Order Status
Looking for an update on an order you’ve already placed? You can check order status on line by logging into the My Account page. The link to this page can be found at the top right – next to the shopping cart.
Order Processing
Orders placed on-line or over the phone are both entered into the on-line ordering system. This enables both order types to be tracked by the customer later on when logging into the customer account history. Order processing depends on availability as follows:
- In Stock: Items in stock are sent the same day or following business day from date of order.
- Out-of-Stock/Backorder: Items listed for order that are not in stock may be in shipment from the manufacturer to Collect the Elements. In these cases, orders are shipped the same day or following business day that the product is received by Collect the Elements.
In both cases, customers will be notified upon product shipment via e-mail and the on-line order status page will be updated with shipping and tracking information.
Shipping
Orders are shipped via United States Post Office Priority Mail within the United States, and single orders are sent internationally using First Class Mail International.
For orders within the United States, Priority Mail is a flat rate of $9.00 nationwide.
Exceptions to the above will be clearly noted on the item detail page, such as free shipping specials. These shipping amounts may be slightly different than the actual shipping costs of the package.
Shipping on other international items varies based on total weight of the products and packaging.**
**Important! On Rare Occasion International Orders may require additional shipping charges. While the rate listed above covers many locations, some areas cost considerably more. In these instances, an e-mail will be sent requesting the additional payment to cover shipping. If this amount is more than you are willing to pay, you may cancel the order for a full refund.
Privacy
Customer information such as names, phone numbers, addresses, and e-mail are never shared with third parties for any reason. Customers may be contacted by Collect the Elements during normal operating hours for order processing information. Additionally, Collect the Elements may e-mail specials and new product announcements to those customers who sign up for the optional mailing list.
Payments
Payments are processed via PayPal, but a PayPal account is NOT required to order. On the checkout page of the order process, a “Place Order” button will temporarily take the customer to a secure page on PayPal’s server. Here customers may sign into their PayPal accounts OR enter credit card information. Using this system gives the customer all of the security and support of PayPal to ensure maximum protection. Collect the Elements does not see or have access to any customer’s bank account information. Once payment is made via PayPal, a notification is sent to the Collecttheelements.com website that payment has been made. The customer is given confirmation of payment and then redirected to a receipt page on the Collecttheelements.com website with the PayPal transaction ID, payment amount, and order details. NOTE: The payments are processed through the Exotic Plant Books Paypal account.
Cancellations & Returns
Cancellations: Orders that have already shipped cannot be canceled. Once an order has shipped, a return must be made to achieve a refund. Refunds on cancellations for orders that have not shipped are issues within 48 business hours. Partial cancellations are possible for orders that become delayed due to a backorder or other ordering error.
Returns: Returns must be made within 30 days from date of purchase. Returned items must be in the original condition (clean and unworn) with tags! Partial credit may be issued if product is not in the original condition. Customer is responsible for return shipping unless the incorrect item was sent by Collect the Elements. In that case a prepaid label may be issued to pick up the item. Returns are processed upon receipt and refunds issued within 48 business hours if all other conditions are met. Customer will be notified immediately if any exceptions occur – such as items returned after the 30 day return period.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is not required on orders shipped outside the state of Minnesota. The current sales tax rate for Minnesota is 6.875% on non-clothing items.
Product Condition
All items listed on CollecttheElements.com are completely new and unused with tags without exception! We do not sell used or damaged items.
Sale Prices
Items are only placed on sale in order to clearance excess inventory. Orders for the same item placed before or after this period do not qualify for the sale price. Every effort is made to ensure that the regular selling price is as low as possible so that customers get the best deal at any time. Inventory reduction sales are rare and should not be expected. Therefore customers can be confident that the current price is the best price.