Shipping
At Bittersweet Herb Farm, we are committed to delivering your order promptly and securely. This Shipping Policy outlines our shipping methods, delivery times, costs, and important information about receiving your order.
Domestic Shipping (United States)
We ship to all 50 U.S. states and territories. Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays).
Shipping Methods and Delivery Times
- Standard Shipping (USPS/UPS): 5-7 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 3-4 business days
- Express Shipping: 2-3 business days
- Priority Express: 1-2 business days
Processing Time: Please note that delivery times begin after your order has been processed and shipped, not from the date of purchase. Processing typically takes 1-2 business days.
Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of your order and your delivery address. The exact shipping cost will be displayed at checkout before you complete your purchase.
Free Standard Shipping: Orders over $75 qualify for free standard shipping within the continental United States (excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories).
International Shipping
We currently ship to select international locations. International shipping rates and delivery times vary significantly based on destination and customs processing.
- Canada: 7-14 business days
- United Kingdom: 10-20 business days
- European Union: 10-21 business days
- Australia/New Zealand: 14-28 business days
Customs, Duties, and Taxes
International customers are responsible for all customs duties, taxes, and fees imposed by their country. These charges are not included in our shipping costs and are determined by your local customs office.
Important: We cannot predict or control customs fees, delivery delays, or restrictions. Please check with your local customs office before ordering if you have questions about import regulations for food products.
Order Tracking
Once your order ships, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can track your order by:
- Clicking the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email
- Logging into your account and viewing order details
- Visiting the carrier's website and entering your tracking number
Tracking information may take 24-48 hours to update after your order ships. If you don't receive tracking information within 3 business days, please contact us.
Delivery Address Requirements
Please ensure your delivery address is accurate and complete:
- Include apartment, suite, or unit numbers
- Verify street names and numbers are correct
- Provide a valid phone number for delivery issues
- Specify if delivery requires special instructions
P.O. Boxes and Military Addresses
We ship to P.O. Boxes via USPS only. For military addresses (APO/FPO/DPO), standard USPS shipping applies. Expedited shipping methods are not available for P.O. Boxes or military addresses.
Shipping Delays and Issues
While we strive to deliver your order on time, delays may occur due to:
- Carrier delays or service disruptions
- Weather conditions or natural disasters
- Incorrect or incomplete delivery address
- Failed delivery attempts (no one available to sign)
- Customs clearance delays (international orders)
- Peak holiday shipping seasons
Undeliverable or Refused Packages
If your package is returned to us as undeliverable due to an incorrect address or refusal of delivery:
- We will contact you to verify the correct address
- Original shipping charges are non-refundable
- You will be charged for reshipping to a corrected address
- If you choose not to reship, we will refund the product cost minus shipping fees and a 15% restocking fee
Lost or Damaged Packages
If your package is lost or arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of the expected delivery date. We will work with the carrier to resolve the issue and either send a replacement or issue a refund.
- Lost Packages: We will file a claim with the carrier and send a replacement once the claim is approved (typically 7-14 days)
- Damaged Packages: Please save all packaging materials and take photos of the damage. We will send a replacement immediately upon verification
Delivery Confirmation: Once a package is marked as delivered by the carrier, we consider it successfully delivered. If you did not receive your package, please check with neighbors, household members, or your building's mail room before contacting us.
Perishable Items and Special Handling
While most of our products are shelf-stable, we take extra care in packaging to ensure your items arrive in perfect condition:
- Orders containing glass jars are securely packaged with protective materials
- We ship Monday through Wednesday to avoid weekend delays
- During hot summer months, we may use insulated packaging or add ice packs
- Products are sealed and labeled with best-by dates
Heat Sensitive Products: During summer months (June-September), we recommend choosing expedited shipping for products that may be affected by heat, such as chocolates or items with chocolate coatings.
Holiday and Peak Season Shipping
During peak holiday seasons (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day), we experience high order volumes. Please keep in mind:
- Order as early as possible to ensure delivery by your desired date
- Processing times may extend to 2-3 business days
- Carrier delivery times may be longer than usual
- Expedited shipping is highly recommended for time-sensitive orders
- Check carrier holiday schedules for service suspensions
Holiday Order Deadlines: We will post holiday shipping deadlines on our homepage and in our newsletter. Sign up for our email list to receive timely reminders!
Shipping Questions?
Contact Us
If you have questions about shipping or need assistance with your order, we're here to help:
Bittersweet Herb Farm
69 State Street
Shelburne, MA 01370
Email: shipping@bittersweetherbfarm.com
Phone: (413) 625-9091
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
We typically respond to inquiries within 1 business day.