Some Instructor's Guides are currently backordered; click here for details. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Shipping & Delivery Policies

Orders usually ship within 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS from the time we receive your order, except during July-September when orders may take 7-10 BUSINESS DAYS to leave our warehouse.
Expedited processing and delivery options are available.

See this list for all shipping and delivery topics:




US Shipping Options (to the lower 48 states)

Information in this US Shipping section applies to orders shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states.

You can get free shipping to the lower 48 states if:

Other options include:

  1. Media Mail:
    Media Mail is available for orders of items that qualify for Media Mail shipping. There is a $5 shipping charge for orders under $25. Orders over $25 are eligible for free Media Mail shipping. View details about Media Mail shipping.
  2. Standard FedEx Shipping:
    Standard FedEx® shipping (known as FedEx Home Delivery®) is available for all orders to the lower 48 states. There is a $10 shipping charge for orders under $150. Orders over $150 receive this shipping for free. View details about standard FedEx shipping.
  3. Expedited Shipping
    Click to see your expedited processing and shipping options.
  4. Other Options:
    You may arrange and pay for a specific alternative service by leaving a comment on your order or calling (303) 730-6292.

Another way to consider your options:

For orders under $25, you may choose:

  1. Media Mail shipping for $5 (if your order qualifies for Media Mail).
  2. Standard FedEx shipping for $10.
  3. Free standard FedEx shipping (if you are a Core or Heirloom Club member).
  4. An Expedited Shipping option.

For orders between $25.00 and $149.99, you may choose:

  1. Free Media Mail shipping if your order qualifies for Media Mail.
  2. Standard FedEx shipping for $10.
  3. Free standard FedEx shipping (if you are a Core or Heirloom Club member).
  4. An Expedited Shipping option.

For orders of $150.00 or more, you may choose:

  1. Free standard FedEx shipping.
  2. An Expedited Shipping option.




Media Mail Shipping

Information in this Media Mail section applies to orders shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, and to APO/FPO addresses.

Orders of $25 or more may qualify for free Media Mail shipping!

  • You may choose this shipping option if the items in your order qualify for Media Mail.
  • Allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.
  • Please note that Media Mail shipments are uninsured.

Frequently Asked Questions about Media Mail:

  1. What items qualify for Media Mail shipping?
    The following items generally qualify for Media Mail:

    • Books
    • Instructor's Guides
    • CDs
    • DVDs
    • Computer programs
    • Extra Activity sheets and other stacks of paper
    • Binders (if you also order an Instructor's Guide)

    These items do NOT qualify for Media Mail:

    • The Sonlight Catalog
    • Science supply kits
    • Non-media resources such as microscopes, the markable map, art supplies, puzzles, etc.

    View a complete list of item numbers that do not qualify for Media Mail.

    This list of items do not qualify for Media Mail. If any of the following items are in your shopping cart during checkout, the Media Mail option will not be available.

    NSK
    NKSA
    KL081
    KL082
    KL08
    KL11
    KL16
    KL173
    KL175
    KL176
    KM07
    KM10
    KMUS
    ASK
    BSK
    1LP
    1L9
    1L09
    1L10
    1M08
    BS5
    BS4
    BSK
    CS4
    CS5
    CSK
    2M05
    CSK
    DSK
    3M05
    3M07
    150-35
    250-25
    250-30
    250-35
    250-40
    250-41
    250-42
    250-45
    250-60
    350-15
    550-15
    550-16
    CROSS05
    HDST
    MAP
    MAP1
    MAP2
    RMAG
    RM03
    RM04
    RM05
    RM06
    RM07
    RM08
    RM09
    RM25
    RM30
    RM68
    RR30
    RR55
    RR57
    RR103
    RS98
    SS10
    SS100
    SS111
    SS122
    SS301
    SS700
    SS304L
    SS304M
    SS303S
    SSM4
    SSM5
    SSM6
    SSM7
    SSM9
    SSM10
    SSM13
    SSM15
    SSM20
    SSM61
    SSM82
    HWK
    2M1US
    2M2US
    CAT07
    CAT08
    C961
    C967
    C968
    EA014
    RA017
    RA018
    RA019
    EA021
    RA036
    TA06
    TA07
    TA22
    GFX
    GFC
    GF2
    GF3
    GFL
    LB01
    LP05
    LP07
    LP08
    LR07
    MM04
    MM05
    MM10
    MM12
    MM40
    MU01
    MM06
    CAT09
    4M40
    5M40
    6M40
    RM40
    RA45
    RA55
    RA65
    RA75
    LP09
    RM35
    KM35
    4M35
    5M35
    6M35
    SS302S
    SS400
    SS637I
    SS617I
    SS595I
    SS200
    

