Postage and Packaging Info

The postage cost of each order is calculated based on weight and size.  Most small orders will fit the lowest tier (Large Letter under 100g). 

Orders are dispatched by Royal Mail (to the address supplied by Paypal*) with a choice of 1st or 2nd class for the UK, and via "International Standard" for Europe and the rest of the world. There is the option for tracking/signature on delivery. Please make sure you select the correct zone for your location.

* If you need the goods sent to a different address to that of the Paypal account holder, please let me know in the Special Instructions box during checkout.

I try to keep postal costs as low as possible and will refund excessive postage should an order actually cost substantially less than the automated system calculates. Please bear in mind the postage values include little extra costs and weight for packing materials, the Paypal surcharge etc. My usual posting time is around 2pm Monday to Friday and I try my best to post orders received before that time the same day (this is not always possible when things get busy). I always obtain a proof-of-postage for all orders so that claims for loss can be entered if necessary (please refer to the details below for limitations imposed by Royal Mail).

UK orders:

Delivery times:  1st Class aims for next day delivery, with two days for 2nd class but neither service is guaranteed. "Signed For" Delivery is available as an option (and this is mandatory for orders over £30). A barcode number / tracking link will be provided upon dispatch where applicable.

Compensation for loss: The basic level of compenensation for loss is capped (by Royal Mail) at £20 plus the postage cost. The "Signed For" option increases this to £50 plus the postage cost. Should a package go missing I can enter a claim for loss with Royal Mail, however 10 working days must be allowed before Royal Mail will accept such applications (13 working days for 2nd Class). Claims must be made within 80 days of posting. Please see Royal Mail's Compensation Page for details. 

Overseas orders:

Royal Mail's basic "International Standard" service aims for 5-7 working days delivery but around 2 weeks is not unusual (it may be longer at peak times such as Christmas). The "Tracked" option will either offer tracking, require a signature on delivery or both - it depends what services Royal Mail offer for your country. (Customers in locations where only "International Signed" is provided by Royal Mail (EG: Mexico, South Africa) may not be able to get much, if anything in the way of tracking information even though a barcode is provided). If a barcode / tracking link is supplied, it will be forwarded in the dispatch note email sent when the package has been posted.

Orders outside the EU may be subject to customs charges on arrival - I cannot predict how much these charges will be as it varies widely on a per-country basis. Also, if your country has any rules regarding imported goods you must advise me in the Special Instructions box during checkout (EG: I have been informed that Brazil now needs a "CPF" code on the label, and all packages must be tracked). Failure to follow local regulations may result in packages being lost for which I cannot take responsibilty.

Compensation for loss: For items sent via "International Standard" the basic level of compenensation for loss is capped at £20 plus the postage fee per package. The "Tracked" option increases this to £50 max no matter what service was actually used (International Tracked, International Tracked & Signed or International Signed). Tracked shipping is mandatory for orders over £30 - note that it may actually be cheaper to submit multiple smaller orders. Should a package go missing I can enter a claim for loss, but please note that Royal Mail stipulate that 25 working days must pass before a claim can be submitted. Claims must also be submitted within 6 months of shipping. Please see Royal Mail's Overseas Compensation page for details.

A note about Brexit: The UK has now left the EU, however during the 'transition period' which lasts at least until the end of 2020, everything remains the same regarding exports to EU member states.  

FAQ:

Q. Where is my order?
A. If you have selected a tracked shipping service you will receive a Royal Mail tracking code, this can be used at www.royalmail.com/track-your-item. There is no tracking available with the International Standard service. I always obtain a proof of posting and this can be used to make a claim for loss in necessary but remember Royal Mail require that 15 working days is allowed for delivery of UK packages, and 25 working days allowed for packages sent overseas. Unfortunately, there is nothing more I can do before then (except send you a scan of the proof-of-posting, if required.)

Q. Can you send to [x]?
A. I can ship items worldwide, but please adhere to any local regulations.

Q. Can you use shipping company [x]?
A. No sorry, it's too expensive and a lot of hassle for a single order.

Q. Can I pay without Paypal?
A. The store goes to Paypal on checkout. In most countries, you dont actually need a Paypal account (you can pay - via Paypal - as a guest with debit or credit card - look out for the link on Paypal's front page) but some locations insist on a Paypal account. Sorry, I cannot accept any other payment methods.

Q. Can you reserve an item? 
A. No, sorry. It quickly becomes difficult to keep track of such things.

Q. Do you have spares for [x]?
A. I generally only deal with the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum. Items for other machines will be shown in stock if I have them.

Q. Can I add something to an order already placed?
A. It's easiest if you just place another order. I will notice, combine them and refund the excess shipping cost where applicable. Of course, this assumes the first order has not already been dispatched. Please try not to do this multiple times :)

Q. Can I cancel an order?
A. Sure - just email me (or reply to the order acknowledgement email) with **URGENT CANCELLATION** in the subject.

Q. Can you repair my computer?
A. Sorry, I don't have time any more :(

Q. Can you help me repair my computer?
A. I can give general advice but I can't get into 1-to-1 remote diagnostics - sorry. You will find help and advice on my blog. 

Q. Can you supply products such as the Nebula and SMART Card in kit form?
A. No, sorry. The parts are way too fiddly to package up and the CPLD has be programmed in situ with specialized equipment.