Shipping & DOA Policy

Shipping & DOA Policy

At Cali Coral Connect, we take livestock shipping seriously. Every coral order is packed with care using insulated packaging, temperature control when needed, and overnight shipping to help your coral arrive safely.

Shipping Cost

Standard livestock shipping is:

$55 UPS Overnight

Free shipping is available on qualifying livestock orders over:

$350+

Shipping rates may vary for oversized orders, large quantities, special requests, or locations that require additional handling.

Shipping Days

We typically ship livestock orders on:

Monday and Wednesday

Shipping days may change depending on weather, holidays, carrier delays, or local delivery conditions.

We may hold an order if temperatures or shipping conditions are not safe for the coral.

Delivery Window

Most overnight livestock shipments are delivered the following day, typically between:

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Delivery times can vary by location and carrier service level.

Please be available to receive your package when it arrives. Livestock should not be left outside for an extended period.

DOA Claim Requirements

If there is an issue with your coral upon arrival, please contact us right away.

DOA claims must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.

To submit a DOA claim, please provide all of the following:

  • Clear photo of the coral inside the sealed bag
  • Clear photo of the coral
  • Clear photo of the shipping label
  • Order number or customer name
  • Delivery time
  • Brief description of the issue

Please do not discard the coral, bag, or shipping materials until the claim has been reviewed.

Approved DOA Claims

Approved DOA claims may be handled as store credit.

Shipping charges are non-refundable.

DOA coverage applies to livestock only and does not include shipping costs, box charges, or carrier fees.

What May Void DOA Coverage

DOA coverage may be void if:

  • The package is not received on the first delivery attempt
  • The package is left outside for an extended period
  • The delivery address is incorrect
  • Photos are not provided within the required claim window
  • The coral is removed from the bag before photos are taken
  • The coral is removed from the frag plug before claim review
  • The coral is placed into poor or unstable tank conditions
  • The coral is damaged by tankmates, pests, or improper acclimation
  • The issue is reported after the claim window
  • The shipment was delayed due to carrier issues outside of our control

Important Arrival Note

Please be available to receive your package when it arrives. Livestock should not be left outside after delivery.

If tracking shows a delay or delivery issue, contact us as soon as possible so we can review the situation.

Box Capacity

Our standard shipping boxes can usually fit up to:

6 standard coral frags

Larger orders, oversized corals, multiple WYSIWYG pieces, or special packing requests may require an additional box or adjusted shipping cost.

Local Pickup

Local pickup may be available by appointment.

Please contact us before arriving so we can confirm availability and prepare your order.

Pickup orders should be picked up within the agreed pickup window unless other arrangements are approved.

Weather Holds

We may delay shipping due to:

  • High or low temperatures
  • Storms or severe weather
  • Carrier delays
  • Holidays
  • Unsafe delivery timing
  • Shipping route concerns

Our goal is to ship when conditions give the coral the best chance of arriving safely.

Carrier Delays

Carrier delays are outside of our direct control. We will review delayed shipments case by case.

Please contact us as soon as possible if your shipment is delayed or if tracking shows an issue.

Before You Order

Please make sure:

  • Your shipping address is correct
  • Someone will be available to receive the package
  • Your tank is stable and ready for new coral
  • You understand the DOA claim requirements
  • You contact us before ordering if your weather is extreme

Questions

If you have questions about shipping, local pickup, weather holds, or DOA coverage, please contact us before placing your order.

We are happy to help choose the safest shipping day for your coral.