Shipping Policy
Effective Date: 3rd April 2025
At Staco Afro & Caribbean Market (“StacoMarket”, “we”, “our”, or “us”), we are committed to delivering authentic African and Caribbean products safely, efficiently, and reliably across the United Kingdom, and soon, beyond. This Shipping Policy explains how we handle order processing, delivery, and customer support related to shipping.
1. Shipping Coverage
We currently offer shipping throughout the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
At this time, international delivery is not yet available, but we are actively preparing to extend our service to selected European destinations and other international locations. Updates will be announced on our website once available.
For inquiries about future international orders or bulk shipments, please reach out via our Contact Page.
2. Order Processing
Orders are processed Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays.
- Standard processing time: 1–2 business days.
- During peak or holiday seasons, processing may take up to 3–5 business days due to higher order volumes.
Once your order is processed and dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking details.
3. Delivery Methods & Timelines
We work with trusted UK courier partners such as Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, and DHL, depending on your location and order size.
Typical delivery estimates:
- Standard Delivery: 2–4 business days (after dispatch)
- Express Delivery: 1–2 business days (after dispatch)
Delivery times are estimates and may vary depending on your location, courier workload, or unforeseen circumstances (such as weather or strikes). We will always do our best to ensure your order arrives promptly.
4. Shipping Rates
Shipping rates are automatically calculated at checkout based on your order’s total weight, volume, and delivery location.
All delivery options and fees will be clearly displayed before payment is confirmed. This ensures transparency and flexibility as courier costs and delivery options may change over time.
5. Packaging & Handling of Food and Fragile Items
Many of our food items; such as smoked fish, condiments, and perishable goods, require special care and packaging. We use insulated or reinforced materials to protect items during transit.
We also take extra precautions for fragile goods (e.g., bottled condiments, glass jars, and crafts) to minimize breakage.
If any item arrives damaged, spoiled, or incorrect, please refer to Section 9 for next steps.
6. Split Shipments
In some cases, we may ship your order in multiple parcels (for example, if certain items are stocked in different warehouses or require different handling).
You will receive separate tracking numbers for each shipment, and no additional shipping cost will apply.
7. Tracking & Delivery Confirmation
All orders include tracking information, which will be emailed to you once your package is dispatched.
You can track your delivery directly via the courier’s website. If you do not receive your tracking link within two business days of ordering, please contact us via our Contact Page.
8. Incorrect or Incomplete Addresses
Please review your delivery address carefully before completing checkout.
We are not responsible for delays or losses due to incorrect, incomplete, or inaccessible addresses provided by the customer.
If a parcel is returned to us because of an incorrect address, we can resend it once the correct details are confirmed and a new shipping fee (where applicable) is paid.
9. Damaged, Missing, or Incorrect Items
If you receive an order that is damaged, incomplete, or incorrect, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery through our Contact Page.
Include the following details to help us resolve the issue quickly:
- Order number
- Description of the issue
- Clear photos of the damaged or incorrect items
After reviewing your report, we will arrange a replacement, refund, or store credit in line with our Return Policy.
10. Delivery Delays Beyond Our Control
While we strive to deliver all orders within the stated timeframe, there may be rare occasions where delivery is delayed due to factors outside our control, such as:
- Courier delays or strikes
- Severe weather conditions
- Postal disruptions or customs checks
- High-demand periods (e.g., Christmas, Easter, or cultural holidays)
We will notify you of any significant delays and work with the courier to resolve them as quickly as possible.
11. International Orders (Coming Soon)
We are actively preparing to offer international shipping for selected countries in Europe and beyond.
Once available, international shipping rates, delivery timelines, customs fees, and applicable import regulations will be displayed clearly at checkout.
For now, customers outside the UK may register their interest or inquire about potential delivery arrangements via the Contact Page.
12. Click & Collect (Future Option)
We are exploring the option to introduce Click & Collect services from our Leicester location.
Once implemented, this feature will allow customers to order online and collect their items directly at no extra cost.
13. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns about your shipment, please reach out to our team via the Contact Page.
We are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (UK time) and typically respond within one business day.
14. Policy Updates
We may update this Shipping Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our operations, courier partners, or legal requirements.
Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.