Shipping, Policies & Questions Answered
Shipping Questions
“When will I get my package?”
We are a two person operation at Second Aerie, myself and my husband, we both have part time commitments Monday-Thursday as well as a son. Although we try our best to get packages out ASAP, Thursdays are our “Shipping Days”.
We often times get packages out within 72 hours or less of your order, however I do not like to gaurantee it, so having the expectation that Thursdays are shipping days makes it simple while allowing us to respect our time and work/life balance.
“What if my package is misplaced, delivered to the wrong address or never shows up?”
Things happen beyond all of our control especially with the post office and people who look to steal unattended packages. We simply ask that you reach out if anything happens, be respectful and we will do our best to make it right. ALL SALES ARE FINAL regardless if there are shipping mishaps or other events. Much of what we sell is one of a kind and can not be replicated and although I will do my best to refund items, I can not refund anything over $50.
I will try our best to make it right and can offer store credit or make some other arrangement, but NO refunds will be given for lost or misplaced packages. If you purchase a product, it will be assumed you have read and accepted all the policies here within this page and we will not be liable for negligence of our shop policies.
Ethics & Sourcing Information
“Where do you source your specimens from?”
We source from a mixture of places, primarily from salvaged roadkill, foraging bones and other natural materials in the woods, the lake & beaches near our home. We also will used farmed by-product or vintage, antique or other taxidermy claimed through estate sales and antique shops.
We source insects found dead locally in addition to third party small businesses and importers who work with conservatories, hatcheries and breeders. We have a couple companies we work with that put a portion of sales back into conservatories.
We additionally at times will support other oddities dealers and folks that sell their specimens intended to resale, or be apart of a personal collection. Sometimes we sell these items from our personal collection to make room for new inventory. We also work with breeders who sell their failed to thrive pets to be repurposed when they have passed.
If you ever have specific questions about anything we sell or or where it was obtained from we are happy to share those details with you. We strive our absolute best to only source specimens who have passed on naturally or are found already dead, with the exception being antique or vintage taxidermy pieces from hunting trophies.
Other Questions
“Do you buy or accept specimen donations?”
YES! We love when folks have specimens that are in need of a new home! Just reach out to us on Instagram or through the contact page here!
“Do you sell human remains?”
Although we do not currently, it is something we aspire to do when we can find and source ethically. Currently we are buying for our personal collections, so if you have something you would like to sell or donate we are always happy to discuss!
"Do you accept commissions?”
Yes, we do offer commissions and recommend you reach out to us either by email or through Instagram at this time to inquire if there is availability in our schedule. I only take a couple commissions on at a time so as not to overwhelm myself and to provide the quality I strive to be known for!
There will be a 50% deposit required, a contract and no refunds or exchanges are allowed. We are currently growing this side of our business and will soon have a separate page for booking commission pieces.
“I purchased something and it needs a repair.”
Things happen, maybe you had a naughty kitty who knocked your frame down or maybe some flowers are wilting more and need a refresh. We take pride in our work but please understand we use natural sourced specimens from nature.
Nothing is really meant to last forever and some things may wilt more or wiggle loose during moving, frequent humidity changes or improper storage (keep all displays and specimens out of direct sunlight).
If something needs to be repaired, please feel free to reach out and we will always offer free repairs. Shipping fees may be required.
Do you accept returns?
We will ONLY accept returns or buy-backs if an item is in good and re-sellable condition. If it is broken or damaged due to improper maintenance, handling or damaged by a pet, we can not accept returns on anything.
If you are unhappy with something or if it’s just not what you thought, that is okay, no hard feelings, we can accept returns with buyers cost for shipping back to us (you pay shipping) once an item is received, we can offer store credit or refund to original payment method.
If the item becomes lost in the mail (please insure your mail) then it is up to the buyer to contact the post office and file a claim. I cannot stress this enough if you are shipping something back to us especially for items over $50 please insure it and require a signature. If you fail to do so, we will both be out money if its lost. If you insure your item, then the post office will reimburse you if it is lost due to theft or their error.
In the case the post office fails to do their part, we of course will do our best to make things right and will have to take it on a case by case basis. Obviously this is all just a disclaimer and the hopes that we can prevent hiccups but things happen. We are human and not a massive corporation, so please be kind and we will work it out so everyone is happy.
Big ideas? Let’s Collab!
Are you an artist that wants to work together? I love the idea of working with jewelry artists, ceramic artists, painters or other illustrators to incorporate two ideas into one magnificent collaboration piece!
We are also always into art trades depending on what it is too! If you are a ceramics artist, tattoo artist or have other antiques & oddities, feel free to reach out!