Store Policy
Quick summary: Corals ship Monday through Wednesday, weather permitting. Free nationwide overnight coral shipping applies to qualifying orders of $300 or more. Eligible coral purchases include live-arrival protection and a 15-day color and health guarantee. Dry goods ship separately and directly from their manufacturers.
1. Coral shipping schedule
Gem State Corals ships live corals Monday through Wednesday to reduce weekend-delay risk. Shipping dates may be adjusted for holidays, carrier limitations or unsafe weather. A requested delivery date is not confirmed until Gem State Corals approves it.
2. Coral shipping rates
- Nationwide: Free overnight coral shipping on qualifying orders of $300 or more. Paid rates for smaller orders are shown at checkout.
- Idaho orders of $100 or more: $25 overnight shipping.
- Idaho orders under $100: $35 overnight shipping.
- Caldwell pickup: Free by confirmed appointment.
- Local delivery: Free within 20 miles on qualifying orders of $200 or more when arranged in advance.
Shipping promotions apply to qualifying coral orders unless expressly stated otherwise.
3. Weather holds
Livestock safety comes first. Orders may be held when origin, destination or transit-hub temperatures are below 25°F, above 95°F or otherwise unsafe. Weather holds do not cancel the order; Gem State Corals will coordinate the next safe shipping date.
4. Packaging and tracking
Live corals are heat-sealed, insulated and packed with temperature control appropriate for forecast conditions. Tracking is provided after the shipment is prepared. Customers are responsible for providing a complete address and being available to receive the package.
5. Live-arrival protection
If a coral arrives dead, contact Gem State Corals within two hours of the carrier-recorded delivery time. Provide clear photos or video of the coral still sealed in its original bag and inside the shipping box. Keep the coral, bag and packaging until the claim is reviewed.
Approved claims are resolved through refund, replacement or store credit for the affected coral as determined by Gem State Corals. Shipping charges are not refundable. Claims caused by an incorrect address, missed delivery, package refusal, delayed pickup, customer-requested carrier changes or failure to provide the required documentation are not covered.
6. Fifteen-day color and health guarantee
If an eligible coral declines within 15 days of delivery, contact us promptly with clear photos and current salinity, temperature, alkalinity, nitrate and phosphate information. Coverage does not apply to tank crashes, major parameter swings, equipment failure, improper acclimation or placement, pests introduced after delivery, livestock aggression or other aquarium-related causes.
7. Local pickup and in-person appointments
Caldwell pickup and in-person shopping are available only after confirmation. Please do not travel until a date, time and visit details have been confirmed. Corals remain available for online purchase until paid for.
8. Manufacturer-direct dry goods and equipment
Dry goods and reef equipment do not ship from Gem State Corals unless a listing specifically says otherwise. These products ship directly from their manufacturer and may arrive separately from coral purchases. Shipping method, inventory availability, handling time and delivery estimates are determined by the manufacturer—not Gem State Corals.
Manufacturer-direct products may be subject to the manufacturer’s return, cancellation, warranty and restocking policies. Contact Gem State Corals before returning an item.
9. Order changes, cancellations and returns
Contact us immediately if an order needs to be changed. Livestock orders cannot be changed or canceled after packing begins. Livestock is not returnable. Approved dry-goods returns must follow the applicable manufacturer’s requirements and may include shipping or restocking charges.
10. Customer care responsibility
Customers are responsible for researching compatibility and maintaining appropriate aquarium conditions, lighting, flow, acclimation and placement. Contact us if you need help before purchasing or if a coral shows signs of stress.
11. Contact
Email gemstatecorals@gmail.com or use our contact form. Include your order number and supporting photographs when applicable.