Purchasing
Our payment processor accepts all the major credit cards via their secure encrypted payment process. We never see or store your payment information. We also accept PayPal payments via all the methods they support. We no longer have a check or money order payment option, but if you reach out to us directly we'll be happy to work with you to make it possible.
Authentication is based on your address information. Your billing address must match the billing address of your credit card as it is on file with the card-issuing institution. If a card is declined for any reason, an attempted charge may still appear in your account for several days. No money will have been charged, but this attempted charge may count against any available balance until it is removed. We have no control over this process, so take care when specifying your address information.
Reach out to us if you experience any issues or have any concerns about an order.
Shipping
We ship via USPS because it still provides the best price to performance for small operations like ours. The amount we charge you for shipping is based on the estimated weight of your package and its destination, and is calculated by our shipping provider.
Domestic addresses can choose between Media Mail and Priority Mail. Shipping time estimates are displayed right along with the shipping rates when you check out.
International addresses can choose between First Class International and Priority Mail International. Shipping time estimates are also shown for these when you check out, but you should keep in mind that these times do not take into account customs and delivery times in the destination country. Our experience is that First Class International can take upwards of a month to arrive, while the much more expensive Priority Mail International usually takes only 7-10 days. However, due to USPS restrictions, First Class International is only an option if the total weight of the package is 4 pounds or less. All packages over this weight need to ship via Priority Mail International.
When possible we will provide links to international distributors who might be able to get you the product via locally-originated shipping. These will appear in the sidebar of each product page.
We do our best to get orders packed up and shipped out promptly, but during busy times it can take 3-4 business days for us to get caught up. If you have a specific time when you need an order to be delivered by, contact us and let us know and we will do our best to get it there in time.
Emails with tracking information will be sent automatically by the shipping system. It may take up to 24 hours for tracking numbers to be activated. Checking the link before this time has elapsed can produce unexpected results.
Packaging
Orders are packed in plastic, bubble wrap, and plain unmarked cardboard boxes or shipping envelopes. The return address on the label will say "SWP, Inc" multiple protective layers to ensure they arrive undamaged by all but the worst abuses that can be inflicted en route.
Undeliverable Packages
Should a package be returned to us as undeliverable by the carrier, we will attempt to contact the purchaser at the email address supplied to confirm the address. If the address supplied by the customer turns out to have been in error, we reserve the right to charge additional shipping costs to re-ship the item. We can also issue a full refund of the purchase price minus any shipping and handling charges originally billed, if you desire.
If the provided information was correct, we will consult with the carrier and re-ship the order as soon as possible.
If we cannot reach you for confirmation, the order will be cancelled and the purchase price will be refunded to the account, minus any shipping and handling charges.
Returns & Exchanges
We will issue refunds for products returned to us in sellable condition within 30 days of original purchase, minus any shipping and handling charges originally billed. You must contact us for authorization prior to returning the product.
If a product you ordered from us was damaged, defective, or if you received the incorrect item, then we will either re-ship the item free of charge, or refund the entire purchase price. We will still only take returns within 30 days of original purchase though, so contact us for authorization immediately upon receiving the damaged or incorrect item.