    Please note: The United States Postal Service maintains these rules for Media Mail. Unfortunately, Sonlight cannot make exceptions to what we can ship via Media Mail.

    When you start the check-out process, your shopping cart will let you know if you order qualifies for Media Mail. If you cannot choose the Media Mail option when you check out, your order does not qualify for it (either because your order is over $150 and receives free FedEx shipping, or because your order contains one or more items that we are not allowed to ship Media Mail).

  2. What if I have items that do not qualify for Media Mail?
    • You may choose standard FedEx shipping for $10 (in the lower 48 states).
      • Note: If you have one or more items that do not qualify for Media Mail shipping, your best bet is to simply place one order and choose FedEx shipping. Since we charge a flat $10 rate for all standard FedEx orders under $150 to the lower 48, you will not save money (or time) by splitting your order and placing one order with free Media Mail and one order with FedEx shipping. You will pay just $10 in shipping either way, and you will receive all your materials faster through FedEx.
    • Remember that you get free standard FedEx shipping for orders of $150 or more (to the lower 48 states). We are able to ship all items via FedEx.
    • For AK, HI, APO and FPO addresses, you may choose FedEx or USPS shipping. Find your rate using the shipping chart and fuel charge calculator below.
  3. What if my order is under $25?
    • You may choose Media Mail shipping for a $5 shipping charge (if your items qualify for Media Mail).
    • You may choose Standard FedEx shipping for a $10 charge (to the lower 48).
    • You may add additional qualifying items to your order to make it reach $25. Then you get free Media Mail shipping.
  4. What if my order is $150 or more (and I live in the lower 48)?
    • You qualify for free standard FedEx shipping! We are able to ship all items via FedEx.
  5. What if my order is $150 or more (and I live at an AK, HI, APO or FPO address)?
    • You can still choose free Media Mail shipping!
  6. What if I want faster shipping than Media Mail offers?
    • In the lower 48 states, you may choose standard FedEx shipping for $10. If your order is over $150, you get this standard shipping for free.
    • For AK, HI, APO and FPO addresses, you may choose FedEx or USPS shipping. Find your rate using the shipping chart and fuel charge calculator below.
    • You may choose an Expedited Shipping option.
  7. What if I am a Core or Heirloom Club member?
    • You get free standard FedEx shipping on all orders to the lower 48 states! No need to choose the Media Mail option (unless, out of the goodness of your heart, you want to save Sonlight some money on shipping). We are happy to offer you the free FedEx service to thank you for your business.
  8. What if I want Media Mail, but I also want a catalog with my order?
    • Unfortunately, we cannot ship Sonlight catalogs via Media Mail. However, we certainly want you to get the best shipping rates available and to receive a catalog if you want one! So if the rest of your order qualifies for Media Mail, please do not check "add a catalog to my order" at checkout. Instead, place your order without a catalog and then request a catalog here. We will ship your order via Media Mail and send you a catalog for free.




FedEx Shipping

Information in this FedEx section applies to orders shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states.

Orders over $150 receive FREE standard FedEx shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states!

