Shipping & Delivery Policy

Overview

At Gstdb, we ship custom metal signs directly from our manufacturing facility in Xiamen, China to customers throughout the United States. We’ve streamlined our international shipping process to ensure your custom sign arrives safely and efficiently.

Shipping From China to the USA

Our Location

All orders are manufactured and shipped from our facility in Xiamen, Fujian, China.

Why We Ship From China:

  • Direct from manufacturer = lower prices
  • Complete quality control throughout production
  • Access to specialized equipment and materials
  • Efficient production and shipping process

Shipping Time

  • Production Time: 5-10 business days after design approval
  • Shipping Time: 7-15 business days in transit
  • Total Delivery Time: 12-25 business days from order placement

Business days exclude weekends and holidays in both China and the USA.

Shipping Methods & Carriers

We use reliable international shipping carriers to ensure safe and timely delivery:

Available Carriers:

  • EMS (Express Mail Service) – China Post international express service
  • DHL Express – Premium fast shipping option
  • China Post Packet – Standard economical shipping
  • ePacket – Tracked economical shipping optimized for e-commerce

Carrier Selection

The shipping carrier is selected based on:

  • Your location in the US
  • Package size and weight
  • Current shipping efficiency
  • Cost optimization

We choose the most reliable and cost-effective option for your specific order. If you have a carrier preference, please note it in your order comments and we’ll accommodate when possible.

Shipping Rates

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on:

  • Your shipping address
  • Order size and weight
  • Shipping method selected

Free Shipping Promotions

We occasionally offer free or discounted shipping on orders over a certain amount. Check our website homepage for current promotions.

Order Processing Timeline

Step 1: Order Placement

Once you place your order and provide design specifications, we begin the design process.

Step 2: Design Approval (1-2 days)

We’ll email you a digital proof of your custom sign for approval. Production does not begin until you approve the design.

Important: Please review carefully and respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 3: Production (5-10 business days)

After you approve the design, your sign enters our production queue. Our team will:

  • Cut and shape the metal
  • Apply finishes and coatings
  • Add custom text, images, or engravings
  • Conduct quality inspection

Step 4: Quality Check & Packaging (1 day)

Every sign undergoes final quality inspection and is carefully packaged for international shipping.

Step 5: Shipping (7-15 business days)

Your package is handed to the international carrier and begins its journey to your US address.

Package Tracking

Tracking Information

Once your order ships, you will receive:

  • Tracking number via email
  • Carrier information (EMS, DHL, ePacket, etc.)
  • Link to track your package

How to Track Your Order

Step 1: Check your email for the shipping confirmation

Step 2: Click the tracking link or copy the tracking number

Step 3: Visit the carrier’s tracking website:

Step 4: Enter your tracking number to see real-time updates

Tracking Updates

  • First scan: Package leaves our facility in China (1-2 days after shipping notification)
  • In transit: Updates as package moves through international sorting centers
  • Arrived in USA: Package clears customs (usually within 24-48 hours)
  • Out for delivery: Package is with your local postal carrier
  • Delivered: Package successfully delivered to your address

Note: Tracking may not update daily during international transit. This is normal. Updates will resume once the package reaches the US.

Customs & Import Duties

Good News: No Customs Fees for Most Orders!

De Minimis Exemption: According to US customs regulations, shipments valued under $800 are generally exempt from customs duties and import taxes when shipped directly to consumers.

Since most of our custom metal signs fall well below this threshold, you typically will NOT have to pay any customs fees.

What This Means for You:

  • ✅ No surprise fees at delivery
  • ✅ The price you see at checkout is the final price
  • ✅ No customs paperwork required
  • ✅ Faster customs clearance

Rare Exceptions:

In very rare cases (less than 1% of orders), US Customs may assess duties or fees. This can happen if:

  • The declared value is questioned
  • Your area has special regulations
  • Random inspection is conducted

If customs fees are assessed (rare), they are the responsibility of the recipient and must be paid before the package is released for delivery.

Customs Clearance Time:

Most packages clear US customs within 24-48 hours with no action required from you.

Packaging & Protection

We take great care to ensure your custom metal sign arrives in perfect condition.

Our Packaging Process:

Step 1: Individual Protection

  • Each sign is wrapped in protective foam or bubble wrap
  • Sharp edges are padded to prevent damage
  • Multiple layers for extra protection

Step 2: Moisture Protection

  • Signs are sealed in waterproof plastic bags
  • Protects against humidity during ocean/air transit
  • Keeps your sign pristine

Step 3: Secure Boxing

  • Placed in sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes
  • Box size is matched to sign dimensions
  • Additional padding material fills empty spaces

Step 4: Exterior Protection

  • Boxes are sealed with heavy-duty packing tape
  • Fragile stickers applied (when appropriate)
  • Clear shipping labels with tracking barcodes

Step 5: Final Quality Check

  • Package is weighed and measured
  • Shipping label verification
  • Final inspection before handoff to carrier

Why Our Packaging Matters:

Your custom sign will travel approximately 7,000 miles from our facility in China to your home in the US. It will be:

  • Sorted multiple times
  • Transported by truck, plane, and delivery vehicle
  • Handled by various shipping personnel
  • Exposed to different climates

Our multi-layer packaging system ensures your sign survives this journey and arrives exactly as it left our facility.

Delivery & Signature

Delivery to Your Address

Packages are delivered to the shipping address you provided at checkout.

