Shipping & Returns

We are based in the UK and ship Internationally.

We are not VAT registered so it is not listed or charged.

From the 1st July 2021 all orders from the EU will be subject to the payment of VAT on delivery.  I am not VAT registered so I do not charge for VAT in my store but it does mean that orders will now be 17-20% more expensive than previously, depending on your countries VAT rates.  

*Each country has their own duties and taxes, so you are responsible for any incurred fees when you receive your order.*

NEW: I can offer Delivery Duties Paid (DDP) shipping via DPD courier to most EU countries for an additional charge.  This is the cost of the courier (about £15-16 to most EU countries) + VAT + £4.50 handling fee but it is quicker (about 3 days delivery) and all fees are paid in advance.  All prices are subject to change from courier.  

For more information click here: New EU VAT Rules

 

International orders over £5 will be sent by Tracked post.  Orders to the EU countries listed below will only be sent by Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) shipping via courier because of long delays at customs meaning orders can take weeks to arrive otherwise.

Netherlands, Italy, Republic of Ireland

 

 

Delivery 

All postage costs are based on weight of a product and the geographical location the parcel is being shipped to and is based on the current Royal Mail shipping charges. 

Where possible items will be sent via large letter to keep postage costs low but transformers or larger orders will be sent as a small parcel. International deliveries will be by large letter or small parcel as appropriate, to ensure sufficient packaging to allow your items to arrive intact.

Postage is charged based on weight and at cost. If I can send an item as a smaller parcel and/or at a cheaper rate, any significant excess will be refunded through PayPal/Stripe.

Delivery Options

Due to processing fees and packaging costs on very small orders, orders under the value of £5 will have a £2 admin charge added to the shipping to cover costs.  

Shipping charges are based on weight and/or order total.

Unless otherwise chosen, small orders will be shipped by standard post with no tracking.  Larger orders over £50 will generally be sent by a tracked shipping method.  

UK:

Standard 1st class - not tracked

Signed For - tracking number provided but only traceable once a signature has been obtained on delivery

Tracked 24 - tracking number provided and if an email address is provided at checkout Royal Mail will email you the date of delivery.

Special Delivery - fully traceable and insured through a separate network with guaranteed delivery by 1pm the next working day. 

Europe / ROW:

Standard - not tracked

International Tracked / International Tracked & Signed - Country specific but mostly traceable to end destination with either confirmation of delivery or a signature on delivery.  Level of tracking depends on destination country.

Countries that are known to have higher postage losses will always be shipped by tracked post.  


Most items are made to order and we aim to dispatch within 1-2 days but during busy periods or public holidays this may not be possible.  Please note that there is no shipping at weekends or on Bank Holidays. If due to unforeseen circumstances there is a delay in shipping orders there will be a notice on the home page of the shop indicating the shipping times/delays. You will be notified by e-mail if your order will be delayed.

If an e-mail address is provided with checkout, you will be notified when your item has been dispatched.  Please ensure you have typed it correctly.

All of the shipping costs are  subject to change without notice and will be changed in accordance with the Royal Mail Pricing Structure.

In line with the Royal Mails lost package conditions we can not declare a package missing or lost until until the following:

UK 1st Class/Signed for: 11 working days 

UK 2nd class / Signed for: 14 working days

UK Special Delivery: 5 working days after due date and time

International Post: 28 working days 

 

Packaging

All orders are securely packaged and protected from water ingress.  Most orders are shipped in letter box sized packaging, normally in a sturdy, small box. Larger orders or with big items are shipped as a small parcel in a sturdy box.  We do not charge for packaging.

 

Germany – Verpackungsgesetz (LUCID Packaging Register)

 

In 2019 Germany’s Packaging Act VerpackG came into effect, imposing requirements on online retailers selling to buyers in Germany. The Packaging Act promotes recycling and reuse of packaging materials (e.g. cardboard boxes, tape and bubble wrap).

 

My company Small Scale Lights is registered at the Packaging Register of the Stiftung Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Foundation Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) with registration number DE3446419779970. My Dual System Licensing partner for the collection, sorting & recycling of the packaging is ACTIVATE by RECLAY.

 

As consumer please ensure that all received packaging is disposed of in the correct recycling containers.

 

Order Tracking

For shipping by tracked postal service a tracking number can be provided. We will always obtain a proof of posting.

Shipping Rates 

The rate charged for the shipping of your order is based on the weight of your products, and your location. Before the final checkout page you will be shown what the cost of shipping will be, and you will have a chance to cancel your order

Due to processing fees and packaging costs on very small orders, orders under the value of £5 will have a £2 admin charge added to the shipping to cover costs.

Privacy Policy

Your information is only used to fill your order. We do not sell or redistribute your information to ANYONE. 

Security and Storage

Secure checkout is provided by PayPal or Stripe.  We don't handle or store any credit/debit card information and therefore don't take payment over the phone. 

Payment Policy

Accepted Methods of Payment

PayPal
Credit Card (Visa, Master Card, American Express) through a secure credit/Debit card facility
Bank Transfer - UK only

All transactions are processed in Pounds Sterling (GBP) directly through Paypal's secure payment site or Stripe, card details are NOT sent or stored with us.  

Returns, Refunds and Exchanges Policy

How To Return An Item

Your item must be in its original condition to be returned, unless there is a manufacturer defect. You must return the item within 14 days of your purchase.
Please contact us to request a return by email  info@smallscalelights.co.uk

Please note: We cannot accept returns after 14 days or if we have not been notified.

The cost of return shipping is non-refundable.  Shipping is non-refundable.

Return Exceptions

Merchandise that has been partly made or altered will not be accepted for return or exchange.

Exchanges

If your purchase is in like new condition, you may exchange your purchase, however, we ask that you cover the cost of return shipping.