  • You get fast, trackable shipping with FedEx® Home Delivery®.
  • Allow 3-5 business days for delivery after your order leaves the Sonlight warehouse.
  • Please note that FedEx® requires a street address (no PO Box) and a phone number.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about FedEx Shipping

  1. What if my order is under $150?

    • You may choose standard FedEx shipping for $10.
    • If your order is $25 or more and qualifies for Media Mail, you may choose free Media Mail shipping.
    • If your order is under $25 and qualifies for Media Mail you may choose Media Mail for a $5 shipping charge.
  2. What if I am a Core or Heirloom Club member?
    • You get free standard FedEx shipping on all orders to the lower 48 states!
  3. If my order is under $150, why would I choose FedEx shipping?
  4. You might choose FedEx if:

    • Your order does not qualify for Media Mail. See what items qualify for Media Mail shipping.
    • You want your order faster than Media Mail may deliver it to you. (Media Mail typically takes up 2 weeks for delivery. FedEx will usually deliver within 3-5 business days.)
    • You want a tracking number on your order. (Media Mail does not provide this.)
  5. What if I want even faster shipping?




Free Anytime Shipping

Information in this Free Anytime Shipping section applies to orders shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states.

All Core and Heirloom Club members receive FREE standard shipping to the lower 48 U.S. states! Core members get this free service for a full year. Heirloom members get this free shipping for life!

  • You get fast, trackable shipping with FedEx® Home Delivery®.
  • Allow 3-5 business days for delivery after your order leaves the Sonlight warehouse.
  • Please note that FedEx® requires a street address (no PO Box) and a phone number.

If you want even faster shipping, you may choose to pay for an Expedited Shipping Option.

See the other benefits of Core Club Membership.




Expedited Processing and Shipping Options

Orders usually ship within 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS from the time we receive your order, except during July-September when orders may take 7-10 BUSINESS DAYS to leave our warehouse.

Need your order to arrive sooner? You can choose:

1. Rush Service (faster service in our warehouse)

Rush Service moves your order to the front of the line in our warehouse. You'll still have standard shipping, but your order will leave our warehouse sooner. If you place your order before 11am (MST), your order will be on its way to you that day. If you place your order after 11am (MST), we will ship your order the next day.

Order Total Rush Cost
$0-$149.99 $14.95
$150-$299.99 10%
$300-$699.99 8%
$700-$999.99 5%
$1000 and up 4%
Maximum: $50.00

OR


2. Expedited shipping (faster service in our warehouse and to your doorstep)

Expedited Shipping grants you Rush Service in our warehouse (at no additional charge), and gives you faster shipping once your order leaves our warehouse. You can choose FedEx 1-Day or 2-Day service. This is the way for you to receive your order the fastest.

See the charts below for rates. Note: While these shipping options give your order Rush status in our warehouse, the 1-Day/2-Day only applies to weekdays and does not start until the package leaves our building. If you order Tuesday morning before 11am (MST) and request 2-day shipping, your order will ship Tuesday afternoon and arrive at your house on Thursday. If you order Friday afternoon and request 2-Day shipping, your order will not ship until Monday and you will not likely receive your box until Wednesday. Expedited Saturday delivery incurs an additional $15.00 fee per box (please leave a comment on your order or contact us if you want Expedited Saturday delivery).

FedEx® 1-Day

Order Total Shipping Cost
$0-$50 $23.00
$51-$100 $27.00
$101-$150 $33.00
$151-$200 $42.00
$201-$300 $48.00
$301-$400 $57.00
$401-$500 $64.00
$501-$600 $74.00
$601-$700 $82.00
$701-$800 $90.00
$801-$900 $100.00
$901-$1000 $109.00
$1001-$1100 $119.00
$1101-$1200 $131.00
$1201-$1300 $141.00
$1301-$1400 $151.00
$1401-$1500 $161.00
$1501-$1600 $177.00
$1601-$1700 $187.00
$1701-$1800 $198.00
$1801-$1900 $210.00
$1901-$2000 $220.00
$2001-$3000 $280.00
$3001-$4000 $380.00
$4001-$5000 $483.00
$5001-$10000 $790.00

FedEx® 2-Day

Order Total Shipping Cost
$0-$150 $20.00
$151-$200 $28.00
$201-$300 $32.00
$301-$400 $37.00
$401-$500 $42.00
$501-$600 $47.00
$601-$700 $51.00
$701-$800 $56.00
$801-$900 $62.00
$901-$1000 $68.00
$1001-$1100 $73.00
$1101-$1200 $80.00
$1201-$1300 $85.00
$1301-$1400 $89.00
$1401-$1500 $95.00
$1501-$1600 $102.00
$1601-$1700 $107.00
$1701-$1800 $116.00
$1801-$1900 $121.00
$1901-$2000 $126.00
$2001-$3000 $162.00
$3001-$4000 $217.00
$4001-$5000 $273.00
$5001-$10000 $440.00




Drop-Shipped Items

We special order a few items--such as less common Rosetta Stone® packages--as needed. You still get all the benefits of ordering through us, but it takes an extra 10 business days for your items to ship.




