Shipping policy

Shipping Policy (Live Betta Fish) — UPS/USPS + Live Arrival & Weather Holds

Effective Date: March, 2026
Business Name: Bettas Enigma (“we,” “us,” “our”)
Website: [bettasenigma.com]
Contact: [support@bettasenigma.com]

This Shipping Policy applies to all orders containing live Betta fish shipped within the United States via UPS and/or USPS.

1) Where We Ship

We currently ship live Betta fish to most states in the US

We do not ship to: [Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska].

If you’re in Minnesota, this policy is intended to align with applicable consumer protection requirements.

2) Shipping Carriers & Services

We ship live fish using the service you select at checkout (availability may vary by location):

UPS: Overnight and/or 2-Day services
USPS: Priority Express and/or Priority Mail (where offered)

Important: Carrier delivery estimates are not guarantees. Once a package is accepted by UPS/USPS, transit and delivery are controlled by the carrier.

3) Processing Time & Ship Days

Processing time: Typically [1–3] business days (may vary during high volume or holidays).
Live ship days: We typically ship live fish Monday and Tuesday to reduce weekend delays.
We do not ship live fish on: [Thu–Sun] and major holidays (unless stated otherwise).

You’ll receive tracking information by email when your label is created.

4) Weather Holds (Heat/Cold Protection)

To protect animal welfare, we may delay shipping when conditions are unsafe.

We may place a weather hold if temperatures along the route (origin, transit hubs, or destination) are forecast to be below 30°F or above 90°F.
We may also delay due to storms, natural disasters, or carrier advisories.

Weather holds are not cancellations. We will ship when conditions improve. If you need a date-specific shipment, contact us before ordering.

5) Delivery Requirements (Recipient Responsibilities)

To qualify for our Live Arrival/DOA coverage (see Return & Refund Policy):

You must ensure someone can receive the package on the first delivery attempt.
Bring the package indoors immediately after delivery (do not leave in a mailbox, on a porch, or in a vehicle).
Use a complete, correct shipping address (apartment/unit codes included).
If you request the carrier to hold for pickup, you must pick it up the same day it becomes available.

Failure to meet these requirements may void DOA coverage.

6) Shipping Costs

Shipping charges are calculated at checkout based on:

destination
carrier/service level
package weight/box size
any insulation/heat/cold packs included

Shipping fees are non-refundable, including in approved DOA cases (see Return & Refund Policy), unless required by law.

7) Address Changes & Undeliverable Packages

Address changes after purchase are not guaranteed. If we can update it before shipment, we will; if not, the order ships to the address provided at checkout.
If a package is returned to sender due to an incorrect/incomplete address, failed delivery attempts, or refusal, DOA coverage is void and any reshipment will require a new shipping fee.

8) Delays, Lost Packages, and “Delivered” But Not Received

If tracking shows:

Delay in transit: contact us; we may advise waiting for the next scan and/or opening a carrier inquiry.
Marked delivered but not received: check around the delivery location, with neighbors/office, and contact the carrier. We will assist with documentation, but we cannot guarantee outcomes for carrier errors.

Carrier delays and “delivered” disputes may void DOA coverage depending on circumstances.

9) On Arrival: Acclimation & Stress

Shipping is stressful for fish. Temporary lethargy, reduced appetite, mild fin wear, or color change can occur and may improve with proper care. Please follow our acclimation instructions included in your order.

10) Contact

Questions about shipping, holds, or timing:
[support email]

DOA Claim Checklist (Copy for Order Confirmation Email)

Subject line suggestion: DOA Claim – Order #[####]

If your Betta arrives dead on arrival (DOA), follow the steps below to qualify for review under our DOA policy: