Shipping Policy

A Shipping Policy is a document that outlines the terms and conditions under which a vendor delivers goods to customers. This policy provides details about things like the shipping methods available, delivery timeframes, shipping costs, and guidelines for handling lost or delayed shipments.

In a Shipping Policy, the vendor specifies the different shipping options they offer, the regions they ship to, and any additional shipping information relevant to the purchase. The policy also often addresses how shipping costs are calculated and who bears the responsibility for any customs, duties, or taxes that may apply.

It should be noted that this document only includes the Shipping Policy. Online business owners may require further documents such as Website Terms and Conditions, Cookies Policy, Refund Policy, and Privacy Policy. However, such documents are not included and must be obtained separately.

How to use this document

This document may be used by any individual or business involved in selling goods that need to be shipped. A well-crafted Shipping Policy should encompass all aspects of the vendor's shipping process. This may include matters such as:

• General shipping rules including specific rules for local delivery/international delivery
• Shipping costs
• Shipping time
• Who pays for taxes, duties, customs etc
• Missing or lost products
• Refunds and/or returns
• Changes to this Policy

The customer does not need to sign this policy. However, it is good practice for the policy to be made available to customers before they finalise their purchase.

Many vendors provide their customers with a link to this policy at the point of sale (such as at checkout points and/or on order confirmation pages). They may also make this policy available through their website, ensuring that customers understand the shipping terms before completing a purchase. Many vendors also include a link to this policy in their website footer and publish it in full in a dedicated section of the vendor's website.

Applicable Law

Any contracts for the sale and purchase of goods or services may be affected by general principles of contract law, as provided by the common law.

In addition, for sales of good to consumers in Australia, the Australian Consumer Law may apply, and may impose a set of minimum Consumer Guarantees.

If shipping internationally, then be aware that Australia also has a comprehensive legal framework governing import and export activities. For example, the Customs Act 1901, Biosecurity Act 2015, Export Control Act 1982 various Free Trade Agreements, as well as specific laws and regulations relating to certain product categories. The Australian Border Force provides further information, or if in doubt, seek legal advice.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.