Shipping, Returns & Guarantee Policy
Shipping, Returns & Guarantee Policy
Payment
- Sales tax will be applied to all orders shipped within Florida.
- Payment is required in full at the time an order is placed.
- Livestock orders are subject to the shipping and pickup timeframes outlined below.
Shipping Overview
Lush Corals offers multiple shipping and delivery options depending on the products purchased.
Livestock Shipping
To help ensure safe arrival, all livestock orders are professionally packed using insulated shipping containers, oxygen-filled bags, and temperature-control materials as needed. Every shipment is prepared specifically for the livestock being shipped.
During checkout, customers select their preferred shipping date using our shipping calendar.
Livestock Shipping Schedule
To minimize the amount of time livestock remains on hold after purchase, available shipping dates are limited based on the day an order is placed.
- Orders placed Wednesday through Sunday must be scheduled to ship the following Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
- Orders placed Monday may be scheduled to ship Tuesday, Wednesday, or the following Monday.
- Orders placed Tuesday may be scheduled to ship Wednesday, the following Monday, or the following Tuesday.
Livestock generally ships Monday through Wednesday to reduce the risk of weekend carrier delays.
Shipping dates outside of the available scheduling window require prior approval from Lush Corals. Extended holds are subject to availability and may incur additional holding fees.
Selected shipping dates are subject to livestock condition, weather, carrier conditions, holidays, and other circumstances that could affect the safety of the shipment.
Lush Corals reserves the right to postpone a shipment when we believe weather, carrier conditions, livestock condition, or another circumstance could place the animals at unnecessary risk.
Livestock Shipping & Packaging Rates
- Florida Overnight Shipping & Packaging: $49
- Nationwide Overnight Shipping & Packaging: $69
- Save $20 on Livestock Shipping & Packaging with livestock orders over $400
Thursday shipping may occasionally be available at the discretion of Lush Corals but is limited due to the increased risk of carrier delays. If a Thursday shipment is delayed by the carrier, delivery may not occur until Monday.
We currently ship livestock only within the contiguous United States.
We do not ship livestock to:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Puerto Rico
- International destinations
Livestock Live Arrival Guarantee
We carefully package all livestock using insulated containers, oxygen-filled bags, and temperature-control materials to help ensure safe arrival.
In the unlikely event of a Dead on Arrival (DOA):
- Contact us within 2 hours of delivery.
- Provide two clear photographs of the deceased animal.
- Retain all livestock and packaging until instructed otherwise.
- Do not dispose of livestock before receiving authorization from Lush Corals, as doing so may void the Live Arrival Guarantee.
Once approved, store credit excluding shipping charges will be issued for the value of the livestock.
To qualify for the Live Arrival Guarantee:
- The first delivery attempt must be successful.
- Someone must be available to receive the package upon delivery.
- The shipment must be delivered to the address provided with the order.
- Any requested changes to the delivery date or address must be approved by Lush Corals before shipment.
Lush Corals is not responsible for carrier delays caused by weather, mechanical failures, routing errors, or other circumstances beyond our control.
Livestock Local Pickup
FREE local pickup is available during normal business hours.
Fish, coral, and other livestock purchased for local pickup must be picked up within 7 days of purchase unless prior arrangements have been approved by Lush Corals.
Beginning on the 8th day, a holding fee of $5 per livestock item, per day will apply to each item remaining in our care.
Customers who need additional time must contact Lush Corals and receive approval before the end of the original 7-day pickup period.
Extended livestock holds are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
Orders that remain unclaimed for an extended period without prior arrangements may be considered abandoned, and the livestock may be returned to available inventory.
Any refund or store credit in these circumstances will be at the discretion of Lush Corals and may be reduced by applicable holding fees.
Please wait until you receive your pickup confirmation before visiting the store.
Dry Goods Local Pickup
FREE local pickup is available during normal business hours.
Most in-stock dry goods are typically ready for pickup within one business day.
Please wait until you receive your pickup confirmation before visiting the store.
Dry Goods Shipping
Order Processing
Dry goods orders received before 12:00 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday are typically processed and shipped the same business day.
Dry goods orders placed after 12:00 PM, on weekends, or on holidays are generally processed the next business day.
While we strive to process and ship orders as quickly as possible, processing times may occasionally vary due to order volume, product availability, holidays, weather events, or other unforeseen circumstances.
FREE Overnight Shipping
Select premium products qualify for 🚀 FREE Overnight Shipping on eligible orders of $399 or more.
Eligible products will display:
🚀 FREE Overnight Shipping
Standard Shipping
- FREE Ground Shipping on most eligible dry goods orders over $100
- Orders typically ship via UPS Ground unless another shipping method is selected during checkout.
- Shipping estimates are provided by the carrier and are not guaranteed.
Oversized Items
Certain oversized or heavy products do not qualify for free shipping.
These products are clearly identified as:
Oversized Item – Free Shipping Excluded
Shipping charges are calculated during checkout whenever possible.
Freight Delivery
Large aquariums and complete aquarium systems require freight delivery.
These products are labeled:
Freight Delivery – Shipping Calculated After Purchase
Freight charges are generally not collected during checkout. After your order is placed, our team will contact you with available freight options, pricing, and estimated delivery times.
Additional charges may apply for residential delivery, lift-gate service, inside delivery, or limited-access locations.
Drop-Ship Products & Aquariums
Some products ship directly from the manufacturer.
Shipping costs, processing times, and delivery schedules vary by manufacturer and destination.
Tracking information may be provided separately once the manufacturer ships your order.
Damaged Shipments
Please inspect all shipments immediately upon delivery.
- Report shipping damage within 3 days of delivery.
- Retain all packaging for possible carrier inspection.
- Photos may be required to assist with shipping claims.
If damage is not reported within this timeframe, any resolution will be at the discretion of Lush Corals.
We will assist with shipping-related claims whenever possible.
Return Policy
Livestock
All livestock sales are final except as covered under the Livestock Live Arrival Guarantee.
Standard Products
Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase.
Products must:
- Be new and unopened.
- Include all original packaging, manuals, and accessories.
Returns are subject to:
- A 10% restocking fee
- Customer-paid return shipping
In-Store Aquariums
Aquariums purchased in-store may be returned within 5 business days, provided:
- The aquarium has not been used.
- No water has been added.
Returns are subject to:
- A 25% restocking fee
- Customer-provided transportation
No refunds will be issued if:
- The aquarium has been delivered.
- The stand has been assembled.
Drop-Ship Aquariums
Drop-ship aquariums and other custom-order products are considered final sale once the manufacturer has accepted the order.
Partial refunds prior to shipment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Return Authorization (RA)
All returns require a Return Authorization (RA) issued within 30 days of purchase.
- The RA number must be clearly visible on the outside of the package.
- Do not use Lush Corals shipping accounts for return shipments.
- Missing parts, manuals, packaging, or accessories may result in a reduced refund or denial of the return.
Return processing typically takes up to one week after the returned merchandise has been received and inspected.
Equipment Liability
Lush Corals is not responsible for damage resulting from equipment failure.
All manufacturer warranties and warranty claims must be handled directly with the manufacturer unless otherwise stated.
Accuracy of Information
We strive to keep all information on our website accurate, complete, and up to date. However, pricing, inventory, product descriptions, and availability may occasionally contain errors.
Lush Corals reserves the right to:
- Correct inaccuracies or omissions.
- Update pricing and availability without notice.
- Limit quantities.
- Refuse or cancel orders.
- Verify information prior to processing an order.
Receipt of an order confirmation email does not constitute final acceptance of your order.
Contact Us
📞 561-620-6000
