Shipping Policy

1. General Shipping Principles

Robotbids functions as an intermediary platform, not a seller. Each vendor is responsible for fulfilling, packaging, and dispatching their orders to buyers. Shipping terms, including costs and carriers, may vary by vendor, item category, and delivery destination.

Buyers and sellers are encouraged to communicate clearly on logistics, especially when dealing with large or industrial goods.

2. Order Processing Expectations

2.1 Standard Consumer-Grade Products

For most listings that do not require rigging, crating, or special freight arrangements:

• Vendors are required to dispatch the item within 48 hours (2 business days) of receiving full payment and confirming the sale.
  
  
• “Business days” refer to Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays.
  
  
• Orders placed after 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) are considered received on the following business day.
  
  

Exceptions to this 48-hour rule may apply in cases of:

• Force majeure (e.g., extreme weather, transportation strikes)
  
  
• Platform-verified fraud investigations
  
  
• Delays agreed to in writing between buyer and vendor
  
  

2.2 Industrial Equipment and Large-Scale Machinery

Some items listed on Robotbids—such as robot arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), or industrial robotic systems—may require:

• Rigging and loading assistance
  
  
• Crating, palletizing, or special handling
  
  
• Permit-based or international freight arrangements
  
  

For these orders:

• Shipping terms are communicated directly between the vendor and buyer via the platform’s messaging system or off-platform documentation.
  
  
• Vendors must provide a reasonable estimated dispatch window and coordinate with the buyer on logistics (e.g., third-party freight carriers, insurance).
  
  
• Buyers should confirm their facility’s readiness for delivery and clarify whether dock access or unloading equipment is available.
  
  

Robotbids recommends documenting these arrangements for dispute prevention.

3. Shipping Methods, Carriers, and Costs

• Vendors choose their preferred shipping carriers and service levels, subject to compliance with international shipping laws and safety regulations.
  
  
• Shipping costs may be flat-rate, dynamic, or buyer-arranged (freight collect), depending on the vendor’s configuration.
  
  
• Estimated delivery windows will be displayed at checkout when available.
  
  

Vendors are responsible for:

• Adequate and secure packaging
  
  
• Providing any required shipping documentation (e.g., commercial invoices, export declarations)
  
  
• Ensuring compliance with hazardous material and export control laws where applicable
  
  

4. Tracking and Delivery Updates

• Vendors are encouraged to provide valid tracking information within 24 hours of dispatch.
  
  
• Buyers will be notified via email or dashboard when tracking details are available.
  
  
• Robotbids does not directly operate a courier service and is not liable for shipping delays or third-party carrier failures.
  
  

If tracking is not provided within 72 hours of scheduled dispatch, the transaction may be flagged for review.

5. Delays, Lost Shipments, and Non-Delivery

If you haven’t received your item:

1. Contact the vendor directly through the platform’s messaging system.
   
   
2. Confirm tracking status and whether any issues were flagged during transit (e.g., customs holds, address problems).
   
   
3. If unresolved within 5 business days of the latest estimated delivery date, contact support@robotbids.com for assistance.
   
   

Robotbids reserves the right to step in and mediate disputes regarding:

• Missing or significantly delayed shipments
  
  
• Orders marked as delivered but not received
  
  
• Non-communication from vendors regarding logistics
  
  

Refunds or replacement eligibility will be determined based on evidence, including shipment tracking, correspondence, and product value.

6. Damaged or Incorrect Shipments

6.1 Buyer Responsibilities

If your item arrives damaged, defective, or not as described:

• Notify the vendor within 48 hours of delivery with clear photo or video documentation.
  
  
• Retain all packaging materials, as they may be required for inspection by the carrier or insurance company.
  
  

6.2 Vendor Responsibilities

• Vendors are expected to provide support for resolving issues, including offering a return, replacement, or partial refund, as applicable.
  
  
• For insured shipments, vendors should initiate the carrier’s damage claims process promptly.
  
  

If a resolution cannot be reached within 5 business days, Robotbids may intervene to ensure compliance with marketplace policies.

7. Jurisdiction-Specific Considerations

7.1 EU Residents

• Under the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU), consumers have a legal right to receive goods within 30 days of purchase unless otherwise agreed.
  
  
• EU consumers also maintain a 14-day right of withdrawal for most online purchases, excluding industrial-use or business-to-business (B2B) transactions.
  
  
• Vendors must adhere to EU consumer protection laws when selling to private EU buyers, including obligations for accurate delivery windows and proper handling of failed deliveries.
  
  

7.2 U.S. Residents

• While there is no federal mandate on shipping windows, sellers are required under FTC Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule to:
  
  
  • Ship within the time stated, or within 30 days if no time is specified.
    
    
  • Notify buyers and offer cancellation options in case of unexpected delays.
    
    

Robotbids expects all U.S.-based vendors to comply with this rule.

8. Export, Import, and Cross-Border Shipping

• Vendors shipping internationally must comply with applicable export control laws, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
  
  
• Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, customs clearance, or local taxes incurred in their country.
  
  
• Robotbids is not responsible for delays due to customs inspections or international carrier issues.
  
  

9. Enforcement and Violations

Robotbids monitors vendor performance, including shipping times, complaint frequency, and communication responsiveness.

Failure to adhere to this Shipping Policy may result in:

• Order cancellation and refund to the buyer
  
  
• Removal of product listings
  
  
• Temporary or permanent account suspension
  
  

10. Contact and Escalation

For issues not resolved through direct communication:

• Contact support@robotbids.com with your order ID and a detailed description of the issue.
  
  
• For EU buyers, unresolved disputes may be submitted via the European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform.
  
  
• For U.S. users, legal recourse may be available through state commerce departments or small claims court.
  
  

Note: Robotbids reserves the right to update this Shipping Policy at any time. Significant changes will be communicated to registered users via email or platform notice.