2015 Shipping Updates

No Media Mail For These Items: NSK, 250-60, KL081, CSK, SS304L, 6M35, 350-15, H1M, H6M, 550-15, SS100, 2MS, H2M, SS303S, SS302S, MU01, DSK, H3M, SS637I, RA019, SSM5, SS617I, CR0SS05, DS4, RM25, SSM6, SS595I, RM68, SSM7, SS200, KL16, DS5, RA036, 3M05, LP08, KL173, SS304M, TA06, 3M07, RR30, SSM10, LR07, 4M05, TA07, MM04, KL176, 150-35, RR57, MM05, ES08, SSM20, MM10, SSM4, HWK, MM12, ESKM, RM04, KL175, 250-00, RMAG, SSM82, MM40, KMUS, RM05, 250-100, ASK, RM06, KM07, ESK, ERE, SSM9, KMS, ES4, LB01, 1MS, ES5, RM09, LP05, KM10, 250-41, 2M2US, 4M40, ACKR5, 5C4M, 5S4, RM12, SSM15, LP07, GS4, 5M40, GS5, 6M40, GSK, SSM61, AS4, HSKA, RA45, AS5, HS0A, RA55, 150-00, RM30, 350-00, 450-15, RA65, BSK, RA75, 250-25, BS4, 550-00, SS700, LP09, 250-30, 4MSP, BS5, 550-16, KM35, 250-35, 3MSP, SS400, HKM, 250-40, RR103, 2MSP, SS111, 4M35, 1MSP, SS122, H4M, 2M05, 250-42, KMSP, CS4, RM35, SS301, 5M35, 250-45, CS5, RM40, 551-00, H5M, RL93, RM60, RR37, 10MSP, 11MSP, KMSR, 1MSR, 2MSR, 3MSR, 4MSR, 6MSP, 6MSR, 7MSP, 7MSR, 8MSP, 9MSP, LB09, HS0B, 150-05, 250-05, 450-05, B050, CATALOG.

2009 Shipping Updates

Media Mail for APO, FPO, AK and HI 5.5.09
As a result of earlier queries about whether or not we could send materials to APO, FPO, AK and HI more reasonably than Postal Priority, we have researched options and have decided that we would do the work necessary to send items via Media Mail to these locations for qualifying orders.

Consequently, we have gone through our entire database of available items to identify those that we can send Media Mail. There are many stipulations about what can and can't go through this service. We have noted the acceptable items so that when you order online, you will be offered that option when your order qualifies.

Two specific items that cannot be sent via Media Mail are the catalog and science kits.

No Fuel Surcharge in April 4.13.09
During April no fuel surcharge on international and Canadian shipments or 2-Day FedEx Express shipments to Alaska and Hawaii. Email sent to affected customers. AprilShipping.html

Media Mail tracking 03.12.09 We have new software that provides a tracking number for media mail deliveries.

Canadian Shipping for 2009
Beginning 4/1/09 we are no longer able to fully cover the shipping charges to Canada, so Canadian customers will incur international shipping rates. We will honor current Heirloom and Core Club membership benefits. The following email will be sent to our Canadian customers early next week. (2.26.09) Canadian Shipping Rates updated.doc

  • letter revised and sent 3.11.09

Updated shipping guarantee

  • We will no longer "guarantee" a shipping time. We will provide an "expectation" of a certain number of days. Customers can anticipate/expect their order to ship: in about:
    • 3 business days during October through June;
    • 5-10 business days during July thru September. (1.20.09)

2008 Shipping Updates

Answers to 2008 Shipping increases for International customers (3.31.08)

APO Shipping (4.15.08) APO addresses must be sent US Postal Priority mail. It can only go 1st class if it's under a pound, so most go priority. Shipment can go Media Mail if the order meets the criteria. Please refer all shipping questions to CF.

2008 Shipping Updates Shipping prices have increased in the 2008 catalog because our shipping costs have increased significantly. However, we still provide a discounted shipping rate to customers, even with the increase. (3.28.08)

Shipping Errors
Damaged or duplicate items.

2007 Shipping Errors

Shipping Policies
Weight of product, international shipping, shipping on non-shippable items (i.e. gift certificates, forum access, etc.).

Shipping Details
packing slip details, can I request faster shipping, APO/FPO addresses

Rush or Expedited Order Details

Link to Shipping Policy on website

Shipping Benefits for Club members Sonlighter Club shipping benefits

Orders shipped to Canada

From 9/12/07 on we are shipping Canada orders on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They go in a batch into Canada and are then broken apart and reshipped in country.

Order/Shipping Process

  1. Customer places order
    1. Order should show up in assist (under Orders) almost immediately (assist updates every – 5 minutes or so?)
    2. Customer receives confirmation email
    3. If order doesn’t show up it could be in the ‘lost folder’ – see CR
  2. Order Entry prints the order
    1. Orders normally printed at certain times each day
  3. Order Entry checks each order
    1. Any comments: handle customer request
    2. Prioritize orders –
      1. international,
      2. date order placed
  4. Order Entry takes orders to warehouse
  5. Warehouse picks orders in order of priority
    1. 3 business day guarantee
    2. Rolling cart with order left near scanner
  6. Warehouse scans each item in order
    1. Order shows as ‘verified’ in assist, still under order
  7. Warehouse packs order, places on pallet
  8. Shipper scans package (their system interacts with Sonlight’s)
    1. Order invoices – moves to Invoice section in assist
    2. Shipping confirmation email (with tracking information when available) sent to customer