Shipping Policy

1. Overview

This Shipping Policy explains how EcoWorm Solutions ("EcoWorm", "we", "us", or "our") prepares, dispatches, and delivers orders. It forms part of our Terms & Conditions.

2. Delivery areas

We deliver across South Africa using trusted national courier partners. Deliveries to outlying or remote areas may take longer and may attract an additional surcharge, which we will confirm before dispatch.

We currently do not ship internationally.

3. Processing & dispatch times

• Orders are processed on business days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).
• Live worms are dispatched on Mondays and Tuesdays only, to avoid worms sitting in courier depots over weekends.
• Vermicompost and other physical products are typically dispatched within 1–3 business days of payment confirmation.
• Orders placed on weekends or public holidays are processed on the next business day.

4. Estimated delivery times

Estimated transit times from dispatch (courier-dependent):

• Main metro areas: 1–3 business days
• Regional areas: 2–5 business days
• Outlying / remote areas: 3–7 business days

These times are estimates only. Delivery times are not guaranteed and may be affected by courier delays, weather, load-shedding, or other events outside our control.

5. Shipping fees

Shipping fees are calculated at checkout based on the product, weight, and delivery address. Where shipping cannot be calculated automatically (e.g. bulk or remote orders), we will contact you with a quote before processing the order.

6. Packaging of live worms

Live worms are packed in breathable bags inside insulated, ventilated boxes with moist bedding to keep them safe during transit. Worms can survive a few days in transit under normal conditions, but it is essential that you:

• collect or accept delivery promptly, and
• unpack the worms within 24 hours of delivery.

For full information on what happens if the worms arrive in poor condition, please see our Returns & Refunds Policy.

7. Tracking your order

Once your order is dispatched, we will send you a tracking number (where the courier supports it). You can use this to monitor your delivery and arrange collection if required.

8. Delivery address & failed deliveries

• It is your responsibility to provide a complete and accurate delivery address, contact number, and any access instructions (e.g. estate, security code).
• If the courier is unable to deliver because no one is available, the address is incorrect, or access is refused, additional re-delivery fees may apply.
• For live worm orders, failed deliveries that result in the worms being held at a depot may void the live-arrival guarantee — see our Returns & Refunds Policy.

9. Risk & ownership

Ownership and risk in the goods pass to you upon delivery to the address you provided. Where you nominate a third party (e.g. a security guard, neighbour, or reception) to accept delivery on your behalf, delivery to that person is deemed delivery to you.

10. Local pickup

Local pickup may be available by prior arrangement. Please contact us via the Contact section before placing your order to confirm availability.

11. Digital products

Ebooks and other digital products are delivered electronically (typically by email or download link) immediately after payment is confirmed. No physical shipping is involved.

12. Contact

For any shipping query, reach us via the Contact section of our website.