Shipping:

When do I get free shipping? OR Why don't I get free shipping--the little truck is pictured on the item I want?
   Shipping is free for orders within the US and Canada, when the order totals $100 or more.   The little truck just shows that the item is eligible for free shipping, not that you will get free shipping no matter what.  There are some items on the website that never qualify for free shipping (these are the items that are drop-shipped directly from the manufacturer, like spinning wheels or large cones of yarn). 

When do you ship my order?
    We ship almost every day the USPS is open, generally Monday through Saturday (mornings), except for US government holidays. 

How long does it take to get to me?
    If you would like to know the estimated delivery times, please visit the USPS website here. Our zip code is 21093.  This will give you an estimate for how long standard and premium services will take.  This works for those of you outside the US, too, except it does not allow for customs delays.

I live in France (Australia, the UK, Kuwait, Canada, anywhere besides the US).  Why do the shipments take so long and what can be done to shorten the shipping time?
    The first thing to understand is that the shipping time is predictable, the time spent in your country's Customs service is not always predictable.  Here's how it works:
    First, we give your package to USPS. 
    Second, it goes from there to the Global Postal Service on the appropriate coast jumping-off-point, east or west. 
    Third, Global Postal Service delivers it to your country's incoming freight Customs. Customs is where any delay usually occurs.
    Fourth, the Customs Offices turns the parcel over to your country's mail delivery agency, who brings it to you.

What to do?  First, make sure your address is absolutely accurate.  Second, please understand that it is the Customs officials' job of controlling imports.  We try to make it obvious on the customs forms that these are goods for personal use only and small amounts that are not subject to duties.  Sometimes though, packages are delayed or opened because of random sampling.  This is out of our control.

Is there a tracking number?
    Only premium shipping methods get a tracking number.

Why aren't there more shipping options, like before?
    Because since we moved to the US, we have found that overall, the US Postal Service provides the most reliable low cost shipping method for both US and overseas shipping.  Our USPS shipping calculator is real-time hooked into USPS, so you will never be charged more than what is displayed on the website.  We will be adding a private carrier in the future.