orders may ship the same day, depending on order volume and timing. The Macrocosm is independently owned and operated, and all orders are prepared carefully by a small, one-person team with the support of one assistant.

If your order is time-sensitive, please contact me before or immediately after placing your order so we can discuss shipping options and establish a more defined delivery timeline. While we do our best to accommodate requests, same-day or expedited handling cannot be guaranteed without prior communication.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as each order is handled with care.

Shipping Methods & Costs

  • Priority shipping is free on orders of $50 or more
  • Express shipping is free on orders of $200 or more
  • Live animals ship via ground or priority shipping by default, depending on order value
  • Buyers may select upgraded or express shipping at checkout, which is fully paid by the buyer
  • All express shipping orders ship Monday through Wednesday only
  • Insulation and protective packaging are used as needed based on weather conditions
  • U.S. shipping only for live animals
  • Shipping method availability may vary based on destination, weather, and carrier limitations.

Extreme Weather Delivery Requirements

During periods of extreme weather, additional delivery precautions may be required to ensure the safety of live animals. At our discretion, we may require one or more of the following:

  • Signature confirmation at delivery, requiring the recipient to be present
  • Hold for pickup at the local post office, where the buyer must retrieve the package with a valid photo ID

These measures are used to minimize exposure to unsafe temperatures and prevent packages from being left unattended. Failure to comply with required delivery instructions may void the live arrival guarantee.

Live Arrival Guarantee, Carrier Issues & Transit Delays

Every order is individually reviewed prior to shipment. If we determine that the default delivery date or selected shipping method presents a high risk to live arrival, we may propose alternative shipping dates or methods, or cancel the order if a safe option is not available.

We personally guarantee live arrival on all orders that are approved for shipment and released to the carrier.

In addition, we cover loss in transit, damage caused by the carrier, and carrier-related delays on all approved shipments. If an issue occurs during transit, we will work directly with the buyer to resolve it through replacement or store credit, in accordance with the terms of this policy.

Weather Holds & Buyer Responsibilities

Live invertebrates are sensitive to temperature and handling. Orders may be delayed or held if conditions are deemed unsafe due to:

  • Extreme heat or cold
  • Severe weather events
  • Postal service disruptions

Customers are responsible for:

  • Monitoring tracking information
  • Ensuring someone is available to receive the package
  • Complying with any required signature or pickup instructions
  • Providing a correct and secure shipping address

DOA Procedure Reference

Live cultures may appear temporarily inactive upon arrival due to CO₂ buildup during transit. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for recovery and review the DOA Assessment & Recovery Procedure before assessing condition or reporting an issue.

 

Physical Product Shipping (Artwork & Accessories)

This section applies to all non-living items, including:

  • Original artwork
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Pins
  • Other physical goods

Processing & Shipping

Physical products ship year-round. Physical products are processed within 1–2 business days.

Shipping Methods & Costs

  • Ground shipping is free on orders of $35 or more
  • Shipping rates are calculated at checkout.
  • Tracking information will be provided when available.

General

This section applies to all items.

Combined Orders

If an order contains both live animals and physical products, shipping charges will reflect the handling requirements of live animals and selected shipping methods.

Address Accuracy

Please review your shipping address carefully before placing an order.
The Macrocosm is not responsible for:

  • Delays caused by incorrect or incomplete addresses
  • Packages marked as delivered by the carrier

Questions

If you have questions about temperature requirements, processing times, delivery options, or weather holds, please contact me by submitting a form here.