Shipping & Pickup Policy
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Live animal shipping and local pickup are offered with the understanding that reptiles are living animals
and that certain risks exist outside the seller’s control. This policy outlines shipping procedures,
buyer responsibilities, and limitations of liability.
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Live Animal Shipping – General Information
Exquisite Geckos ships live crested geckos using established carriers and reptile transport services when available.
All animals are carefully prepared and packed to maximize safety during transit.
However, live animal shipping carries inherent risks, including delays and handling factors that are outside the seller’s control once an animal has been transferred to the shipping carrier.
By electing to have an animal shipped, the buyer acknowledges and accepts these risks.
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Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy
Exquisite Geckos does not offer refunds, credits, or replacements for animals that arrive deceased (DOA).
Pre-shipment photos and/or videos will be provided showing the animal alive, alert, and in good condition prior to shipping
Once the animal has been transferred to the shipping carrier, responsibility for transit conditions, timing, and handling is no longer within the seller’s control.
This policy applies regardless of carrier, service level, or cause of delay.
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Shipping Delays & Carrier Responsibility
In recent years, major carriers such as UPS and FedEx have experienced an increase in unpredictable shipping delays, including delays unrelated to weather or packaging.
These delays are beyond the control of:
Exquisite Geckos
the shipping carrier selected
third-party reptile transport services, including Reptile Runner and Reptile Express International
While Exquisite Geckos takes extra precautions when packing animals to account for potential delays, transit time and carrier handling cannot be guaranteed once the shipment has been accepted by the carrier.
This increase in carrier-related delays is a contributing factor to the current DOA and shipping-risk policy and is disclosed to ensure full transparency and buyer awareness.
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Experience & Packing Standards
Exquisite Geckos has been shipping crested geckos for over 13 years and has never experienced a DOA.
Animals are packed with extra precaution, including appropriate insulation and preparation, to maximize safety in the event of unforeseen delays. Despite these measures, shipping outcomes cannot be fully controlled once the animal leaves the seller’s possession.
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Shipping-Related Stress & Cosmetic Changes
The following are considered shipping-related risks and are not covered under any health guarantee:
Tail drop occurring during transit
Tail drop occurring during a hold period prior to shipment
Tail drop is a cosmetic issue only and does not affect the overall health or quality of the animal.
As such:
No refunds
No credits
No replacements
will be issued for tail drop related to shipping or holding.
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Local Pickup
Local pickup may be offered by appointment only. Once an animal has been picked up by the buyer, responsibility for the animal’s condition transfers fully to the buyer.
Exquisite Geckos is not responsible for stress, injury, or health changes occurring after pickup.
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Buyer Acknowledgment
By purchasing and electing shipment or pickup of a live animal from Exquisite Geckos, the buyer acknowledges and accepts:
the inherent risks of live animal shipping
current carrier delay trends
this Shipping & Pickup policy in its entirety
Shipping is optional and elected by the buyer, and acceptance of this policy is a condition of purchase.