Shipping Options Available at The Geode Gallery

NOTE:  All orders are typically shipped within 24-48 hours of receipt of order and approved payment.  If you need something sent urgently or wish to tell us something that is not included on the order form, please make sure to leave us a note in the " Special Order Instructions" section of the order form during Checkout.  If you have any questions, please call us at (309) 335-6740 between 9AM and 9PM Central Time or send us an e-mail at sand@maplecity.com .  We will reply as soon as we can.

Domestic (USA Customers)                    International (non-USA Customers)

SHOPPING CART SHIPPING ESTIMATE DISCLAIMER:  Our secure online Shopping Cart calculates shipping costs based on the weight of the specimen or specimens ordered - the rates quoted to you are actual postage amounts for the provided service!  However, for multiple specimen orders especially, the shopping cart shipping cost may be slightly incorrect although it does at least provide a very close estimate of the actual cost.  Remember that for all credit card orders, we will be manually processing your charge so we will pack the order and figure the actual postage by the method you select, and the shipping rate could be different from what you were quoted when checking out (in most cases it will usually be lower but could be slightly higher).  We strongly believe in charging the correct postage rate - we do not make money on postage or handling fees.  If you order and pay through Paypal, we will refund any excess postage paid, even if just a few cents.  If you send a check or money order to pay for your order, we will send you a refund check or use future order credit (if credit is requested).  If you would like insurance for your order (an additional fee that we will apply to your order), please request this in the Special Order Instructions during Check Out.

Domestic (USA Shipping Addresses)

USPS Priority Mail:  Delivery time 2-3 days from ship date.  Fast, reliable service.  Package tracking NOT available.  Some delays (up to 7-9 days) have occurred in the past from mid-November through the end of December).  We recommend using a Fedex service during these months.  Insurance can be requested for an additional fee - please include in the Special Order Instructions section during Checkout.

USPS Parcel Post:  Delivery time anywhere from 2-10 days depending on destination.  Delivery time is very inconsistent.  Package tracking NOT available.  We strongly suggest selecting Fedex Ground instead of Parcel Post but if you are not in a hurry and the Parcel Post rate is lower than the Fedex Ground rate provided, then Parcel Post is the best option for you.  Insurance can be requested for an additional fee - please include in the Special Order Instructions section during Checkout.

FEDEX Commercial (Ground):  BUSINESS ADDRESSES ONLY.  Delivery time 1-5 business days (Monday-Friday) in the continental USA, 6-10 business days to Alaska and Hawaii.  Tracking and Insurance Included.  Businesses are locations with regular hours, a customer entry door, schools, universities, etc.; but DOES NOT include home-based businesses!  If you are a home-based business, you need to select "Fedex Home Delivery".  Consistent delivery time.  Overnight service at Ground rates available to customers in Illinois, much of Wisconsin, central and eastern Iowa, northwest and central Indiana, and the UP and southwest Michigan if next day is a business day after shipping date.  We do not require a signature for delivery - if you would like to request signature at delivery, please include in "Special Order Instructions" - a surcharge will be added to your order or billed.

-FEDEX Residential (Home Delivery):  RESIDENTIAL AND HOME BUSINESS ADDRESSES ONLY.  Delivery time 1-5 business days (Tuesday-Saturday) in the continental USA, 6-10+ business days to Alaska and Hawaii.  Tracking and Insurance Included.  Consistent delivery time.  Overnight service at Ground rates available to customers in Illinois, much of Wisconsin, central and eastern Iowa, northwest and central Indiana, and southwest Michigan if next day is a business day after shipping date.  We do not require a signature for delivery - if you would like to request signature at delivery, please include in "Special Order Instructions" - a surcharge will be added to your order.

FEDEX Standard Overnight:  Serving both business and residential customers.  Delivery guaranteed by 5PM local time next business day (Monday-Friday).  No delivery on Saturdays or Sundays.  If you need delivery on the weekend, please choose USPS Express Mail.

$8.95 and $17.90 Flat Fees:  USPS Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box (see Priority Mail option above - 2-3 day delivery).  If your order is eligible for a flat-rate box (indicated by the " " symbol, choose the $8.95 Flat Fee if your order will fit in one box ($17.90 if two boxes are required).  Make sure to compare other rates if you have an order that requires two boxes.  If you have any questions, just leave us a note in the "Special Order Instructions" section on the order form.  Remember, your credit card is not charged until we pack your order so if you have any questions, please ask!

International (Non-USA) Shipping Addresses:

The post office no longer offers any "surface mail" shipping options - only airmail options.  However, if your order is applicable, it is still possible to send heavier orders at a discounted rate through USPS Priority mail International flat rate boxes.  See details below.  Remember, these are the ONLY shipping services that are eligible for orders outside the USA so please choose the correct Shipping service when Checking Out.  If you pay through Paypal, we will require additional payment before we ship your order out if you chose the incorrect shipping service so please make sure to choose the correct service based on your order to avoid any delays in shipping your order.

USPS First-Class International:  ONLY if your total order weight is exactly 4 pounds (1.82 kilos) or less!  Package clearance tracking available at origination post office only, delivery typically 4-10 business days. 

USPS Priority Mail International:  ONLY if your total order weight is over 4 pounds (1.82 kilos) and NOT eligible for flat-rate Priority Mail International Flat Rate box shipments.  Package clearance tracking available at origination post office only, delivery typically 6-12 business days.

USPS Priority Mail International Flat Rate Box:  ONLY if your total order is eligible for this service (indicated by the " " symbol) and is UNDER 20 pounds (9.1 kilos).  Cost of this box to Canada and Mexico is US $23.00, all other destinations US $37.00.  Package clearance tracking available at origination post office only, delivery typically takes 6-12 business days.