Alaska, Hawaii, APO/FPO and US territories:


Alaska and Hawaii

  • Sonlight normally ships Media Mail or FedEx to Alaska and Hawaii.
  • Orders over $25 that qualify for USPS Media Mail may select this service at no charge. Media Mail shipping is $5 for orders under $25. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
  • If your order does not qualify for Media Mail, or if you want faster service than Media Mail affords, you may choose FedEx Shipping. Find your FedEx shipping costs by using the chart below and adding the current FedEx fuelcharge. Or let our shipping calculator do the math for you.
  • Note: For FedEx shipping, Fuel Surcharges are additional. The FedEx Fuel Surcharge fluctuates with market conditions. During 2008, it fluctuated between 2% and 34% of the base rate. Use our shipping calculator to find your shipping rate, including the current surcharge.
  • Note: FedEx® requires a street address (no PO Box) and a phone number.

APO/FPO

  • Sonlight normally ships Media Mail or USPS Priority Shipping for APO/FPO addresses.
  • Orders over $25 that qualify for USPS Media Mail may select this service at no charge. Media Mail shipping is $5 for orders under $25. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
  • If your order does not qualify for Media Mail, or if you want faster service than Media Mail affords, you may choose USPS Priority Shipping. Use the chart below to find your rate.

US Territories

  • If you live in a US Territory, you may take advantage of the same shipping policies that apply customers with APO/FPO addresses (see above). To do this, leave a note in the comments section of each order indicating that you live in a US Territory and would like the Media Mail or USPS Priority Shipping option. Otherwise, due to a limitation in our system, your order will be treated as an international order and will receive the international FedEx shipping option.

Non-Media Mail Shipping Chart for AK/HI, APO/FPO and U.S. Territories

Order Total ($) AK/HI (FedEx) APO/FPO & U.S. Territories (USPS Priority)
0-50.00 $15.00 $10.00
50.01-60.00 31% 26%
60.01-70.00 28% 25%
70.01-80.00 24% 22%
80.01-90.00 22% 22%
90.01-99.99 21% 22%
100.00-149.99 18% 21%
150.00-199.99 15% 19%
200.00-299.99 13% 17%
300.00-349.99 12% 15%
350.00-499.99 11% 14%
500.00-599.99 11% 13%
600.00-699.99 10% 12%
700.00-799.99 10% 11%
800.00+ 10% 10%




International Shipping Rates (including Canada)

Sonlight usually ships internationally via FedEx® because it is the most cost-effective option for you. You may find your base shipping rate with the Discounted Base Shipping Rate chart. Keep reading for details:
  • FedEx Fuel Surcharges are additional. Use our shipping calculator to find to find your shipping rate, including the current FedEx Fuel Surcharge. The surcharge fluctuates with market conditions. During 2008 it fluctuated between 2% and 34% of the base rate.
  • FedEx® requires a street address (no PO Box) and a phone number.
  • If your international order contains backordered items, Sonlight will typically hold your order for up to four weeks in order to ship all possible materials together.
  • Please be aware of the available shipping options and shipping limitations on orders sent to your country. You are responsible for all duties, taxes, and other charges required by the country of destination.
  • Incorrect address or address without a phone number can result in your package being held up in customs, resulting in additional delays and charges. Please be sure that the address you give is accurate for delivery within your country.
  • When you order, please tell us which word (name) is the Country, Province, City, and Postal Code. Please include your phone number and email address.
  • We want you to be able to get the curriculum you need, so Sonlight has already negotiated a discounted rate with FedEx, and then subsidizes the cost of that discounted rate. You'll find it is significantly cheaper for Sonlight to ship to you via FedEx than for you to use FedEx's international services on your own. If you're curious, you can calculate the non-subsidized/discounted rate you'd pay on your own with FedEx. (For Sonlight's rates, use the shipping calculator.)

