Shipping & Local Pickup Policy

Delivery options and charges

Available delivery options and charges are displayed at checkout once the required delivery details have been entered. Delivery availability depends on your location, the products ordered and the services available.

We dispatch goods using delivery services appropriate for their contents. Live livestock may require a different service from plants, hardscape, food and equipment. Where an order requires separate parcels or services, the applicable charges will be shown at checkout.

Order processing

Orders are prepared after payment has been confirmed and stock availability checked. We will contact you if an item is unavailable or your order requires special arrangements.

Dispatch and delivery dates are estimates unless we expressly agree otherwise. We may arrange a later livestock dispatch where weather, public holidays or courier schedules could affect animal welfare. We will communicate material delays.

Preorders

Preorders must be checked out separately from normal stock and create separate orders. Any applicable delivery charges are calculated for each order.

Preorder availability dates are estimates and may change. We will notify you of material changes. If your preorder contains items arriving at different times, the order will wait until all items are ready unless we agree another arrangement with you.

Live livestock deliveries

Please ensure someone is available to receive livestock promptly. Check the packaging and livestock on arrival and follow the acclimation instructions supplied.

For fish that arrive dead, please contact admin@southboundaquatics.co.za, preferably within one hour of receiving the delivery, and follow our Live Fish DOA Policy.

Delivery details and missed deliveries

Please provide a complete, accurate address and a working contact number. Contact us promptly if these details change.

If incorrect details or an unsuccessful delivery require another delivery attempt, we will explain any proposed additional charge and obtain your agreement before proceeding. Responsibility for a delivery problem will be assessed according to its cause and applicable consumer law.

Delays, damage or missing parcels

Contact us if your parcel is delayed, damaged or missing. Include your order number, tracking reference and photographs where relevant. We will investigate with the courier and communicate the next steps.

Please raise delivery problems with Southbound Aquatics directly; you do not need to resolve them with the courier alone.

Free local pickup

Select Local pickup at checkout to collect your order without a delivery charge.

Collection is by arrangement only. Please wait for confirmation that your order is ready, then contact admin@southboundaquatics.co.za to arrange a collection time and receive the collection details. Preorders can be collected once their items are ready.

Please inspect your order with us at handover and raise any concerns immediately.

Your consumer rights

This policy does not exclude or limit any rights or remedies available under South African consumer law.