Shipping & Delivery Policy

Effective Date: 2025-10-29
Applicable To: All wholesale buyers and vendors using wholesellers.shreemati.com
Operated By: wholesellers.shreemati.com (Trade Name – Shreemati E Shopee)

1. Purpose & Scope

This Policy governs all shipping, dispatch, and delivery processes for wholesale transactions on wholesellers.shreemati.com.
It forms part of the Wholesale Terms & Conditions, Vendor Agreement, and Return & Refund Policy.
It applies to shipments dispatched by either:

  • Third-party Vendors, or
  • The Platform itself, when acting as a Vendor.

2. Dispatch & Order Processing Timeline

Activity Standard Timeline*
Order confirmation & payment verification Within 24 hours
Order processing & packing 1 – 3 business days
Dispatch from warehouse 2 – 5 business days after confirmation
Transit & delivery (India) 3 – 10 business days depending on destination

*Subject to product type, quantity, and vendor location. Delays due to festivals, strikes, or force-majeure events are exempt from SLA commitments.

3. Mode of Shipment

  • Domestic Logistics Partners: Platform-approved courier companies (e.g., Bluedart, Delhivery, DTDC, India Post, or equivalent).
  • Bulk Consignments: May be shipped via surface transport or cargo services on a “freight to pay” basis, if agreed.
  • Self-Pickup Option: Available upon written approval and confirmation of Buyer’s transport insurance.

4. Shipping Charges

  • Freight costs are displayed at checkout and borne by Buyer unless specified as Free Delivery.
  • Charges depend on weight, volume, delivery zone, and carrier tariff.
  • For special handling or oversized goods, additional charges may apply and will be communicated before dispatch.

5. Packaging Standards

  • Vendors must ensure sturdy, tamper-proof, and weather-resistant packaging suitable for transit.
  • Fragile items must be labeled “FRAGILE – HANDLE WITH CARE”.
  • The Platform may reject or withhold shipments that do not meet packaging requirements.

6. Dispatch Confirmation & Tracking

  • Once shipped, a dispatch confirmation email with tracking number is sent automatically.
  • Buyers can track status under My Orders → Track Shipment.
  • Tracking updates are provided by the courier’s system; delays in update frequency are outside Platform control.

7. Delivery & Risk Transfer

  • Risk and title pass to the Buyer upon handover to the logistics carrier, unless otherwise stated in writing.
  • For “Platform-fulfilled” orders, risk transfers on delivery to Buyer.
  • Buyer or authorized representative must sign the delivery receipt or provide OTP validation as proof of delivery.
  • Delays caused by incorrect address, unavailability of consignee, or transport restrictions are the Buyer’s responsibility.

8. Inspection on Delivery

  • Buyer must inspect outer packaging at the time of delivery.
  • Visible damage, shortage, or tampering must be noted on the courier’s receipt and reported to shreemati.care@gmail.com within 48 hours.
  • Failure to report within the window constitutes deemed acceptance.

9. Insurance & Claims

  • Vendors shall insure shipments above ₹10,000 per consignment unless the Buyer opts out in writing.
  • Claims for loss or damage in transit must be lodged within 7 days of delivery.
  • The Platform will coordinate with the courier for resolution but is not liable for claims denied by the insurer.

10. International or Interstate Shipments

  • Inter-state shipments comply with GST e-way-bill and transport documentation rules.
  • For cross-border orders (if enabled), customs duties, import taxes, or clearance delays are the Buyer’s responsibility.

11. Delivery Failure & Re-delivery

  • In case of failed delivery due to Buyer’s unavailability or incorrect address:
    • Courier will attempt two additional deliveries;
    • After final attempt, goods return to origin and re-dispatch incurs extra freight.
  • Storage beyond 7 days at the courier hub may attract demurrage fees borne by Buyer.

12. Partial Shipments

Large wholesale orders may be fulfilled in multiple consignments.
Invoices, tracking details, and risk transfer apply separately to each shipment.

13. Vendor Shipping Responsibilities

Vendors agree to:

  1. Dispatch only through approved carriers;
  2. Upload AWB/tracking within 24 hours of pickup;
  3. Bear return shipping costs for defective or incorrect items;
  4. Follow packaging standards as per Platform guidelines;
  5. Retain proof of dispatch and delivery for 90 days.

14. Platform Shipping (Fulfilled by Shreemati E Shopee)

When the Platform itself ships orders:

  • It acts as consignor of record;
  • It issues a GST invoice and arranges dispatch;
  • Buyers must accept delivery within the notified window;
  • In case of dispute, the Platform’s courier POD (proof of delivery) shall be final.

15. Force Majeure & Delays

Neither the Platform nor Vendors shall be liable for delay or non-delivery caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control (natural calamities, transport strikes, pandemic restrictions, or governmental actions).
Affected obligations resume once conditions normalize.

16. Dispute Resolution

Any shipping-related disputes will follow the escalation below:

  1. Stage 1: Email complaint to shreemati.care@gmail.com (acknowledged within 48 hours).
  2. Stage 2: Internal review and resolution within 15 working days.
  3. Stage 3: If unresolved, arbitration per Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996, venue – Indore (M.P.).
    Courts at Indore (M.P.) and Kolkata (W.B.) retain exclusive jurisdiction.

17. Amendment

The Platform may modify this Policy periodically for operational or legal reasons.
Updated versions supersede previous ones from their effective date.

18. Contact & Grievance Officer

Email: shreemati.care@gmail.com
Subject: “Shipping & Delivery – wholesellers.shreemati.com”
Complaints acknowledged within 48 hours; resolved within 15 working days.