Processing Times

We know waiting isn’t the fun part, so let’s start with the short version — think of this as our “jump to the recipe” button.

  • In-store pickup: Usually within 2 hours for items currently at the store.
    Need it fast? Check our Available for Pickup filter.
  • Local delivery: Usually within 2 hours to prepare, plus driver and travel time.
  • Shipping: Usually 1–3 business days to process, plus shipping time.
  • Personalized balloons: Same-day may be available when ordered before the cutoff.
  • Other personalized products: Usually 3–5 business days to prepare.

Need more details? Keep reading — because apparently “when will my order be ready?” has more than one simple answer.

 

Processing time is simply the time we need to get your order ready before it’s picked up, sent out for local delivery, or handed over to the shipping carrier. Shipping and delivery time come after that.

Our business days are Tuesday–Saturday. Holidays, Sundays, and Mondays don’t count toward processing times.

Placing an order over the weekend? Orders placed after 1 PM on Saturday will start processing when we’re back on Tuesday.

You may notice that pickup times vary between products throughout the year. We’d love to have everything on hand, but our inventory moves with the seasons. While some items are right here with us at the store, others are stored off-site and need a little extra time to make their way over.

During holidays, sales, launches, and other extra-busy times, our processing timeline may change. If it does, we’ll post an update at the top of our website.

In-Store Pickup

Our same-day pickup cutoff is 3 PM Tuesday–Friday and 1 PM on Saturday.

Need it soon? Many items currently at the store can be ready for pickup within 2 hours. Use our Available for Pickup filter to browse items that are currently with us and generally ready for pickup within that 2-hour window.

Your pickup estimate at checkout is based on all the items in your order. If everything is currently at the store, you may see a 2-hour pickup time. If one or more items need a little extra time, the pickup estimate at checkout will adjust so you know when to expect the complete order.

Don’t mind making separate trips? Send us a message! Depending on the order, we may be able to arrange separate pickups.

Please wait for your Ready for Pickup email or text before heading to the store. We promise we’re working on it — that little notification means everything is packed and ready for you to simply grab and go!

Local Delivery

Local delivery orders are generally prepared within 2 hours during business hours and follow the same cutoff times as in-store pickup: 3 PM Tuesday–Friday and 1 PM on Saturday.

Once your order is ready, we’ll request a local delivery driver, so driver availability and travel time are additional.

Available local delivery options will be shown at checkout based on your order and delivery address.

Live in San Diego or the surrounding area but don’t see Local Delivery at checkout? One or more items in your order may not currently be available at the store. Try our Available for Pickup filter or send us a message below — we’ll be happy to check your order.

Shipping Orders

Regular orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days before shipping.

Once your order is packed and handed over to the carrier, it’s officially on its way! We’ll send you a shipping confirmation email with tracking information so you can follow it from there.

One quick heads-up: carriers don’t always scan packages immediately. If your tracking initially shows “Label Created” or hasn’t updated yet, give the tracking link a little time to catch up and check back later for the latest update.

Shipping time is additional and will depend on your destination and the shipping method selected at checkout.

 Personalized Products

  • Personalized Balloons

Party coming up? Personalized balloon orders placed by 3 PM Tuesday–Friday or 1 PM on Saturday may be ready the same day. Orders placed after the cutoff will begin processing on our next business day.

If you need your balloons for a specific date or time, send us a message before ordering whenever possible so we can make sure the timing works.

  • Other Personalized Products

Most personalized products require 3–5 business days to prepare before pickup or shipping.

Some personalized pieces may need a little more or less time, so if a product has a different processing time, you’ll find it right on the product page.

 

Need It by a Specific Date?

We know sometimes “as soon as possible” really means “I need it for Saturday.” We get it!

If you have a deadline, event date, or need a rush order, send us a message before placing your order whenever possible. We’ll check the timing and let you know what options are available.

One important little note: expedited shipping can speed up the trip from us to you, but it doesn’t skip the time needed to prepare your order — especially for personalized products.

Still not sure which timing applies to your order? Send us a message below. We’re always happy to help you figure it out.

Shipping

When you place your order, you’ll be able to choose from the available shipping options at checkout. Shipping rates and estimated transit times are calculated based on your order, destination, and selected shipping method.

Just a reminder: shipping time is separate from processing time. If you’re working with a specific date or deadline, make sure to allow time for both.

International Shipping

Ordering from outside the U.S.? We’re happy to send a little Crafty your way!

International packages may go through customs inspections and clearance in both the origin and destination countries, which can sometimes cause delays. Unfortunately, customs timelines are outside of our control, so we always recommend allowing a little extra time for international orders.

Import taxes, customs duties, brokerage fees, or other charges may also apply depending on your destination. These fees are determined by the destination country and local authorities and are the responsibility of the customer.

