Shipping and Dispatch

1. Dispatch Times

We’d love to provide same-day dispatch for all products, but we just can’t. We’re a wee team here at Cylocybe, the same people replying to your emails are also the ones producing your grow kits, liquid culture syringes, and swabs. We’re the ones fixing the label printer when it acts up, or firing up the generator when the power cuts in the middle of a busy dispatch day! Most of the products you see at Cylocybe are made to order, which means they’re freshly prepared for you after your order comes in.

Here’s a breakdown of our typical timelines:

Spore / Culture Orders

Our aim is to dispatch spore- or culture-only orders the same day if payment is received before 3pm on working days (Monday to Thursday, excluding bank holidays). This is an aim, not a guarantee, and we only consider ourselves late if such an order has not been dispatched within 2 working days. For all other orders, our aim is to dispatch within 3 working days (unless otherwise noted on specific product pages). Our standard working days are Monday to Thursday, excluding bank and public holidays.

Grow Kit Orders

Our aim is to dispatch orders containing made-to-order grow kits within 3 working days, provided payment is received before 3pm on working days (Monday to Thursday, excluding bank holidays). Again, this is just an aim, and we only consider ourselves late if an order containing a grow kit has not been dispatched within 5 working days.

2. What Happens If We Are Late

We start counting dispatch times from the moment your payment clears. That’s the point when your order moves into processing and you get an email from us. Only our working days count towards this: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm. If you pay at night, the clock starts the next working day. Bank holidays don’t count either (we follow both Scottish and English ones, which sometimes don’t match up).

If we slip past the timelines we set out in Section 1, we see that as breaking our own dispatch pledge. When that happens, we make it up to you with freebies as a thank you for your patience. We also keep an eye on every parcel ourselves, so you don’t need to chase us if there’s a delay (we’ll already be on it).

That said, if you’re ever worried or just want to check in, you can still reach us anytime by emailing us here.

3. UK Parcels

We generally stick to Parcelforce and Royal Mail for all orders placed with Cylocybe, but on occasion we may need to use a different courier or service than the one selected at checkout for various reasons. If this happens, we will always strive for a like-for-like service. For example, if you paid for Tracked 24, we will aim to use a similar 24-hour service.

More info about the available courier options:

Parcelforce Delivery

We use Parcelforce to send many UK parcels. Once your order is dispatched, Parcelforce will send the tracking information via email. If you won’t be home on the delivery day, you can choose from the following options:

• 📦 Deliver to your local Post Office®
• 📅 Change your delivery date
• 🏘️ Deliver to a trusted neighbour

You’ll also receive a one-hour delivery window on the day of delivery.

Please note: Selecting Parcelforce as your delivery option does not mean your order will be dispatched faster than customers who choose more budget-friendly options. All parcels are sent in line with our standard dispatch time-frame. Parcelforce is simply the delivery service we use once your order has been processed and dispatched.

Royal Mail Delivery

Smaller UK orders are sent via Royal Mail, with your choice of Tracked 24 or 48. Please note that Royal Mail’s delivery aims of 1-3 days (after dispatch) are not guaranteed. Additionally, selecting Tracked 24 or 48 does not mean your parcel will be delivered within 24 or 48 hours. These are the names of the shipping options provided by Royal Mail, and your parcel will be sent using the chosen service once we have processed and dispatched your order in line with our standard dispatch time-frame.

4. International Shipping

Various international shipping options will be displayed at checkout. Customers are responsible for understanding the laws of their country before placing an order. If your order is rejected by customs in your country, we will not issue a refund or resend your order free of charge.

Any import taxes or customs charges applied to orders upon arrival in the destination country are the responsibility of the customer.

5. Common Issues and Misunderstandings

Sometimes things just don’t go to plan, but we will always try our best to help sort it out if it ever happens.

Missed Emails

Orders may be delayed if there are issues with payment or shipping address details. We will always contact you to resolve such matters, so please ensure you read every email from us carefully.

Busy Periods or Staff Shortages

Occasionally, dispatch delays are unavoidable during busy periods or staff sickness. We’ll always contact you so you’re not left in the dark.

Parcelforce and Royal Mail Misunderstandings

If you select Parcelforce or Royal Mail Tracked 24/48 as your delivery option, please note that this choice only applies to the delivery service used after your order has been processed and dispatched. Neither service expedites the dispatch process itself. All orders are dispatched in line with our standard dispatch time-frame as noted in Section 1 above, regardless of the delivery service selected.

6. Important Notes

Please double-check your shipping details at checkout. If an address is incorrect or incomplete and a parcel comes back to us after delivery attempts, we can send it again once the address is updated. We’ll just ask you to cover the postage for the second shipment. If you’re unsure about your details, feel free to get in touch.