Delivery & Shipping
DELIVERY & SHIPPING
At Obsidian Betta Co., livestock welfare determines how we ship.
Every fish is individually checked before dispatch and carefully packed to minimise stress and maintain suitable conditions during transport.
LIVESTOCK DELIVERY
All UK livestock orders are dispatched using our designated Guaranteed Next Day delivery service.
We no longer offer a non-guaranteed postal option for live fish.
This allows us to minimise expected transit time while providing appropriate tracking and a clear process should a shipment be delayed within the courier network.
Tracking information will be provided when your order is dispatched.
DISPATCH DAYS
Livestock is dispatched Monday to Thursday
We may delay dispatch where we believe doing so is in the best interests of the fish. This can include:
- Extreme hot or cold weather;
- Severe weather warnings;
- Bank holidays;
- Known courier disruption;
- Operational issues affecting delivery networks; or
- Any other circumstance where we reasonably believe shipment could compromise livestock welfare.
Where we need to delay an order, we will contact you.
DELIVERY DATES
Where a preferred shipping or delivery date is selected during checkout, we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate it.
Livestock delivery dates remain subject to fish condition, weather, courier operation and other circumstances that can affect safe transportation.
The welfare of the fish will always take priority over dispatching simply to meet a requested date.
RECEIVING YOUR FISH
Someone should be available to receive livestock at the delivery address.
Please monitor your tracking information and ensure the parcel can be accepted on the first delivery attempt.
We strongly recommend that livestock is not redirected to an alternative address, collection point or unattended safe place while in transit.
Once received, fish should be unpacked promptly and acclimated appropriately.
DELAYS
Although we use a guaranteed delivery service, disruption within the courier network can occasionally occur.
If tracking indicates that your livestock shipment has been delayed, please contact us.
We will work directly with the courier where necessary and manage any investigation or claim relating to the shipment.
Please be aware that couriers may require a particular period to pass before they will formally investigate or classify a shipment as lost. We may therefore need to allow the courier's process to progress before the final status of an order can be established.
Any applicable refund, replacement or other remedy will be handled in accordance with our Arrive Alive Guarantee and your statutory consumer rights.
PACKAGING
Every livestock shipment is prepared specifically for live-fish transport.
Fish are securely bagged and packed within insulated packaging designed to protect them during transit.
Heat packs or other temperature-control measures may be used where appropriate based on expected weather and temperature conditions.
COMBINED LIVESTOCK ORDERS
Where multiple livestock purchases are being held for the same customer, we may be able to combine them into a single shipment.
Please contact us before placing an additional order where possible so we can advise on the best arrangement.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY
Customers are responsible for:
- Providing a complete and accurate delivery address;
- Providing accurate contact information;
- Ensuring somebody is available to receive the livestock;
- Monitoring tracking information following dispatch; and
- Contacting us promptly if there is an issue with delivery.
ARRIVE ALIVE GUARANTEE
All livestock shipments are supported by the Obsidian Betta Co. Arrive Alive Guarantee.
Please read the Arrive Alive Guarantee before ordering, particularly the requirements relating to first-attempt delivery and reporting any problem following arrival.
Nothing within this Delivery & Shipping Policy limits or affects your statutory consumer rights.