Shipping Policy

Effective date: {{PLACEHOLDER: EFFECTIVE_DATE}} · Last updated: {{PLACEHOLDER: LAST_UPDATED}}

This Shipping Policy explains how LostGrain Labs prepares, dispatches, and delivers orders. Because we ship living cultures alongside physical supplies, some orders require extra care and handling time — the sections below describe what to expect.

1. Order Processing & Dispatch Times

Orders are typically processed within {{PLACEHOLDER: PROCESSING_TIME}} business days. Live cultures are prepared to order and may need additional time to reach the right stage before they can be shipped, so culture orders can take longer to dispatch than accessories. We dispatch on business days only and may hold shipments to avoid a culture sitting with a carrier over weekends or holidays.

2. Live Culture Handling & Packaging

Live cultures are prepared using sterile technique and packaged to protect viability in transit — including sealed, cushioned, and, where appropriate, insulated packaging. Even with careful packing, transit conditions such as extreme heat or cold and shipping delays can affect a living product. Where seasonal weather poses a risk, we may recommend a faster shipping method or delay dispatch to protect your culture. {{PLACEHOLDER: SEASONAL_HANDLING_NOTE}}

3. Shipping Carriers & Methods

We ship using established courier and logistics partners {{PLACEHOLDER: SHIPPING_CARRIERS}}. The methods available to you, along with any expedited option, are shown at checkout based on your delivery address and the items in your order.

4. Shipping Charges

Shipping charges are calculated at checkout based on your location, order weight and size, and the method selected. Any applicable taxes or handling fees will be shown before you confirm your order. {{PLACEHOLDER: FREE_SHIPPING_THRESHOLD}}

5. Delivery Timelines

Estimated delivery times are provided at checkout and in your confirmation. These are estimates, not guarantees — actual delivery depends on the carrier, your location, and conditions outside our control. Remote or non-metro locations may take longer. {{PLACEHOLDER: DELIVERY_ESTIMATE_RANGE}}

6. Order Tracking

Once your order is dispatched, tracking details (where available from the carrier) are added to your order. You can follow your order status and tracking anytime from your orders page. We may also send dispatch and delivery updates by email.

7. Risk During Transit & Delays

Please provide a complete, accurate delivery address and ensure someone is available to receive the parcel, especially for live cultures. We are not responsible for delays caused by the carrier, weather, incorrect addresses, or failed delivery attempts. If your order is significantly delayed, arrives damaged, or a live culture is affected in transit, contact us promptly — see our Refund & Cancellation Policy for how damaged or non-viable live-good claims are handled and the reporting window that applies.

8. Serviceable Regions

We currently ship within {{PLACEHOLDER: SERVICEABLE_REGIONS}}. Some products, particularly live cultures, may not be available for delivery to every location due to regulatory or transit-time constraints. {{PLACEHOLDER: INTERNATIONAL_SHIPPING_NOTE}} If we cannot ship an item to your address, we will let you know and arrange a refund for the affected items.

9. Undeliverable or Failed Deliveries

If a parcel is returned to us as undeliverable — for example due to an incorrect address, repeated failed delivery attempts, or refusal — we will contact you to arrange redelivery. Additional shipping charges may apply, and we cannot guarantee the viability of a live culture that has been in transit or returned for an extended period.

10. Contact Us

Questions about shipping or a specific order? Email {{PLACEHOLDER: CONTACT_EMAIL}} or visit our contact page.