Packages returned to us because customs or import fees were refused are not eligible for a refund.

Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Packages

Once your package has been handed over to the shipping carrier, its journey and delivery timeline are in their hands. We’ll always provide tracking information, but we see the same carrier updates you do and unfortunately don’t have access to additional tracking details behind the scenes.

If something goes wrong along the way, send us a message and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

Our packages include shipping insurance coverage up to $100 USD. If your package is lost or damaged in transit, we’re happy to help with the claim process. Please keep in mind that refunds are not issued by Crafty Paper Co. for packages lost, delayed, or damaged after being handed over to the carrier.

If your package arrives damaged, please take at least 5 clear photos before throwing away any packaging. We know taking pictures of a damaged package is probably the last thing you feel like doing — but carriers require documentation when reviewing a claim.

Please include photos of the shipping box or mailer from multiple angles, including any visible damage, as well as clear photos of the damaged contents from multiple angles.

Most importantly, please keep the damaged item and all original packaging until the claim has been fully resolved. Depending on the carrier, you may be asked to bring the package and its contents to a local carrier location for inspection. We know it’s tempting to toss that damaged box, but hang on to everything just in case!

Depending on the situation, timing, and product availability, we may also be able to offer a courtesy discount toward a replacement order.

Double-Check Your Shipping Address

Before placing your order, please take a quick second to double-check your shipping address — especially apartment or unit numbers.

Our system may occasionally flag an address and prompt us to double-check certain details with you, but it won’t catch every mistake. Orders are shipped to the address entered at checkout, so please make sure your shipping information is complete and accurate before placing your order.

We’re unable to replace or refund orders delivered to an address that was entered incorrectly at checkout.

Notice something wrong after placing your order? Send us a message as soon as possible. If your package hasn’t shipped yet, we’ll do our best to update it before it heads out.

Marked Delivered, but Can’t Find It?

We know that little “Delivered” notification is not nearly as exciting when the package is nowhere to be found.

First, check around the delivery area, with household members or neighbors, and confirm the shipping address on your order. Carriers may also occasionally mark a package as delivered shortly before it actually arrives.

If your package still hasn’t turned up, please contact the shipping carrier directly for additional delivery information. Since they handled the final delivery, they’ll have the best access to details about where and when the package was delivered.

Carriers may also be able to provide you, as the recipient, with delivery details they aren’t able to share with us for privacy or security reasons. That’s why contacting them directly is usually the fastest way to get more information about a package marked as delivered.

Returns

We hope you love everything you ordered, but we know sometimes something just doesn’t work out. If that happens, eligible items may be returned for store credit within 14 days of delivery.

The 14-day return window begins on the delivery date shown by carrier tracking. Return requests must be made and packages must be postmarked within that window to be eligible.

What Can Be Returned?

To qualify for a return, items must be unused, undamaged, and in their original packaging. Items that show signs of use or damage, or are missing their original packaging, may not be accepted.

Some items are final sale and cannot be returned — you’ll find the full list below.

Sending Your Return Back

Ready to make a return? Send us a message first so we can confirm eligibility and provide the return address and next steps.

Returns must be shipped prepaid using an insured and trackable shipping method. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, and original shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.

Please hold on to your return tracking information until everything has been processed. We’re unable to issue store credit for return packages that don’t make it back to us.

Store Credit

Once your return arrives, we’ll inspect the items to make sure they meet our return requirements. Approved returns will be issued as store credit.

Store credit does not expire, has no cash value, and cannot be transferred, refunded, or redeemed for cash.

Non-Returnable Items

The following items are final sale and are not eligible for return or store credit:

  • Personalized or custom items, including personalized balloons
  • Gift cards
  • Items marked as final sale
  • Sale or discounted items
  • Outlet or as-is products

Exchanges

We don’t offer direct exchanges at this time. If you’d like a different item, simply place a new order and return the original item if it qualifies under our return policy.

Something Wrong With Your Order?

Received something damaged, defective, or different from what you ordered? That’s a different story — please send us a message within 48 hours of delivery so we can make it right.

Include your order number and clear photos showing the issue. If your item or its shipping packaging arrived damaged, please take photos from multiple angles and hang on to the item and all original packaging while we review it.

We know keeping a damaged box around isn’t exactly convenient, but please don’t throw anything away just yet. If the damage happened during shipping, the carrier may require photos, additional documentation, or even ask you to bring the package and its contents to a local carrier location for inspection.

We’ll review what happened and help you with the next steps as quickly as possible.

  

Still have a question about a return? Send us a message below. We know return policies aren’t exactly the fun part of shopping, but we’re always happy to help make things a little easier.

Still Have a Question?

Couldn’t find the answer you were looking for? Send us a message below — we’re always happy to help you figure it out.

And yes, a real human will read it. 💕

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