Shipping Information
Everything you need to know about how your live livestock is shipped safely.
UK Shipping Only
FragSwop currently only supports shipping within the United Kingdom. All delivery addresses must be valid UK postcodes. We do not ship to:
- International destinations
- Channel Islands
- Isle of Man
- British Overseas Territories
Delivery Options
Sellers set their own shipping options. Common delivery methods include:
Next Day Delivery
The recommended option for live livestock. Animals spend minimal time in transit, reducing stress and mortality risk. Most sellers use services like Royal Mail Special Delivery or dedicated livestock couriers.
Standard Shipping
Available for hardy species and equipment. Typically 2-3 working days. Not recommended for sensitive livestock.
Collection
Some sellers offer local collection. You arrange a time to pick up your purchase directly from the seller. This is ideal for:
- Large or fragile items
- High-value livestock
- Local buyers who want to avoid shipping stress
Note: Shipping costs are set by individual sellers and vary based on location, delivery speed, and packaging requirements.
Packaging for Live Livestock
Sellers are responsible for packaging animals safely. Standard practices include:
Bag Requirements
- Appropriate bag size for the animal
- Sufficient water and oxygen
- Double-bagging for security
- Breather bags for longer journeys (some species)
Temperature Control
- Insulated polystyrene boxes
- Heat packs in cold weather
- Cold packs in warm weather
- Multiple layers of insulation
Labelling
- Clear "Live Tropical Fish" or "Live Animals" labels
- "This Way Up" indicators
- Fragile warnings
- Contact numbers for delivery issues
Receiving Your Delivery
Before Delivery
- Ensure someone is home to receive the package
- Check your tank is ready for new arrivals
- Prepare acclimation equipment
- Have a quarantine tank ready if needed
At Delivery
- Open the package immediately
- Inspect all animals before acclimating
- Take photos of everything (for DOA claims if needed)
- Note the condition of heat/cold packs
Acclimation
Proper acclimation is crucial for livestock survival:
- Float sealed bags in your tank for 15-30 minutes (temperature match)
- Gradually add tank water to the bag over 30-60 minutes
- For sensitive species, use drip acclimation
- Monitor parameters during the process
- Release animals and dispose of shipping water
Tracking Your Order
Once shipped, you can track your order:
- Check your order status in your account dashboard
- Sellers provide tracking numbers where available
- Receive notifications at key delivery stages
- Contact the seller if tracking shows issues
Delivery Problems
Failed Delivery Attempt
If you miss a delivery:
- Check for a card from the courier
- Arrange redelivery as soon as possible
- Contact the seller if animals were left too long
- DOA protection may be affected if delivery was delayed due to missed attempts
Lost or Damaged Packages
If your package doesn't arrive or arrives damaged:
- Contact the seller immediately through messaging
- Document any visible damage to packaging
- Take photos before fully opening
- File a claim if necessary
Combined Shipping
When you buy multiple items from the same seller:
- Items are grouped together automatically at checkout
- Sellers can often combine shipping for savings
- Check shipping costs per seller in your cart
- Message sellers about combined shipping discounts
Related Pages
- DOA Protection - What happens if animals arrive dead
- Seller Shipping Guide - For sellers packaging and shipping
- Buyer FAQ - Common buyer questions
Contact Us
For shipping queries, contact us at [email protected].