Shipping policy

American Stone Center – Shipping Policy

Last Updated: 08/20/2026

By placing an order with American Stone Center, you acknowledge and agree to all terms outlined in this Shipping Policy. This policy reflects standard practices for shipping natural stone products, which are heavy, fragile, and subject to industry-specific handling requirements.

1. Acceptance & Inspection (CRITICAL)

All materials must be inspected immediately upon delivery and BEFORE installation.

  • Once material is installed, it is considered fully accepted

  • No claims, returns, refunds, exchanges, or disputes will be accepted after installation

  • Installation constitutes final approval of material condition

American Stone Center is not responsible for installation costs, labor, removal, or project delays under any circumstances.

2. Order Processing Time

Orders and payments received are typically shipped the same day or the next business day, subject to:

  • Order verification

  • Product availability

  • Carrier scheduling

Processing times are estimates only and not guaranteed.

3. All Shipments Are Insured

All shipments are fully insured during transit.

Visible Damage

  • If damage is visible upon delivery, reject the shipment

  • Clearly note damage on the delivery receipt

  • Take photos immediately

Concealed Damage

  • Concealed damage must be reported within 1–2 business days

  • Photos of packaging and material are required

  • Claims reported outside this timeframe will not be honored

If a claim is approved:

  • American Stone Center may replace damaged material or issue store credit

  • Replacement shipping costs are covered only if claim procedures are followed correctly

⚠️ Claims filed directly with the carrier without notifying American Stone Center first will void our assistance.

4. Breakage Allowance (Industry Standard)

Up to 5% breakage during transit is considered normal and acceptable in the natural stone industry and may be used for cuts.

Breakage within this allowance does not qualify for replacement, refund, or credit.

5. Custom & Special Orders

  • Custom, made-to-order, special-order, or non-stock items are FINAL SALE

  • These items cannot be canceled, returned, or refunded under any circumstances

6. Delivery Methods & Carrier Terms

American Stone Center primarily ships via FedEx Freight and FedEx Parcel. Other carriers may be used at our discretion.

  • A valid phone number is required

  • Failure to respond to carrier calls may result in:

    • Held shipments

    • Returned shipments

    • Redelivery fees at customer expense

Carrier Fees (Customer Responsibility)

Customers are responsible for all carrier-imposed fees, including but not limited to:

  • Missed delivery appointments

  • Storage fees

  • Redelivery fees (up to $350)

  • Incorrect address fees ($250–$500)

7. Freight Deliveries (IMPORTANT)

  • All freight deliveries are curbside delivery only

  • Carrier will not move material beyond curbside

  • Customer must arrange labor and equipment to receive material

Commercial Deliveries

  • Dock or forklift must be available

  • Failed delivery due to lack of equipment results in additional fees billed to the customer

8. Shipping Regions

American Stone Center ships within the continental United States only.

  • Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, and APO/FPO addresses require custom shipping quotes

  • Shipping costs are higher than standard consumer goods due to the weight, packaging, and fragility of natural stone

9. Self-Pickup (Will Call)

Customers may select warehouse pickup from our Anaheim, CA location.

  • Orders must be picked up within 7 business days of notification

  • Storage beyond this period may result in:

    • Daily storage fees

    • Order cancellation with a 25% restocking fee

10. Shipment Confirmation & Tracking

Once shipped, customers will receive a confirmation email with tracking details.

  • Tracking numbers may take up to 24 hours to activate

  • Delays in tracking updates are normal

  • Tracking delays are not grounds for cancellation, return, refund, or chargeback

11. Samples

  • Samples are small swatches (typically 4"×4" or 6"×6")

  • Larger samples may be cut down for shipping safety

  • Samples do not guarantee exact match to full orders due to natural variation

12. Final Sale Items

The following are non-returnable and non-refundable:

  • Sale or clearance items

  • Custom or special orders

  • Special pricing items

  • “As-Is” items

13. Force Majeure

American Stone Center is not liable for shipping delays, interruptions, or cancellations caused by events beyond our control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters

  • Carrier disruptions

  • Labor strikes

  • Supply chain interruptions

  • Acts of God

14. Customer Responsibility & Agreement

By completing your purchase, you expressly agree:

  • To inspect all materials upon delivery

  • To file damage claims within the allowed timeframe

  • To accept responsibility for carrier-related fees due to missed appointments, incorrect addresses, or refusal of delivery

  • That natural stone variations in color, tone, veining, texture, thickness, and backside appearance are not defects

  • That once material is installed, all claims are void

  • That filing chargebacks for reasons not covered under this policy constitutes a breach of contract, and such disputes will be contested with documentation, photos, delivery records, and signed acceptance