Shipping and Returns
Standard Shipping Policies and Information
The term shipping or ship includes the commencement of shipping items in an order for multiple purchases or where the item purchased consists of components that must be shipped separately. For example, your order may consist of (1) several different items, (2) a quantity of the same item, or, (3) a single item with several component parts the size of which might require them to be shipped in separate packages. In all such orders, we endeavor to ship out individual packages together so that they arrive at the same time; however, when that is not possible, we commence shipping by shipping individual packages in the order the soonest they are available and conditions permit. In these instances, our notification to you that your order has shipped marks the time when shipping has commenced; it does not mean that all items in the order have shipped at that time. You agree that Credit cards and debit cards are to be charged on the date of inventory reservation for the order, not the date of shipping.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to deliver to Post Office Boxes, APO or FPO addresses.
Transit Time:
We reserve the right to select the shipping method. If you ordered several items to be delivered to the same address, we might send them in separate boxes to ensure quicker service. All items in stock usually ship within 2 to 3 business days after your order is placed. Please allow approximately 5-8 business days (Monday – Friday) for delivery. Although we do not anticipate a delay for your order, we occasionally run into unexpected delays. Should this happen, we will offer you the following options: (1) hold the order to ship complete or (2) send the available item(s) immediately, with the balance to follow when new stock arrives—it all depends upon the estimated availability date of the back ordered item(s).
Delivery dates are determined at the time the order is received and are an estimate only and are not guaranteed. Florida Choice Foods will not be responsible for penalties, whether monetary or otherwise, due to any shipping delays.
DAMAGED ITEMS
Items Damaged In Transit:
IT IS THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY TO INSPECT ALL PACKAGES UPON RECEIPT. CLAIMS MUST BE MADE WITHIN 48 HOURS OF RECEIPT OF SHIPMENT. IT IS THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY TO FILE ANY CLAIMS WITH THE CARRIERS FOR ANY DAMAGE INCURRED DURING SHIPMENT. FLORIDA CHOICE FOODS IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE DURING SHIPMENT OF PRODUCTS.
Florida Choice Foods must be notified immediately of any merchandise delivered to the customer in damaged condition. All shortages and damages must be called into the carrier on the day of delivery. Claims for loss or damage of orders shipped via common carrier must be collected from the delivering carrier by the customer. We are not responsible for damage created during transit, delivery, & installation or acts of God. Florida Choice Foods will gladly assist customers in the proper filling of claims if deemed necessary. All damaged containers and merchandise must be kept for inspection. If merchandise is damaged in transit, the replacement item(s) will be re-shipped using the same method as the original shipment. Any expedited shipping will be at the customers expense.
Oversized Shipments (Truck Delivery):
All orders that require shipment via common carrier due to size and / or weight will be delivered curbside. The driver in most cases will not be able to assist with the unloading of the items. Please advise if you will need optional delivery services such as lift-gate or inside delivery services, which would incur additional costs (subject to availability in your area). Oversized items that ship via common carrier require special shipping arrangements, and may not be track able during the delivery process.
The freight carrier typically will contact you 24-48 hours prior to delivery to arrange a delivery time. The carrier will contact you using the phone number provided at the time of your order. Available delivery times will vary depending on the freight carriers schedule. Redelivery fees can be charged if you miss your delivery appointment. The decision to reattempt delivery is made solely at the freight carrier’s discretion. Your item may be returned to one of our fulfillment warehouses if the freight carrier is unable to contact you for delivery or if you miss your delivery appointment. In these situations, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Residential Truck Delivery: If you request delivery to a residential address, please note that the truck will usually arrive with just one driver, so you may need to arrange to have someone on hand to help unload the shipment. The driver is not responsible for unpacking, assembling or placing furnishings, or for clearing away boxes or pallets. Please advise if you will need optional delivery services such as lift-gate or inside delivery services, which would incur additional costs (subject to availability in your area). Please note that “Inside Delivery” means that the driver will take the shipment inside the garage or first dry area only—not up stairs or into a specific room.
Hard-to-Reach Destinations: Let us know at the time you place your orderif you live on a narrow or winding road that may be difficult for a full-size truck to navigate. The freight company may need to switch to a smaller truck, and advance notice will save you a lot of time and make delivery go more smoothly. If our carrier determines that your address is inaccessible for delivery, final delivery may be made to the carriers nearest shipping terminal.
Redelivery or Reconsignment: If the freight carrier attempts delivery and is unable to deliver for reasons that are within your control, redelivery fees may apply. Once a shipment is in transit, new fees may apply if there is a change in the delivery address.
Inspecting your truck shipment: While the driver is still there, inspect your shipment for damage, verify that the order is complete, and document any shortages or damage on the freight bill. Count the number of “pieces” (boxes) and make sure that your count matches the count on the delivery receipt. Shipments that are obviously damaged should be refused. If the driver demands to leave before all portions of your shipment have been inspected, note on the delivery receipt (near your signature) that the driver would not allow for inspection.
Keep in mind that if there is damage, simply signing your name without any written comments is the equivalent of stating that your delivery arrived in perfect condition—and the carrier will not honor a damage claim. Call us immediately if your order arrives damaged or there is a manufacturing defect. Hang on to the packaging, too—you may need it to ship the bad piece back, or it may need to be inspected by a claims investigator. Florida Choice Foods cannot be held responsible for damaged merchandise that is signed for as free and clear of damage.
RETURNS
General Return Policies and Information
Return Process
Before returning any merchandise to Florida Choice Foods, please contact our returns department at 800-329-3640 to receive a Return Authorization number. we accept returns within 7 days of receipt of shipment, only with prior approval from our customer service department, and a valid Return Authorization number. Returns are shipped at buyers expense, and credited at invoice less a handling and restocking fee of 25%. Please note that we will only process returns on non-food items purchased from Florida Choice Foods.
The following items will not be accepted for return, exchange, or refund:
• Food Items.
• Items that have been used, damaged, or operated.
• Custom/Special Order items.
• Disposables (cups, plates, bags, wraps, trays, etc.).
• Clearance items.
• Items that require production/build time (Pro-Plant poppers, for example)
• Any other items where it is specified on the product description page.
• Replacement parts
Please allow 10-15 business days after we receive the items to issue the appropriate credit.
Cancelled/Refused Items
If buyer refuses or returns a non-defective item, buyer is responsible for all actual return shipping costs, plus any applicable restocking fees (with the exception of damaged equipment refused at time of delivery).
