Buying online in the winter?

[Clownshow]

So I am in dire need to replenish my clean up crew but I don't have any saltwater stores near me, so I have to order online. My problem is I live in Alaska and its starting to get chilly here.
Does anyone know if it is possible to order online and get my cleanup crew without them dying in the cold? Also does anyone know of a reliable site to order from?

 

[Subsea]

Talk with Russ Kronwetter at Gulf Coast EcoSystem: https://www.live-plants.com/

He used to do three day ground but summer heat sometimes took its toll. This past summer due to poor ground shipping, live plants went to two day air. So, to get your CUC, transportation will cost $45. I capitalized on 2 day air and included more delicate items including sponges & gorgonians.

Pete at Reeftopia has next day air. https://reeftopia.com/

Both are excellent sources of cuc and much much more

 

[Idoc]

I've used Reefcleaners for CUC in the past with mixed success. My worst shipments are those that typically come in the winter time (cold weather) with a lot of die-off that can ruin the entire shipment. But, their customer service is excellent in refunding for any loss. I've considered next day shipment, but for my area...that still typically comes out to almost 3 days!

 

[Clownshow]

I've used Reefcleaners for CUC in the past with mixed success. My worst shipments are those that typically come in the winter time (cold weather) with a lot of die-off that can ruin the entire shipment. But, their customer service is excellent in refunding for any loss. I've considered next day shipment, but for my area...that still typically comes out to almost 3 days!

Sadly they don't ship to Alaska.

 

[Clownshow]

Talk with Russ Kronwetter at Gulf Coast EcoSystem: https://www.live-plants.com/

He used to do three day ground but summer heat sometimes took its toll. This past summer due to poor ground shipping, live plants went to two day air. So, to get your CUC, transportation will cost $45. I capitalized on 2 day air and included more delicate items including sponges & gorgonians.

Pete at Reeftopia has next day air. https://reeftopia.com/

Both are excellent sources of cuc and much much more

yeah shipping is so spendy, It looks like I am going to have to spend at least 40 bucks for shipping.

 

[User1]

40 bucks for shipping isn't that bad really. I think a lot of people are spoiled by Amazon or similar retail outlets but in any case here is what I do as I order most of my live stock online although I live in Ca.

1. Shop around for what I'm looking for. Few online vendors I search, build a cart, and check to see what the cost is to include shipping. Sometimes it is included, sometimes (most) it isn't.

2. What does it take to get free shipping and is it worth it. Over night vs 2 day, etc - you have to check because not all are treated the same (go figure).

3. Now that I have a based idea I look to see if there is anything else I can add to either reach free shipping, to make it worth while if I am paying shipping, and if I add more does the shipping rate stay the same. Again - need to check because not everyone can or will increase box capacity and provide it free.

4. Can I get what I want elsewhere that maybe I didn't consider and how do they ship. This is sort of the last ditch effort because I have a list of obscure but goto like indo pacific sea farms for example.

So now I have a cart, somewhere, and I'm ready to pull the trigger. Since I live in California and I deal with heat I look at the 7 day forecast. I actually check a couple different sources because, well, they can look outside, it can be raining, and they will tell me it is sunny So I check and make sure the weather is good for shipping. Not too hot, not too cold, no immediate storms. If it looks good I'll sometimes shoot the vendor a message asking them of any known issues then place the order. Summer, winter, or fires. All the same here.

Please note that during C19 most, if not all, carriers no longer guarantee overnight shipping. Doesn't matter if it is Bob your Uncle in the box, livestock, dry goods, or beans and bullets. No longer a priority so check the carrier used and see what their page is saying. Most have updated their policies.

TL; DR - check the weather as best you can in advance. Check with seller to do the same. Most will. Check if they have what you want, quantities, and judge if you want to pay. Then place your order when ready but make sure your doorbell works, they knock, and someone is home

All the best!

 

[Clownshow]

40 bucks for shipping isn't that bad really. I think a lot of people are spoiled by Amazon or similar retail outlets but in any case here is what I do as I order most of my live stock online although I live in Ca.

1. Shop around for what I'm looking for. Few online vendors I search, build a cart, and check to see what the cost is to include shipping. Sometimes it is included, sometimes (most) it isn't.

2. What does it take to get free shipping and is it worth it. Over night vs 2 day, etc - you have to check because not all are treated the same (go figure).

3. Now that I have a based idea I look to see if there is anything else I can add to either reach free shipping, to make it worth while if I am paying shipping, and if I add more does the shipping rate stay the same. Again - need to check because not everyone can or will increase box capacity and provide it free.

4. Can I get what I want elsewhere that maybe I didn't consider and how do they ship. This is sort of the last ditch effort because I have a list of obscure but goto like indo pacific sea farms for example.

So now I have a cart, somewhere, and I'm ready to pull the trigger. Since I live in California and I deal with heat I look at the 7 day forecast. I actually check a couple different sources because, well, they can look outside, it can be raining, and they will tell me it is sunny So I check and make sure the weather is good for shipping. Not too hot, not too cold, no immediate storms. If it looks good I'll sometimes shoot the vendor a message asking them of any known issues then place the order. Summer, winter, or fires. All the same here.

Please note that during C19 most, if not all, carriers no longer guarantee overnight shipping. Doesn't matter if it is Bob your Uncle in the box, livestock, dry goods, or beans and bullets. No longer a priority so check the carrier used and see what their page is saying. Most have updated their policies.

TL; DR - check the weather as best you can in advance. Check with seller to do the same. Most will. Check if they have what you want, quantities, and judge if you want to pay. Then place your order when ready but make sure your doorbell works, they knock, and someone is home

All the best!

Thanks for the advice I make sure to do that. I have been looking for trochus snails but they are all sold out, ugg.

 

[User1]

Thanks for the advice I make sure to do that. I have been looking for trochus snails but they are all sold out, ugg.

Reef cleaners has them in stock. I threw 20 in a cart and it was like 70 bucks but that was like 2 day shipping (no thanks, right?). Also saw some at algae barn. Not sure if they ship or don't to your area or if you already know this. Sorry if I'm repeating

 

[Clownshow]

Reef cleaners has them in stock. I threw 20 in a cart and it was like 70 bucks but that was like 2 day shipping (no thanks, right?). Also saw some at algae barn. Not sure if they ship or don't to your area or if you already know this. Sorry if I'm repeating Reefcleaners wont ship to Alaska and algaebarn is out of trochus snails.