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Shipping & Returns Policy

Last Updated: May 2026

Our Commitment

Every specimen in The Blevins Collection is carefully selected, authenticated, and packaged with museum-quality materials. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.

 

Returns Policy

 

Return Window

 

Items may be returned within 14 days of delivery for a full refund of the merchandise cost.

 

Conditions for Return

 

To be eligible for return, items must:

  • Be returned in the same condition as received

  • Include all original packaging, documentation, and materials

  • Include the specimen identification card and provenance documentation

  • Be shipped with tracking and insurance (your responsibility)

 

How to Initiate a Return

  1. Contact us within 14 days of delivery at info@bnhgallery.com

  2. Provide your order number and reason for return

  3. Receive return authorization and shipping instructions

  4. Package the specimen securely following our guidelines

  5. Ship with tracking and insurance (recommended)

 

Please contact us before returning any item.

 

What We Refund

 

Standard Returns (buyer's choice):

  • Full merchandise cost

  • Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility

  • Credit card processing fees (approximately 3%) are not refunded

 

Store Credit Option:
 

If you choose store credit instead of a refund, we will include the credit card processing fees (3%) in your credit amount.

 

Returns Due to Our Error:
 

If we made an error (incorrect item shipped, specimen materially misrepresented, damage during shipping), we will refund:

  • Full merchandise cost

  • Original shipping costs

  • Return shipping costs

  • Credit card processing fees

 

Material Misrepresentation

 

We will accept returns and issue full refunds if:

  • Specimen is not as described (authentic vs. replica)

  • Significant undisclosed damage, repair, or restoration

  • Incorrect species or geological period identification

  • Provenance documentation is inaccurate

 

Refund Processing

 

Refunds will be issued within 7-10 business days after we receive and inspect the returned item. Refunds are processed to the original payment method.

 

Items That Cannot Be Returned

  • Custom orders or specially sourced specimens

  • Specimens held beyond the 14-day return window

 

Shipping Policy

 

Handling Time

 

Most orders ship within 3-5 business days of purchase.

 

Extended handling times may apply for:

  • Large or fragile specimens requiring custom crating

  • Specimens requiring additional authentication documentation

  • Orders placed during high-volume periods

 

We will notify you if your order requires extended handling time.

 

Shipping Methods

 

We ship via:

  • USPS Priority Mail (domestic, tracking included)

  • UPS Ground (larger items, signature required)

  • Freight carriers (large specimens, custom crating)

 

All shipments include tracking numbers.

 

Shipping Costs

​

For standard orders, shipping costs are included in the purchase price and will not be charged separately at checkout. For oversized, freight, or special-order shipments, additional shipping fees may apply and will be quoted before you complete your purchase.

 

Insurance

 

For standard orders, shipping insurance is included and covers loss or damage during transit. High‑value or specialty shipments may require additional insurance, which will be discussed and confirmed with you before shipment.

 

Packaging

 

We package all specimens with museum-quality materials following industry best practices:

  • Secure interior padding and cushioning

  • Reinforced boxes or custom wooden crates (when needed)

  • Specimen protection materials

  • Fragile and directional handling labels

 

Large or fragile specimens may require custom wooden crating. Additional handling time and costs apply. We will notify you before building custom crates.

 

Domestic Shipping (United States)

 

Delivery Times

  • USPS Priority Mail: 2-3 business days (after handling)

  • UPS Ground: 3-5 business days (after handling)

  • Freight: 5-10 business days (after handling)

 

Note: Delivery times are estimates. We are not responsible for carrier delays.

 

Tracking

 

All domestic shipments include tracking numbers. You will receive tracking information via email when your order ships.

 

International Shipping

 

We currently ship within the United States only.

 

International shipping may be available for select specimens. Please contact us at info@bnhgallery.com to inquire about international orders.

 

If international shipping becomes available:

  • All customs paperwork will be accurately completed

  • Items will be properly declared with the correct tariff codes

  • We will not falsify customs declarations under any circumstances

  • Buyers are responsible for all duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and import charges

  • Buyers must comply with all import regulations in their country

  • Delivery times vary by country (typically 7-21 business days)

 

Lost or Damaged Shipments

 

Damaged in Transit

 

If your specimen arrives damaged:

  1. Do not discard packaging - Keep all boxes, packing materials, and contents

  2. Document damage immediately - Photograph the damaged specimen, packaging, and shipping box

  3. Contact us within 7 days at info@bnhgallery.com

  4. Provide photos - Email clear photos of all damage

  5. File insurance claim - We will assist with the insurance claim process

 

Insured shipments: Compensation determined by insurance company

​

Lost Shipments

 

Domestic: Packages are considered lost if not delivered within 30 days of shipment

International: Packages are considered lost if not delivered within 60 days of shipment

 

If your package is lost:

  1. Contact us immediately

  2. We will conduct a trace with the carrier

  3. For insured packages, we will file a claim

​

Order Cancellations

 

Before Shipment

 

You may cancel your order before it ships by contacting us at:

 

Cancellation refunds:

  • Full merchandise cost refunded

  • Credit card processing fees (approximately 3%) are not refunded

  • Choose store credit to receive full amount including processing fees

 

After Shipment

 

Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled. You may return the item following our standard return policy.

​

Reservations & Deposits

 

How to Reserve a Specimen

 

For high-value specimens or items requiring extended consideration:

  • Deposit required: 20% of specimen cost (non-refundable)

  • Hold period: We can hold the specimen for up to 30 days

  • Full payment due: Within 30 days of reservation

  • Shipping: Specimen ships after full payment is received

 

Deposit refund exceptions: The 20% deposit is refundable only if we are unable to ship the specimen due to loss or damage while in our possession.

 

Payment Terms

 

Accepted Payment Methods

  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)

  • PayPal (when available)

  • Wire transfer

 

Currency

 

All prices are listed in U.S. Dollars (USD). All payments are processed in USD.

 

Sales Tax

 

Sales tax will be added to orders shipped to addresses in Washington State or other states where we have tax obligations.

​

Authenticity Guarantee

 

We guarantee the authenticity of every specimen we sell. We only work with the most trusted sources, and every piece comes with our full backing. Every authentic specimen includes:

​

✓ Written authenticity guarantee
✓ Provenance documentation
✓ Specimen identification card
✓ Geological context and age information
✓ Custom specimen story booklet

 

If our representation of authenticity or condition is ever inaccurate, the specimen can be returned for a full refund at any time, no questions asked. All authentic specimens comply with AAPS (Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences) ethical standards.

Contact Us

 

Questions about shipping or returns?

 

Email: info@bnhgallery.com
Phone: (425) 628-0644
Response Time: Within 1-2 business days

 

Important Notes

 

Handling Fragile Items

Fossils are delicate natural specimens. Please:

  • Inspect packages immediately upon delivery

  • Handle with care when unpacking

  • Contact us with any concerns before attempting repair

  • Follow care instructions provided with specimen

 

Legal Compliance

All specimens are:

  • Legally collected

  • Ethically sourced following AAPS standards

  • Properly documented with provenance

  • Legal to own, sell, and ship within the United States

Making Earth's story accessible through authentic specimens and educational experiences.

Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences logo
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections logo

CONTACT

Email

Location

4711 44th Ave SW, Suite B

Seattle, WA 98116

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© 2025 by Blevins Natural History Gallery, LLC. All rights reserved.

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