Shipping policy

Shipping Policy

Thank you for shopping with me at Indoor Biosphere. This Shipping Policy explains how and when I ship your order.

1. Processing Times

  • Orders for non-live items (substrates, décor, supplies, etc.) typically ship within 2–4 business days after you place your order.

  • Orders that include live plants, isopods, springtails, or other live items usually ship Monday through Wednesday so they don’t sit in a warehouse over the weekend.

  • Business days are Monday–Friday, excluding holidays.

  • During busy seasons, sales, or severe weather, processing times may take a little longer, but I always do my best to get your order out quickly.

2. Shipping Methods & Rates

  • I primarily ship through major carriers such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx, depending on your location, the package size/weight, and what’s being shipped.

  • Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your address, the total weight/size of the package, and the service level you select.

  • From time to time I may offer free or flat-rate shipping promotions; when I do, you’ll see those clearly displayed on the site and/or at checkout.

3. Where I Ship

  • Right now, I ship within the United States (excluding any locations restricted by law or carrier limitations for live animals/plants).

  • I do not currently ship internationally.

4. Live Plants, Isopods & Springtails

Because I ship live items, I take extra care with how and when they go out:

  • Live plants and clean-up crew (isopods and springtails) are packed carefully to minimize stress and damage during transit.

  • I only use shipping services for live items that reasonably support delivery within the estimated transit time shown at checkout.

  • In periods of extreme heat or cold, I may:

    • Add insulation or heat/cool packs when appropriate, and/or

    • Temporarily hold your order until weather or carrier conditions improve so your plants and animals have the best chance of arriving in good shape.

My live arrival guarantee applies only when:

  • The shipping address you provide is accurate and complete.

  • Someone is available to receive the package at the first delivery attempt, or the package is retrieved promptly from a mailbox/parcel locker.

  • Any issues with live items are reported to me (with clear photos) within the time frame listed in my Return & Refund Policy.

For full details on live items, please see my Return & Refund Policy.

5. Order Tracking

  • Once your order ships, I’ll send you a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number.

  • Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to update after the label is created.

  • You can use the tracking link in your email to follow the shipment and see the most current details from the carrier.

6. Incorrect or Undeliverable Addresses

Please double-check your shipping address at checkout:

  • If an order is returned to me due to an incorrect or incomplete address, refusal, or failure to pick up from the carrier, I can reship the package once:

    • The item(s) are inspected and confirmed suitable for reshipment, and

    • Additional re-shipment postage is paid.

  • Live items that are lost or damaged because of an incorrect or undeliverable address are not covered under my live arrival guarantee.

7. Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Packages

I pack every order carefully, but once your package is with the carrier, some things are out of my control:

  • If a package is marked delivered but you don’t see it, please:

    • Check with neighbors, household members, and your local post office/parcel hub, and

    • Contact me if it still can’t be located after those steps.

  • If your order arrives damaged:

    • Take clear photos of the outside of the box, the shipping label, and the damaged contents, and contact me as soon as you can.

  • Weather, carrier delays, or service interruptions can sometimes cause your package to arrive later than expected. These delays are not guaranteed or controlled by Indoor Biosphere, but I will do my best to help you work with the carrier when possible.

8. Changes & Cancellations

  • If you need to change or cancel your order, please contact me as soon as possible after placing it.

  • Once an order has been packed or shipped, I may not be able to modify or cancel it.

9. Questions

If you have any questions about this Shipping Policy or about a specific order, and in order to provide the best service and advice possible you get my personal email: paulbell65@comcast.net

Email: info@indoorbiosphere.com


(or use the contact form on my website)