Shipping & Packaging Guidelines
How shipping works for buyers and sellers on Tack & Trade.
For Sellers — Shipping Policy & Timeline
3-Day Dispatch Window
Sellers must package and ship sold inventory within 3 business days of checkout completion. Prompt dispatch protects your seller rating and keeps the buyer's inspection clock on schedule.
Tracking Required
Active tracking is required on every order. Tracking numbers must be logged in the Seller Fulfillment Dashboard to activate buyer-facing tracking links and begin the escrow release countdown.
Recommended Carriers
Use major reliable carriers — USPS, UPS, or FedEx — with tracking and delivery confirmation enabled on every shipment. Untracked shipments are not covered under platform protection terms.
Packing Specialized Marine Gear — Best Practices
Sails
Fold or roll cleanly, then place inside a protective sail bag. Ship inside heavy-duty boxes or rigid tubes to prevent edge tearing and creasing along panel seams during transit.
Hardware & Blocks
Wrap thoroughly in high-density bubble wrap. Ensure heavy items are packed tightly so they cannot shift or punch through box walls during handling and sorting.
Electronics & Instruments
Double-box delicate displays or sensors with ample packing peanuts or foam suspension to mitigate high-vibration transit environments. Mark the outer box “FRAGILE” on all sides.
Shipping Insurance & Liability
Declared Value
Because racing gear can be exceptionally high-value, we highly recommend that sellers purchase additional shipping insurance when generating labels for premium gear. Declared value coverage is available through all major carriers at checkout.
Transit Damage
If an item is lost or structurally broken by the carrier and was uninsured, the seller is responsible for the buyer's refund under our platform protection terms. Insuring high-value shipments is the seller's most direct protection.
For Buyers — Delivery & Inspection
Tracking Updates
A direct carrier tracking link will populate on your Purchases Dashboard the moment the seller ships your item. You'll receive a notification as soon as tracking is logged.
The 3-Day Inspection Window
Once carrier tracking updates to “Delivered”, your strict 3-day inspection window begins. Unpack and verify your equipment immediately — any carrier damage or item discrepancies must be reported before the transaction automatically closes and funds are released to the seller.