Delivery Methods:

  • Doorstep delivery: Most carriers will leave the package at your door
  • Mailbox delivery: Smaller packages may be left in your mailbox
  • Signature required: Occasionally required for larger or higher-value packages
  • Local post office pickup: If delivery attempt fails, package may be held at your local post office

Delivery Notifications

Most carriers will provide:

  • Email or SMS notification before delivery
  • Photo confirmation of delivery (when available)
  • Delivery time stamp

If You’re Not Home:

  • Most packages do not require a signature and will be left safely at your address
  • If signature is required and you’re not home, carrier will leave a notice with pickup instructions
  • You can usually arrange redelivery or pickup at your local post office

Shipping Restrictions

We Ship To:

  • All 50 US states
  • APO/FPO military addresses (may require additional time)
  • PO Boxes (for smaller signs)

We Cannot Ship To:

  • US territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.) – please contact us for alternative arrangements
  • International addresses outside the US (currently US only)

Common Shipping Questions

Why does international shipping take 7-15 days?

International shipping involves multiple steps:

  1. Package pickup from our facility in China
  2. Transport to international sorting facility
  3. Air freight to the United States
  4. US customs clearance
  5. Transfer to domestic carrier (USPS)
  6. Local delivery to your address

Each step takes time, but this process allows us to offer you factory-direct pricing.

Can I expedite my order?

Production time (5-10 days) cannot be rushed as each sign is custom-made to order.

Shipping time can sometimes be expedited:

  • DHL Express offers faster shipping (5-10 business days)
  • Available at checkout for an additional fee
  • Not available for all locations or package sizes

What if tracking shows my package is stuck?

Tracking may appear “stuck” in a few situations:

  • At customs: Normal – can take 24-72 hours with no updates
  • In transit internationally: Updates may be infrequent between countries
  • Weather delays: Temporary delays due to storms or extreme weather

If your tracking shows no movement for more than 5 business days, contact us at [email protected] and we’ll investigate with the carrier.

Will I need to pay customs fees?

In most cases, NO. Orders under $800 shipped directly to consumers are typically exempt from customs duties under US de minimis rules. Over 99% of our customers do not pay any customs fees.

Can I change my shipping address after ordering?

Before shipping: Yes, contact us immediately at [email protected] and we can update your address.

After shipping: Very difficult once the package is in transit. Contact the carrier directly with your tracking number to request an address change (fees may apply).

What if my package is lost or damaged in transit?

See our “Lost or Damaged Packages” section below.

Lost or Damaged Packages

Damaged in Shipping

If your package arrives damaged:

Step 1: Take photos immediately

  • Photo of the damaged outer packaging
  • Photo of the damaged sign
  • Multiple angles

Step 2: Contact us within 7 days

Step 3: We’ll make it right

  • Review your claim (usually within 24-48 hours)
  • Options: Full refund or free replacement
  • We’ll handle all carrier claims

Important: Please inspect your package upon delivery. It’s much easier to file claims when damage is reported immediately.

Lost or Non-Delivered Packages

If your tracking shows “delivered” but you didn’t receive the package:

Step 1: Check thoroughly

  • Look around your property (porches, side doors, garage)
  • Check with household members
  • Ask neighbors
  • Check with building management (if applicable)

Step 2: Contact the carrier

  • Use tracking number to file a claim with the carrier
  • They can provide GPS delivery coordinates
  • They may launch an investigation

Step 3: Contact us

  • Email: [email protected] after checking with carrier
  • We’ll work with you and the carrier to resolve the issue

If tracking shows package is truly lost in transit (no updates for 30+ days):

  • Contact us at [email protected]
  • We’ll file a carrier claim
  • We’ll send a replacement at no cost or provide a full refund

Order Delays

Reasons for Potential Delays

Production Delays (rare):

  • Design revision requests
  • Complex custom designs
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day)

Shipping Delays:

  • Customs inspections (random)
  • Weather events (typhoons, hurricanes, snowstorms)
  • Carrier backlog (holiday seasons)
  • Global shipping disruptions

Major Holiday Periods

Chinese Holidays (Production & Shipping Affected):

  • Chinese New Year (late January – early February): 1-2 week facility closure
  • National Day (October 1-7): 1 week closure

We’ll notify you in advance if your order timeline is affected by holidays.

US Holidays (Delivery Affected):

  • Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s: Carrier delays common

What We Do About Delays

  • Proactive communication: We’ll email you about any expected delays
  • Tracking updates: You can monitor your package’s progress
  • Customer support: Email us anytime for order status updates

Contact Us About Shipping

Have questions about shipping or your order status?

Email: [email protected] (Primary contact method – fastest response)
Phone/WhatsApp: 1-507-478-4425
Website: www.gstdb.com

Our Hours (China Standard Time – UTC+8):
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST
Sunday: Closed

Response Time: We respond to all inquiries within 24 business hours. Due to the time zone difference (China is 12-15 hours ahead of US time zones), there may be a delay, but we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Tips for a Smooth Delivery Experience

✅ Provide accurate shipping information – Double-check your address at checkout

✅ Approve your design quickly – Faster approval = faster production start

✅ Monitor your email – We’ll send tracking info and updates via email

✅ Track your package – Stay informed about your delivery timeline

✅ Be available near delivery date – Most packages don’t require signature, but it helps to be available

✅ Inspect upon delivery – Check for damage immediately so we can help if needed

✅ Contact us with questions – We’re here to help throughout the entire process

Why We’re Confident in Our Shipping

  • ✅ 2+ years of experience shipping to the US
  • ✅ Thousands of successful deliveries to all 50 states
  • ✅ 98%+ on-time delivery rate within expected timeframe
  • ✅ Reliable carrier partnerships with EMS, DHL, China Post
  • ✅ Professional packaging that protects your sign
  • ✅ Full tracking from our facility to your door
  • ✅ Responsive support to help with any shipping issues

Your Satisfaction Is Guaranteed

We stand behind every sign we make and every package we ship. If something goes wrong during shipping, we’ll make it right – whether that means a replacement sign or a full refund.

Thank you for choosing Gstdb!