Shipping & Live Guarantee
Last updated: 1 January 2026
At Time To Breed, we professionally breed and ship live insects across Italy and Europe every week.
All live specimens are carefully packed using appropriate ventilation, insulation and protection methods to ensure the highest possible survival rate during transport.
Because we work with living organisms, certain biological and environmental factors remain outside absolute control.
This page explains clearly how shipping works and when our Live Guarantee applies.
1. SHIPPING OPTIONS
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout and vary depending on destination and selected method.
Italy
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Poste 1 – €4.90
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Courier 24–48h – €9.90
All shipping methods within Italy are fully covered by our Live Guarantee.
European Union
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Standard Courier – €16
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Express Courier – €32
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Priority Post (economy option)
The Live Guarantee applies only to courier shipments (Standard or Express).
Priority Post is considered an economy shipping method and is not covered by the Live Guarantee.
For certain particularly sensitive live products, Live Guarantee applies only if Express Courier (€32) is selected.
When required, this condition is clearly stated on the product page.
Outside the European Union
All shipments outside the EU are made at the Buyer’s full risk.
Due to customs procedures, inspections and extended transit times, no Live Guarantee applies to extra-EU shipments.
2. LIVE GUARANTEE – WHAT IS COVERED
The Live Guarantee applies when:
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A qualifying shipping method is selected
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Delivery occurs within standard transit time
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Reporting requirements are respected
The Live Guarantee covers:
Dead on Arrival (DOA)
If live insects arrive dead despite correct packaging and covered shipping conditions.
Severe egg infertility
If more than 50% of eggs prove infertile under proper incubation conditions.
Natural biological variability is inherent to living organisms. Minor mortality or partial hatch reduction does not constitute a defect.
3. WHAT IS NOT COVERED
The Live Guarantee does not apply in cases of:
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Incorrect or economy shipping method selected
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Failure to add heat protection when required
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Improper handling after delivery
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Inadequate environmental conditions
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Customs delays or inspections
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Force majeure events
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Mere shipping delays (unless the product arrives dead and shipment was covered)
4. TEMPERATURE & HEAT PACK POLICY
Live insects are temperature sensitive.
When external temperatures are below 7°C, a Heat Pack is strongly recommended and may be mandatory for certain species.
If heat protection is declined in low temperatures, the shipment may be considered at the customer’s risk.
Each situation is evaluated individually, and we always aim to act reasonably and fairly.
5. REPORTING A PROBLEM
If an issue occurs, please contact us promptly.
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Live insects: report within 24 hours of delivery
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Non-living items: report within 72 hours of delivery
To evaluate a claim, we require:
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Clear photographs of the products
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Images that clearly show the issue
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Confirmation of delivery date
Claims submitted after the stated timeframes or without sufficient documentation may not be accepted.
6. EU SHIPPING – GUARANTEE CONDITIONS SUMMARY
Within the European Union:
✔ Standard Courier (€16) – Covered
✔ Express Courier (€32) – Covered
✘ Priority Post – Not covered
For selected sensitive species, only Express Courier qualifies for Live Guarantee, as indicated on the product page.
If an economy method is chosen, coverage may be granted solely at our discretion and only if sufficient evidence is provided.
7. DELAYS
Shipping times are indicative and depend on logistics providers.
Mere delays do not automatically entitle the customer to refund or replacement.
If a covered shipment results in unsuitable or dead specimens due to extended transit, the case will be evaluated individually.
8. RESOLUTION OPTIONS
If a claim is accepted, possible resolutions include:
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Replacement shipment
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Partial or full refund
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Store credit
The solution is determined case-by-case in agreement with the customer.
Our liability is limited to the value of the purchased products.
9. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
We promote responsible captive breeding and ship thousands of live specimens every year with a high success rate.
By purchasing live insects, the customer acknowledges the natural biological variability involved and agrees to handle the organisms responsibly upon arrival.
If you have any doubts before placing an order, we encourage you to contact us.
We are always available to advise on the most suitable shipping option.