Online orders during winter?

[LarryZ]

Happy New Year Everyone,

I was thinking about ordering some inverts online (hermits, snails for algae control and some feather duster worms).

Currently we are having a cold snap with temps in the teens so I was going to wait until normal temps return next week (low to mid 30's) but I was wondering if it is OK to order then or wait until spring. Someone will be home so they will be brought inside immediately and not be left sitting on the porch.

Thanks.

 

[meeandcharlie]

Great question! Wondering same thing as I plan! Best time of year for online orders and shipping.

 

[Tripod1404]

I ordered multiple times with below zero (in F) temperatures. As long as you order from a reliable vendor, it should be okay. They check the temperature before preparing the shipment boxes to decide how many heat packs to put in the box, but you can put a note and inform them about the low temperatures just in case.

 

[OldReefGuy]

IMO, depending on what side of the wold you live in, best time is Mar/Apr/May and then Aug/Sept/Oct.
Otherwise, they ship with either cold packs (summer) and heat packs (winter).
Usually, all arrives ok.

 

[scooters reef]

Spring and Fall are best in most areas, but if you are sure someone is there to accept the delivery I wouldn't worry about if ordering from a respected place. THEY won't ship if they are concerned. They may charge for extra heat packs, if needed.

I'd try to stick with times when weather isn't even much of an issue, but I wouldn't go overboard worrying about it either if someone is home to take care of them quickly.

 

[Sk8r]

I ordered in winter from an invert company I trusted in summer, and was home to receive the package with no delay. Alas, everything was dead or dying.

 

[homer1475]

I order all the time from reefcleaners. Temps are always in the teens and lower around here this time of year. As long as someone is home to take the package and bring it indoors, I've never had an issue. But that's only one vendor and I always tell them to pack them warm because of the temps.

 

[SaintAndrews]

I live in Alaska and have never had a problem. Most reliable vendors check the weather of the destination when deciding on how many hot packs to put in.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[Deleted member 336650]

Had an order the 1st week of December. 50s during the day & 40s at night here. When it arrived there were no heat packs & a dead fish.

Note to self, next time request a heat pack

 

[gone fishin]

I generally try to order stuff in the spring and fall. It is true that reputable vendors will add heat or cold packs for the weather. The thing that the vendor has no control over is the snow storm that blows in and your package sits for a day or two in a warehouse in some other part of the country.

 

[meeandcharlie]

Vendor has no control over weather/temp conditions, and hopefully ship accordingly. I believe most reputable sellers look at transit path and 'pack' for conditions, but all conditions are not foreseeable. I have always checked temp/forecast conditions for shipping path of livestock shipment to me, feeling somewhat responsible.

 

[syrinx]

summer and winter are usually more relaible than spring and fall when weather can change rapidly. Of the two winter is likely best as cold blooded animals can handle cold better than heat. The only thing to really worry about is a big storm causing delays- which is more likely in the winter. All being said- in the thousands of orders I have sent or received- poor weather conditions seldom made any difference.

 

[rocsec1]

I recently ordered from a pretty company and half of the stuff arrived dead. They refunded some of the stuff but not all of it. There was one heat pack. I won't order this time again.

 

[snorvich]

Note to self, next time request a heat pack

Note to self, change vendors.

 

[EMeyer]

Order enough online, you will get a DOA from any vendor. I dont think its fair to write off a vendor because a few animals died on one shipment. Theyre sending tropical animals through the mail for cryin out loud. Its inherently challenging.

DOAs happen. Good vendors issue credits or refunds you when they do.

 

[Deleted member 336650]

Note to self, change vendors.

Order enough online, you will get a DOA from any vendor. I dont think its fair to write off a vendor because a few animals died on one shipment. Theyre sending tropical animals through the mail for cryin out loud. Its inherently challenging.

DOAs happen. Good vendors issue credits or refunds you when they do.

I called and got credit without a problem. They offered a choice of refund also. It was one of the big sellers. I was disappointed that there was no heat pack & so was the phone rep when I called. Hopefully it was just an oversight. This was my 4th order from them, but 1st during cold weather.

 

[homer1475]

Did you mention you live in a colder climate, and a heat pack might be needed?

I always do, and have never had an issue with inverts. Just did an order with reefcleaners and it will ship on Tuesday. The weather will be warmer then usual(34F), but still suggested an extra heat pack as the weather here is a tad on the cold side.

 

[MrNurse]

I live in Wisconsin and order online stuff all the time. If I know it's going to be pretty cold or if I'm concerned about a certain item then I'll usually have FedEx/Post Office/UPS hang onto it so I' can drive and pick it up.