Shipping

We ship nationwide via FedEx, UPS or USPS. Generally, we prefer to send packages via FedEx or UPS for most packages because it is automatically insured up to $100, it's trackable, reliable, and in MANY cases, it's the most economical for the service method.  

USPS is often the cheapest method, but even if it's insured, it might as well not be, because it's almost impossible to get them to pay a claim on a broken or lost item.  Our website actually is set to not allow USPS for orders over $80.  AND, we can't guarantee the package will get to you, and if it does get lost, we can not replace the items.  It's kind of risky, but for things that are small and inexpensive, it can be a good choice.  Also, damage or loss is RARE. it's just a pain when it happens.  

If you are ordering clay, please remember that it is heavy and in shipping that translates to expensive.  Fedex and UPS both recently started adding an additional fee for packages weighing 50# or more. We have recently found that we can split up a box and ship as 2 25# packages for about $20 each, but as of this update to this page (October 2026) we haven't figured out how to program that into our website.

We also ship by truck...usually FedEx Freight.  They have a service called Freight Direct which includes lift gate and residential (or school) delivery charges all wrapped in to one reasonable rate.  There are actually different levels of this service as shown below (copy/pasted from this webpage). As of writing this, our website doesn't provide all of these different service options, instead, it returns the basic fedex freight rates for economy and priority, and we have manually set up discounts within that calculator to APPROXIMATE the freight direct basic charge.  If you need more than basic, we can get you a rate for the upgraded service until our website learns how:

• Basic — delivery to the ground level (front or back door) or to the garage without an appointment (no signature required)
• Basic by appointment — delivery to the ground level (front or back door) or to the garage with an appointment
• Standard — to the first ground-level room in the home or business with an appointment3
• Premium — those requiring a two-person delivery, and/or placement in room of choice with an appointment3 (with the options of packaging removal)
• Customer pickup at a FedEx service center

Lastly, if you are in the Omaha or Lincoln area, we have a new shared shipping opportunity, which often means a shipping cost as low as $10-15 per 50# BOX of clay.  Please click here for more information until we are able to create a page here on our website that explains all the details

Great, so now that you have figured out what you want and how to get it shipped to you, what happens next?  

Here's what you can expect after you place your order:

Email notifications generally will contain your order number in the subject line

• First email is the automatic order confirmation email, which should arrive within a minute or two of placing your order.  We process new orders several times a day during business hours, and SHOULD be reviewing and filling your order within a couple of hours.  If we have a crucial question - something is unexpectedly out of stock, or something flagged as wrong with your address, or just anything WEIRD, we will send you an email.  If your order was placed with upgraded shipping speed, we'll probably call or text too.

• Once we have it all packed up and ready to go, you you will get an email with the tracking number. Sometimes, we may switch your order from UPS or USPS to FedEx so that it gets picked up the same day and gets to you faster.  If we ever do that, we will still charge you the lower rate).

• For Freight shipments, we will also send a picture of your order along with the tracking number separately.  Please do verify the shipment looks the same upon arrival and inspect for damage before signing for the shipment.

 You can always respond to any of the message you get at any time with questions or concerns and we will address them to the best of our ability!  

Official Shipping Policy on file with Shopify:

Unless otherwise specified, all products shipping from Bracker's Good Earth Clays (or any of our manufacturers for orders shipping direct) are shipped FOB shipping location.  

This means that as soon as the item is picked up by the carrier, the ownership transfers to the buyer.  If a product is damaged in transit, replacement items will be shipped after receipt of payment of the freight claim. 

Any claims for Small Package shipments sent via FedEx or UPS will be handled by Bracker's Good Earth Clays.  USPS shipments are always sent at buyer risk, claims must be filed by the recipient.

Freight claims can be filed by either the shipper or the receiver.  Please note that we always provide a photo of the shipment as it is here on our dock prior to being picked up and advise that you NOT accept the shipment without fully inspecting it before the driver leaves.  Without proper damage notation on the delivery receipt, freight claims may not be paid by the freight company.

Typically, it is easier for us to file the claim and we are happy to do so.  We will file the claim on your behalf with you listed as the claimant.  The freight company will then pay you for the damaged item. If you prefer, we can handle the whole thing with the freight company, and once the claim has been approved, we will ship the replacement product to you.