Shipping Information

Every James Fields instrument is individually built, carefully inspected, and prepared for shipment with the same attention given to its construction. Because guitars and ukuleles are delicate wooden instruments, special care is taken in packing and shipping each instrument to its new owner.

Shipping Area

James Fields Guitars currently ships to addresses within the United States.

Please contact me before purchasing if you require delivery outside the United States. International shipping may be considered individually based on destination, carrier availability, insurance, customs requirements, and applicable restrictions.

Shipping Costs

Shipping charges will be disclosed before the purchase of an available instrument or included in the terms of a commissioned instrument.

Any expedited or special shipping arrangements should be discussed before payment is completed.

Preparation and Packaging

Each instrument is inspected before shipment and securely packed to protect it during transportation. Instruments will normally be shipped in their accompanying case when a case is included with the instrument and placed within appropriate protective shipping packaging.

Because instruments can be affected by substantial changes in temperature and humidity, shipment may occasionally be delayed when weather conditions present an unreasonable risk to the instrument. If a delay becomes necessary, the customer will be notified.

Insurance and Tracking

Instruments shipped by James Fields Guitars will be sent using a trackable shipping service and insured for their appropriate value.

Tracking information will be provided when the instrument is shipped.

A signature may be required upon delivery. Customers should therefore provide a shipping address where someone will be available to receive and sign for the instrument when necessary.

Delivery

Please inspect the shipping carton when the instrument arrives.

If the package shows significant evidence of damage, photograph the unopened package before opening it. Retain the shipping carton, packing materials, and all other packaging until you have inspected the instrument and confirmed that it arrived safely.

If you believe an instrument has been damaged during shipment, contact James Fields Guitars promptly and provide photographs of the packaging, case, instrument, and any visible damage. These materials may be necessary to document a carrier or insurance claim.

Do not discard damaged packaging while a shipping claim is being evaluated.

Allowing the Instrument to Acclimate

Wooden instruments can experience substantial temperature changes during transportation. If an instrument arrives unusually cold or hot, allow the closed shipping carton and instrument case to gradually approach room temperature before opening the case.

Avoid placing a newly delivered instrument directly next to a heater, air-conditioning vent, fireplace, or other source of rapid temperature or humidity change.

Additional care information may accompany the instrument.

Shipping Address

Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address.

Please contact James Fields Guitars as soon as possible if an address needs to be corrected. Once an instrument has entered the carrier's shipping network, it may not be possible to redirect the shipment.

For security and fraud-prevention purposes, James Fields Guitars may require additional verification before shipping an instrument to an address that differs substantially from the information associated with the purchase.

Commissioned Instruments

Shipping arrangements for commissioned instruments will be confirmed as part of the commission process. The customer will have an opportunity to review applicable shipping costs and delivery arrangements before final payment and shipment.

Local Delivery or Pickup

When practical, local pickup or another mutually agreed delivery arrangement may be available. Please contact James Fields Guitars before completing a purchase if you would prefer to arrange pickup.

Shipping Delays

Estimated shipping and delivery dates are not guarantees. Carrier delays, severe weather, natural disasters, transportation disruptions, and other circumstances outside the control of James Fields Guitars may affect delivery.

If a significant problem becomes known before shipment, I will communicate with the customer rather than unnecessarily place an instrument at risk.

Questions

If you have questions about shipping an available or commissioned instrument, please contact James Fields Guitars through the Contact page before completing your purchase.