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Shipping Delays

At Tidewater Games, we strive to process and ship most orders for in-stock items within 48 hours (excluding holidays). However, shipping delays can occur, especially during busy times of the year, and we believe in being transparent about these challenges. While we aim to get your items to you as quickly as possible, delays with carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS are sometimes unavoidable. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Shipping Delays Happen

Shipping delays are more common during peak periods when carriers handle millions of packages daily. From our experience, here are the main reasons delays occur:

  • High Volume: Carriers often face an overwhelming number of packages, which may exceed their capacity in terms of staff, vehicles, and sorting facilities.
  • Limited Scanning: Packages may not be scanned at every stop, leading to tracking gaps. Sometimes, tracking updates only appear when a package reaches your local hub.
  • Operational Challenges: Carriers sometimes rely on rented vehicles to handle overflow, which can lead to inefficiencies. Delays may also occur if packages are stuck in full trailers waiting for processing.
  • Unforeseen Factors: Weather, labor shortages, or other logistical issues can further delay deliveries.

What This Means for Your Order

Once your order is handed over to the carrier, Tidewater Games no longer has control over its movement. Tracking information is updated directly by the carrier, and delays—while frustrating—are often resolved within a few days. However:

  • First-Class and Priority Mail shipments may take 5–14 business days or longer.
  • FedEx and UPS Ground are generally more reliable but can still experience delays.
  • Packages marked as “sitting” are often moving within the system but awaiting the next processing stage.

How to Plan Ahead

If you need your order by a specific date (e.g., Christmas or a special event), we strongly recommend selecting expedited shipping options such as:

  • FedEx Express Saver
  • UPS 3-Day Select
  • Second-Day Air or Next-Day Air Services

While First-Class or Priority Mail might arrive on time, these methods are less predictable during high-volume periods.

What to Do If Your Package Is Delayed

We’re here to help if your package seems delayed or tracking isn’t updating. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Check Tracking Regularly: Tracking may update at key milestones, so check periodically.
  2. Contact Us After 10 Days: If your package hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, contact us for assistance. We’ll work with the carrier to locate your shipment and ensure it arrives as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to You

At Tidewater Games, we understand how frustrating delays can be, and we’re committed to providing you with the best possible service. While we can’t control carrier operations, we’ll do everything we can to assist you. Please be patient during busy times, and know that we’re here to help if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Thank you for your understanding and for choosing Tidewater Games. Your support means the world to us!