How shipping works on TIAS
TIAS connects buyers with independent antique dealers and collectors across the country. Because each seller manages their own inventory and fulfillment, shipping is handled directly between buyer and seller. This page explains how shipping works on TIAS and what both parties can expect.
When a buyer completes a purchase on TIAS, they are charged for the item price and applicable taxes. Payment is processed securely through Stripe.
Unlike many online stores, shipping on TIAS is estimated at checkout and charged separately by the seller after they prepare the order for shipment. This approach exists because antique items vary greatly in size, weight, fragility, and packaging requirements—factors that can be difficult to calculate precisely in advance.
At checkout, buyers see a shipping estimate based on the seller's configured rates or calculated shipping options. The seller confirms the final shipping cost before charging the buyer and sending the item.
To ensure fairness and transparency, TIAS has established the following policy for shipping estimates:
20% Estimate Threshold
If the final shipping cost exceeds the estimate shown at checkout by more than 20%, the buyer may cancel the order for a full refund before the item ships.
For buyers: If you receive a shipping charge that exceeds your checkout estimate by more than 20%, contact the seller or TIAS Support before the item ships to request a cancellation.
For sellers: Provide accurate shipping estimates to avoid order cancellations. If using calculated or dynamic shipping rates, ensure your item dimensions and weights are entered correctly. Consistent overcharges may result in account review.
10 Business Day Shipping Requirement
Sellers must ship all orders within 10 business days of purchase. Orders not shipped within this timeframe may be automatically cancelled with a full refund to the buyer.
For buyers: Most sellers ship much sooner, but antique items often require special packaging. Check the seller's shop page for their typical processing time. If your order hasn't shipped within 10 business days, you're entitled to a full refund.
For sellers: Ship orders promptly and provide tracking information when available. Repeated failures to ship within 10 business days may result in account suspension.
Once an order ships, the buyer receives tracking information via email (when available). Delivery times vary based on the shipping method and destination.
Typical delivery timeframes:
These are estimates. Actual delivery times depend on the carrier, destination, and other factors outside TIAS's control.
Each seller on TIAS sets their own shipping policies, including carriers and methods offered, processing times, shipping destinations, and packaging standards.
For buyers: Review the seller's shipping policy on their shop page or item listing before purchasing. Contact the seller directly with questions about shipping for a specific item.
For sellers: Clearly communicate your shipping policies to set buyer expectations. You can configure your shipping settings and policies in your seller dashboard.
For questions about a specific order or shipment, buyers and sellers should first communicate directly through the order details page or shop messaging.
If an issue can't be resolved directly, TIAS Support is available to help mediate and ensure a fair resolution for both parties.
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