Shipping policy
1. Processing Time and Seasonal Schedule
| Period | Seed Ordering Status | Processing Window* | Digital Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| January to April (Peak Seed Season) | Checkout Enabled | Up to 3 to 4 weeks | Available 24/7 for instant download |
| Late August to Early September (approximately 3-week Fall Grain Sale) | Checkout Enabled | Ships within 5 to 7 calendar days | Available 24/7 for instant download |
| May to Mid-August and Mid-September to December | Catalog visible, shipping and checkout disabled | Not applicable | Available 24/7 for instant download |
*The “processing window” is the time between when your seed order enters our fulfillment queue and when it is handed to the carrier. It does not include carrier transit time.
Important: You may browse the seed catalog year-round, but seed checkout is only enabled during our two open ordering windows. Digital Resources (ebooks, guides, and similar materials) remain available year-round and are delivered electronically immediately after purchase.
2. Carriers and Estimated Transit Times
| Destination | Service | Typical Transit Time† | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (contiguous 48 states and Alaska) | USPS Ground Advantage | 3 to 7 business days | Yes |
| International | Canada only – USPS First-Class Package International | 2 to 4 weeks (varies by destination) | Limited tracking, typically available only while the package is within the United States |
†Delivery windows are estimates provided by USPS and are not guaranteed.
Important:
• We do not ship to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories.
• International shipping is subject to destination-country customs regulations.
• We no longer ship seeds to the European Union. Please review our No-Ship Country List before placing an order.
3. Shipping and Handling Fees
The single “Shipping” fee displayed at checkout is a combined charge that covers:
- USPS postage based on weight and destination
- Payment processing costs
- Packaging materials and order-processing labor
We do not profit from shipping. In many cases, the combined fee does not fully cover our actual costs.
Why We Do Not Offer Free or Reduced Shipping
As a small, single-person seed company, our margins are narrow. Offering free or heavily discounted shipping would require raising seed prices or reducing investment in seed production and inventory maintenance. Transparent, cost-based shipping allows us to keep our catalog diverse and seed prices fair.
4. Tracking and Delivery
- A tracking number is assigned when your order enters our fulfillment queue. During peak season, it may take up to 4 weeks before the package is handed to USPS and the first tracking scan appears.
- Carrier tracking updates may take 24 to 48 hours to display after the initial scan.
- International tracking is typically available only while the package is within the United States. Final delivery is handled by the destination country’s postal service.
5. International Duties and Import Restrictions
- Customs, duties, and taxes: The recipient is responsible for all import duties, taxes, and fees imposed by the destination country.
- Seed restrictions: Some countries restrict agricultural seed imports. Please verify local regulations before ordering. We cannot mark packages as gifts or falsify customs declarations.
- See our No-Ship Country List for destinations we cannot service.
6. Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Packages
- If a package is delayed beyond the estimated transit window, please allow an additional 7 days for domestic shipments or 14 days for international shipments before contacting the carrier directly.
- Once a package is in the carrier’s possession, delivery issues must be addressed with the carrier using the provided tracking information.
7. All Sales Are Final
Great Lakes Staple Seeds does not accept returns and does not refund shipping fees. Please review your order carefully before checkout. If you believe you received an incorrect item, contact us within 7 days of delivery and we will review the issue on a case-by-case basis.
8. Questions
If you have questions about this Shipping Policy, please contact us:
Great Lakes Staple Seeds LLC
55 Pond Street, Box 540
Ortonville, MI 48462, United States
Email: seeds at GreatLakesStapleSeeds dot com