Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

Last updated: August 15, 2026

I want your order from The Thoughtful Tinkerer to arrive safely and as quickly as reasonably possible. The following policy explains order processing, shipping, tracking, and how shipping-related problems are handled.

Order Processing

Orders are generally processed and shipped within 5 business days.

Many orders ship sooner because I keep inventory of commonly ordered products on hand. However, some products or variations may need to be manufactured after an order is placed.

The 5-business-day processing period allows time for production, inspection, packaging, and unexpected production delays when necessary.

Business days do not include weekends or recognized holidays.

If an unexpected issue is likely to prevent an order from shipping within the stated processing time, I will make reasonable efforts to contact the customer with an update.

Domestic Shipping

The Thoughtful Tinkerer currently ships website orders within the United States.

Orders are currently shipped using USPS services.

Available shipping methods and costs, when applicable, are displayed during checkout.

International shipping is not currently available through the website but may be offered in the future.

Free Shipping

Orders totaling $100 or more qualify for free standard shipping where offered at checkout.

Free shipping applies to the original shipment only. Additional shipping costs resulting from an incorrect or incomplete address supplied by the customer may still apply.

Tracking

All orders include shipment tracking.

When an order ships, tracking information will be provided using the contact information associated with the order.

Tracking information may take some time to update after a shipping label is created or after the package is transferred to the carrier.

Delivery Times

Carrier delivery estimates are estimates and are separate from The Thoughtful Tinkerer's order-processing time.

Once a package has been accepted by the shipping carrier, actual transit and delivery timing are outside my direct control. Weather, holidays, carrier disruptions, routing problems, and other circumstances may cause delays.

If a shipment appears to be significantly delayed or lost, please contact me and I will assist with the appropriate carrier inquiry or claim process when possible.

Packages Marked Delivered but Not Received

If tracking shows that a package was delivered but you cannot locate it, please first check around the delivery location, including mailboxes, porches, garages, alternate doors, parcel lockers, household members, neighbors where appropriate, or other secure locations where the carrier may have placed the package.

If the package still cannot be located after one postal business day, please contact me.

I will review the tracking information and assist with a carrier inquiry when appropriate.

Packages marked as delivered but reported missing are handled on a case-by-case basis. A replacement or refund is not automatically guaranteed solely because a package cannot be located after a delivery scan. I will make a reasonable effort to investigate the situation and determine an appropriate resolution based on the available information and carrier findings.

Lost or Delayed Packages

If tracking stops updating or a shipment appears to have been lost in transit, please contact me.

When appropriate, I will work with USPS to initiate a service request, missing-mail search, insurance claim, or other applicable process.

If a shipment is confirmed lost in transit, I will work with the customer toward an appropriate replacement or refund.

Incorrect or Incomplete Shipping Addresses

Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address when placing an order.

If a package is returned because the customer supplied an incorrect or incomplete address, the customer is responsible for the cost of shipping the order again. This applies even when the original order qualified for free shipping.

If an order has not yet shipped and you notice an address error, contact me as soon as possible. I will make reasonable efforts to correct the address before shipment.

If a package has already been shipped or delivered to an incorrect address provided with the order, recovery may not be possible. Any replacement, refund, or reshipment will be evaluated based on the circumstances.

Packages Damaged During Shipping

If your order arrives damaged, please retain the product and all original shipping materials and contact me as soon as reasonably possible.

Please provide photographs of the damaged product and, when applicable, photographs showing damage to the shipping box or packaging.

If the product is damaged but the outer package shows no obvious carrier damage, I will generally provide the appropriate replacement part or other reasonable resolution.

If the shipping package itself was damaged by the carrier and the contents were damaged as a result, photographs and the original packaging may be required for a carrier insurance claim.

I will work with you to determine the appropriate replacement, refund, or claim process.

Order Changes and Cancellations

If you need to change or cancel an order, please contact me as soon as possible.

I will make reasonable efforts to accommodate changes or cancellations before production or shipment, but I cannot guarantee that an order can be changed or canceled once fulfillment has begun.

Personalized, customized, or custom-designed products may be subject to additional cancellation restrictions as described in the Return and Refund Policy or any project-specific agreement.