Shipping policy
At Hostage Tape, we work to process and deliver orders as quickly and reliably as possible. The information below explains our order processing times, estimated delivery windows, tracking, pre-orders, international shipping, and what to do if there is an issue with your shipment.
1. Order Processing
Orders are processed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and scheduled fulfillment center closures.
- Orders placed after 12:00 PM Central Time may begin processing on the next business day.
- Orders are not typically processed on weekends or holidays.
- Please allow up to 2 business days for order processing before shipment.
Processing time is separate from carrier transit time.
During high-volume periods, product launches, promotions, holidays, severe weather events, or other circumstances outside our reasonable control, processing may take longer.
If we are unable to ship an order within the timeframe originally provided, we may contact you with an updated estimated ship date and any options available to you.
2. U.S. Shipping
For standard U.S. orders, delivery generally takes approximately 5–7 business days, including normal processing and carrier transit time.
Once an order has been transferred to the carrier, transit times may vary depending on destination, carrier network conditions, weather, and other factors.
Shipping Rates
- Free standard shipping is available on qualifying U.S. orders over $50 (this may change depending on promotions).
- Standard shipping rates apply to orders that do not meet the free-shipping threshold.
- Available shipping methods and rates are displayed at checkout.
Promotional shipping offers may have separate eligibility requirements.
3. Expedited Shipping
Expedited shipping options may be available at checkout.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, expedited shipping refers to the carrier transit time after the order has been processed and accepted by the carrier.
For example, selecting 1-business-day shipping does not necessarily mean that the order will arrive one business day after the order is placed.
Order processing times still apply.
Expedited services operate primarily on business days. Weekend and holiday pickup or delivery is not guaranteed.
Carrier delays or service interruptions may affect expedited shipments.
4. Shipping Confirmation & Tracking
Once your order has been prepared for shipment, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information when available.
Please note that a shipping confirmation or tracking number may initially indicate that a shipping label has been created. This does not always mean that the carrier has physically received or scanned the package yet.
Tracking information may take some time to update after the shipping confirmation is issued.
If your tracking information has not updated for an extended period or your package has passed the applicable estimated delivery window, please contact our support team so we can investigate.
5. Delivery Estimates
All delivery windows are estimates and are not guaranteed unless expressly stated otherwise.
Delivery may be affected by circumstances outside our direct control, including:
- Carrier network delays
- Severe weather
- Peak shipping periods
- Fulfillment center disruptions
- Customs processing
- Local delivery interruptions
- Incorrect or incomplete addresses
Business days generally mean Monday through Friday, excluding applicable holidays.
6. Pre-Orders & Backordered Items
Products identified as Pre-Order or Backordered are subject to the estimated shipping timeframe displayed on the applicable product page or during checkout.
The pre-order timeframe refers to when we expect the product to become available for shipment. Normal carrier transit time begins after the order has shipped.
Selecting an expedited shipping method for a pre-order does not accelerate the product's availability or pre-order release date. It only affects the shipping method used once the product is ready to ship.
If an order contains both available and pre-order items, products may ship together or in separate shipments depending on fulfillment availability. Tracking information will be provided for each shipment when applicable.
If an unexpected delay materially changes the estimated shipment timeframe, we may contact you with an updated estimate and applicable options.
7. Shipping Address Responsibility
Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address at checkout.
Please review your shipping information carefully before submitting your order.
If you notice an address error, contact us as soon as possible. We will make reasonable efforts to update the address before shipment, but address changes cannot be guaranteed once an order has entered processing or has been transferred to the carrier.
Hostage Tape is not responsible for delivery issues resulting from incorrect or incomplete shipping information provided by the customer.
If an order is returned to us because of an incorrect address, failed delivery, refusal, or another customer-related delivery issue, additional shipping charges may apply before the order can be reshipped.
8. Lost or Delayed Packages
Carrier delays and tracking interruptions can occasionally occur after a shipment leaves our fulfillment center.
If your package has exceeded the applicable estimated delivery window, please contact us at Help@hostagetape.com.
We may review tracking information, contact the carrier, or initiate a carrier investigation or claim where appropriate.
If a shipment is confirmed lost or otherwise cannot be successfully delivered, available resolutions will be determined based on the circumstances of the shipment, carrier information, and our applicable policies.
9. Packages Marked Delivered but Not Received
If tracking shows that your package was delivered but you cannot locate it, we recommend first:
- Checking around the delivery location
- Checking with other household members
- Checking with neighbors or building management where appropriate
- Reviewing any available carrier delivery confirmation
- Allowing a short period for packages that may have been scanned shortly before final delivery
If you still cannot locate the shipment, contact us at Help@hostagetape.com,and we will help review the delivery information.
We may request additional information or carrier confirmation before determining an appropriate resolution.
10. International Shipping
We offer international shipping to eligible destinations at rates displayed during checkout.
Estimated delivery times after normal processing are:
| Destination | Estimated Delivery |
|---|---|
| Canada | 5–15 business days |
| United Kingdom | 5–10 business days |
| European Union | 5–10 business days |
| Australia | 5–15 business days |
| Rest of World | 10–20 business days |
International delivery times are estimates and may be affected by customs clearance, local postal services, carrier operations, holidays, regulatory inspections, or other circumstances outside our direct control.
11. International Duties, Taxes & Customs
International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes, customs fees, or other charges imposed by the destination country.
Where duties and taxes are collected by Hostage Tape at checkout, they will be reflected in your order total.
Where duties, taxes, or other import charges are not collected at checkout, the recipient may be responsible for those charges before or upon delivery.
Customs requirements and charges vary by country and may change without notice.
Hostage Tape does not control customs processing times or charges imposed by government authorities, customs agencies, or local carriers.
Orders refused or returned because of unpaid duties, taxes, customs requirements, or refusal of delivery may be subject to applicable shipping, return, or processing costs in accordance with our Return & Refund Policy.
12. Multiple Shipments
Depending on product availability and fulfillment location, an order may occasionally be shipped in more than one package.
If your order is split into multiple shipments, you may receive separate tracking information for each package.
Receiving one package does not necessarily mean that all items in the order have been delivered.
13. Order Changes & Cancellations
If you need to change or cancel an order, contact us as soon as possible.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests before fulfillment begins. However, once an order has entered processing or has shipped, we may be unable to modify or cancel it.
Returns and refunds for orders that have already been processed or delivered are governed by our Return & Refund Policy.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions about your shipment or believe there is an issue with your delivery, contact:
Please include your order number and, where applicable, your tracking information so our team can assist you as quickly as possible.