Shipping Worldwide Since 2013!
Tracking
FAQ: Why does the tracking link show that the shipping label was prepared several days ago and that the USPS is still awaiting receipt of the package?
ANSWER: USPS Chicago suffers from intermittent lapses where workers don't scan packages picked up from our dock. This results in false tracking information that states the package has not been received by the USPS, even though it actually is moving through the USPS system. When this happens, delivery times can be a few days longer than normal and the USPS tracking information is typically updated 1-2 days before the destination post office is ready to deliver the package.
FAQ: Why does the USPS tracking link show that my package is stuck and hasn't moved for a few days? Can you contact the USPS to get my package back on track?
ANSWER: It's not unusual for tracking information to be frozen for 1-3 days while a package is moving long distances by truck or plane. During the holiday season in late November through early January, this happens more often and for a longer number of days. When this happens, there is nothing anyone can do to intervene to get the package moving more quickly. The USPS tracking system, and the nearly identical system used by USPS employees to examine package status, is a one-way system. There is no way to give an input which will move a package or force it to become "unstuck".
FAQ: The tracking link shows that the package was delivered to my address, but I can't find it.
ANSWER: Please contact your local post office and the management there will communicate directly with the driver who delivers to your address. It's possible that your delivery driver still has the package in their truck and they'll deliver it a day or two later. Or maybe they made an error and your package is still in their local USPS building. Other possibilities are that they delivered to the wrong address on your street (e.g. 125 Main Street instead of 123 Main Street), or maybe they delivered to the wrong street (e.g. 123 Maple Street instead of 123 Main Street). Also, check with your neighbors. It's possible that your package got pushed or blown into a sidewalk or street, and the neighbor has your package. If you live in an apartment building, ask the manager if there have been any instances of theft.
Expedited Shipping Is NOT Available
KVgear does not offer expedited shipping. We are a small operation and are only able to ship items within our standard order completion time using non-expedited shipping services.
Total order delivery time is a combination of our order completion time plus the time it takes the shipping service to deliver a package. When you place an order and select a shipping option, the shipping company will display their standard delivery time in our checkout system. For instance, the USPS might claim "1-3 days" for USPS Priority. This doesn't mean that a package will be delivered 1-3 days after you order from us. It means that after the USPS picks up the package from our loading dock, they claim that they will deliver it to you in 1-3 days.
We work hard to complete orders on time. But we don't control the USPS. If they take a long time to deliver a package there is nothing we can do about it.
Order Completion Time
Normally, we ship on Monday and Thursday evenings. The USPS picks up packages from our shipping dock the day after we create shipping labels, at which point tracking information will become active. After the USPS picks up the package, the clock starts ticking and the USPS will do what they can do deliver within the turnaround time that they claim for whatever type of service you selected (First Class, Parcel Select, or Ground).
Shipping Cost
To determine shipping cost, place your item(s) in the shopping cart and proceed to the beginning of the checkout process. Your shipping cost will automatically be calculated based on your address, package size and package weight. You will not be required to enter payment information at this stage of the checkout process.
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: Due to technology limitations, our shopping cart sometimes calculates outrageous shipping costs for multiple-item orders. If you want to place an order and are shocked by an outrageous shipping cost, please email us and we will determine the actual shipping cost.
Shipping Methods
Within the USA
All packages are shipped via the USPS or UPS.
We no longer offer in-person pickup at our Chicago workshop. We're only 3 people working part time with odd working hours. Previously, we would leave packages at our co-working building's reception desk for customer pickup. But this has become problematic and as a result we have cancelled in-person pickup.
International
All packages are shipped via the USPS (Unites States Postal Service) which transfers packages to the local postal service for final delivery in the destination country. Some of the local postal services are:
- Australia Post (Australia)
- Deutsche Post (Germany)
- La Poste (France)
- Los Correos (Spain)
- PostNL (Netherlands)
- PostNord (Denmark, Sweden)
- Royal Mail (UK)
International Transit Times
In-transit time after packaging and processing is typically 5-7 days to Canada and 10-12 days to the UK, EU, Australia and Japan.
International Tracking
Under normal circumstances, tracking information is detailed and accurate while the package is in the US. Once the package is transferred to an international hub in the USA (typically at a Chicago airport) tracking information will be limited because the destination countries often do not report back to the USPS until the package is delivered to the recipient.
International Customs
Customs fees are paid by the customer to their local government-appointed customs authority when the package is delivered. The shipping charge that you pay KVgear covers only the postage and packaging, not the customs fees. KVgear accurately reports a description and value for all contents in a package. We will not undervalue the cost of the shipment in order to allow the recipient to pay lower customs fees. To do so would be illegal and would put our business at risk.