Notes for Canadian customers:

Standard shipping for Canadian orders is via FedEx IPD (International Priority Direct). This service generally takes 3-5 business days for delivery. You may calculate your costs with the chart below and the fuel surcharge calculator.

A 5% Canadian GST-Goods and Services Tax will be applied to your online order. The ONLY exception is if it is being shipped to a PO box. In this case, we are not able to send the order via a private carrier (FedEx or UPS), and instead must use the postal service. You will pay GST at the time of delivery, and you will also be charged a customs broker fee of $5.00 per package.

How to calculate your shipping costs

The easiest way is to use the shipping calculator for up-to-date rates.

To see the break-down of your costs, find your country on the Country Category chart below, then locate on the Discounted Base Shipping Rate chart the column that matches your Country Category and the row that matches the dollar value of your order. Your shipping cost is the total cost of goods you are ordering multiplied by the percentage in the chart, plus the FedEx Fuel Surcharge. The FedEx Fuel Surcharge fluctuates with market conditions, so is not included in the Base Rates below. Use our shipping calculator to find your shipping total with the current surcharge rate.

Example: You want to ship a $425 order to Australia (Category I). Category I at $425 receives a 26% base shipping rate. $425 x 0.26 = $110.50 base shipping charge. If the Fuel Surcharge is 8% at the time you place your order, then the total shipping will be $425 x 0.26 x 1.08 = $119.34. All rates are subject to change.

International Shipping Chart

 

Import Restrictions:

  • Restrictions on biologically active items to Australia, New Zealand and Mexico : Due to import restrictions on biologically active items (soil, seeds, yeast, etc.), Sonlight cannot ship certain science supply kits to certain countries. Here is a list of those items, plus the countries we may not ship them to:
    • Science Supplies Kit A (#ASK)—Australia, New Zealand and Anguilla
    • Science Supplies Kit D (#DSK)—Australia, New Zealand
    • Microscopy Science Supplies Kit E (#ESKM)—Australia, New Zealand
    • Science Supplies Kit G (#GSK)—Australia, New Zealand
    • General Science Supplies Kit H (#HSKA)—Australia, New Zealand
    • Science Supplies Kit 150 (#150-35)—Australia, New Zealand
    • Advanced Dissection Kit with Specimens (#250-30)—Australia, Mexico, New Zealand
    • Advanced Biology Dissection Animals & Trays (#550-16)—Australia, New Zealand
    • Extra Dissection Animals & Trays for Additional Student (#SS122)—Australia, Mexico, New Zealand

    If you live in one of these countries, you will have to find equivalent items locally. If you order a package containing restricted items, we will remove those items from your package and reduce your cost accordingly.

  • FlashMaster: Due to European Union recycling restrictions, we cannot ship FlashMaster (item #RM25) to EU countries.




FAQs

How quickly will you ship my order?
Orders usually ship within 3-5 BUSINESS DAYS from the time we receive your order, except during July-September when orders may take 7-10 BUSINESS DAYS to leave our warehouse. Expedited processing and delivery options are available.

Is my shipment insured against theft or damage?
Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd. insures items against damage or theft during transit when shipped via FedEx® anywhere in the world. We do not insure Postal Service (e.g., Media Mail) deliveries unless you specifically request and pay for the service. Though we don't often ship via UPS, we do insure items against damage or theft during transit when shipping via UPS.

What items qualify for Media Mail shipping?

What are the "lower 48 states"?
The lower 48 states include every state in the United States except for Alaska and Hawaii. If you live outside these 48 continental states, click for AK, HI, APO, FPO or US Territory shipping or click for International Shipping.

Are there Import Restrictions on any Sonlight products?

Where is the shipping calculator?

What happens when an item is drop-shipped?




Have questions?

Don't hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.