Receiving Guidelines
Thank you for ordering from Synergy Reef Systems. For our experienced shippers/receivers, this information will serve as a reminder. For our customers who don’t ship or receive on a regular basis, we ask you to read the instructions below. If you have any questions please let us know before delivery.
Please give a copy of these receiving instructions to anyone in your organization that will be signing for this shipment. The vast majority of shipments are on time and undamaged. However, shipping damage does occur. It is critical that you read, understand and follow these procedures before signing any shipping papers.
Responsibility: Synergy Reef Systems. It is our responsibility to ship your product in packaging that meets or exceeds industry standard shipping requirements. All merchandise leaving our docks is packaged appropriately for the shipping method being used. We shipped your product FOB origin, shipping prepay and add unless other arrangements were made with us when the order was placed. If you asked us to use your freight account, there should be no additional shipping charges on your invoice.
Transportation Company: It is the transport company’s responsibility to pick up your shipment from our docks and deliver to you according to their prescribed internal and published guidelines. It is their responsibility to handle your package carefully so that no damage is done to your product using their shipping/handling methods. Once it is in transport companies possession it is their responsibility.
Client Company (Customer): It is your responsibility to inspect your package contents or shipment carefully before you sign ANYTHING. Your signature is part of the shipping company’s legal documentation that your package was delivered and there were no damages to your merchandise while it was in their care. DO NOT Sign if the transport company refuses to wait for you to inspect your merchandise. Ask to speak with their supervisor!
Once a package has been signed for or accepted, the product is considered delivered by both the transportation company and Synergy Reef Systems. At this point the item is now yours and filing a claim can be harder to get reimbursed if the product is damaged.
See if there appears to be damage to the product or wrapping. Even a slight tear or dent is considered damage to the exterior of a shipping box. If the merchandise is damaged, a claim will need to be filed against the shipping company. They may take or pickup the product as evidence for their reports. We can provide assistance in these cases as needed. Please email us immediately if there is damage to any merchandise.
ITEMS DAMAGED IN TRANSIT
If an item is damaged in transit, we will replace the item free of charge (after shipping claim is paid from shipping company) and cover the cost of shipping the replacement if the following procedure is followed.
If you see unusual damage to the external shipping boxing, please open the package and inspect items for damage immediately upon arrival. If the product is sealed in plastic wrap, contact us prior to opening the seal to avoid voiding our return policy. Please keep the damaged product and packaging, as UPS may inspect the package to evaluate it for insurance purposes. If your product arrives damaged, you must contact us within 24 hrs from arrival date or we cannot file a claim on your behalf. Emailing us pictures of the damage is MANDATORY within 48 hours of receipt.
Delivery Schedule: Synergy Reef Systems has no ability to control the transit company’s delivery schedule once it leaves our docks. A late delivery is not grounds for refusing a shipment or canceling an order unless Synergy Reef Systems is notified before the product ships, so that we may advise your best delivery options. Some shipments can be rescheduled via shippers website.
Synergy Reef Systems is not responsible for delivery delays due to local weather, traffic conditions, drivers running late, etc.
LARGE SUMPS - LTL Freight Shipments
Any of our larger items and sumps over 34" are shipped via UPS LTL Motor Freight on a large pallet. These items will be delivered to your address chosen when you placed the order. Please be aware that LTL Freight is not like a standard ground package service. UPS Freight will contact you to setup a appointment for delivery. Transit times are not guaranteed with LTL Freight. The delivery date and time is controlled by the LTL Freight company and we have no control over these times. Please be aware of this when ordering large items. If you cannot be available for delivery, you can choose to pick up your items at the Freight Terminal near your area (If local terminal is available).
Once you have received your items, please water test the items to insure there is not any hidden damage or leaks within a couple of days. Place the item on a piece of cardboard or foam and fill it completely with water. Let stand 24 hours. If there are any leaks, please notify us immediately.
Smaller items shipped via Ground services:
- Items under $500 do not require a signature for delivery. Most items will be left at your door without a signature.
- Inspect the package for damage during transit!
- If the shipping box is not damaged, open the item that you have received and carefully inspect the item for damages that may have occurred during shipping. If there are any signs of damage you must Notify us via email sales@synergyreef.com within 24 hours of delivery.
- For damaged packages with visible signs of damage to the shipping box, that do not require a signature, please take photos of the package before opening it. Open the package and then inspect carefully for any damage to the product. If there is damage, Notify us via email support@synergyreef.com within 24 hours of delivery.
- Once you have received your items, please water test the items to insure there is not any hidden damage or leaks within a couple of days. Place the item on a piece of cardboard or foam and fill it completely with water. Let stand 24 hours. If there are any leaks, please notify us via email support@synergyreef.com within 48 hours of delivery.