Shipping policy

Product Shipping, Handling & Return Policy

Shelf Candy Studio
Effective Date: October 22, 2026

At Shelf Candy Studio, we understand the hard work, time, and investment that goes into creating your products. We appreciate the trust you place in us when sending your merchandise for professional photography.

To protect both our clients and our studio, we’ve established the following shipping, handling, and return guidelines.

Please read this policy carefully before shipping any merchandise to Shelf Candy Studio.

1. Shipping Approval & Studio Address

DO NOT ship products to Shelf Candy Studio without prior written approval.

Our studio accepts client merchandise by shipment for approved product photography projects.

Once your photography project has been confirmed, the required initial payment has been received, and the necessary agreements have been completed, we will provide the appropriate shipping address and instructions.

Please note:

• Our studio shipping address is provided privately to approved clients.
• We do not accept unsolicited merchandise.
• Products must not be shipped before receiving our authorization.
• Shipping merchandise does not automatically confirm or reserve a photography project.
• Only approved products and quantities should be sent.
• Local drop-offs or pickups must be arranged and approved in advance.

Unauthorized shipments may be refused when reasonably possible. If unsolicited merchandise is received, the sender may be responsible for reasonable return expenses.

2. Client Shipping Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for arranging and paying all costs associated with shipping their merchandise to Shelf Candy Studio.

This includes:

• Selecting a reliable shipping carrier.
• Purchasing appropriate shipping services.
• Properly packaging merchandise.
• Paying applicable shipping and handling charges.
• Purchasing additional shipment protection when desired.
• Providing accurate shipment information.
• Following all carrier regulations and restrictions.
• Providing tracking information.
• Ensuring packages arrive by the agreed deadline.

All inbound shipments must include tracking information.

We strongly recommend purchasing appropriate shipping protection based on the actual replacement value of your products.

Shelf Candy Studio does not purchase shipping insurance on behalf of clients for inbound packages unless specifically agreed upon in writing.

Clients are responsible for initiating applicable carrier claims involving shipments lost or damaged before receipt by our studio, except to the extent a loss results from Shelf Candy Studio’s own legally actionable conduct.

3. Packaging Requirements

Clients are responsible for ensuring their products are packaged securely and appropriately for transportation.

We strongly recommend the following packaging practices:

• Use a new or sturdy shipping box in good condition.
• Wrap each individual item separately.
• Include sufficient cushioning to prevent products from shifting.
• Protect glass containers, jars, bottles, and other fragile materials.
• Ensure lids, caps, and closures are properly secured.
• Place liquids, oils, and creams in appropriate leak-resistant secondary packaging.
• Protect product labels, decorative packaging, and finishes from scratching.
• Include an itemized packing list inside the shipment.
• Photograph products and packaging before sealing the box.

Please avoid shipping merchandise loosely or relying solely on decorative retail packaging for protection.

Shelf Candy Studio is not responsible for damage caused solely by inadequate packaging, pre-existing product defects, improper sealing, or circumstances outside our reasonable control.

However, we remain responsible for our own actions or failures to exercise legally required care.

If an improperly packaged or leaking shipment causes damage to studio property or equipment, the client may be responsible for reasonable, documented costs to the extent permitted by law.

4. Product Condition & Preparation

All products should arrive clean, properly assembled, and ready to photograph unless alternative arrangements have been approved.

Clients are responsible for ensuring merchandise is:

• Free from visible manufacturing defects unless the defects are being intentionally documented.
• Properly filled, labeled, and packaged.
• Presented in the condition intended for photography.
• Accompanied by any necessary accessories or components.
• Suitable for the approved photography concept.

Clients should disclose any existing damage, fragile finishes, loose parts, or special handling concerns before shipping.

We recommend providing backup units for fragile products or photography concepts that may require opening or using merchandise.

Shelf Candy Studio is not responsible for manufacturing defects or pre-existing damage that was not caused or worsened by our handling.

5. Fragile, Hazardous & Temperature-Sensitive Products

Clients must notify Shelf Candy Studio before shipping any products that require special transportation, storage, or handling.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Fragile glass containers.
• Flammable or combustible liquids.
• Alcohol-based fragrance products.
• Pressurized containers or aerosols.
• Perishable merchandise.
• Temperature-sensitive products.
• Products requiring refrigeration.
• Products containing potentially hazardous ingredients.

Certain merchandise may be restricted or prohibited by shipping carriers.

Clients are responsible for verifying that their products can legally and safely be shipped using their selected carrier.

Products requiring refrigeration, controlled temperatures, or specialized hazardous-material handling must receive written approval before shipment.

Shelf Candy Studio may decline merchandise that presents an unreasonable safety, storage, or handling risk.

Clients are responsible for losses or expenses arising from their failure to disclose known hazardous or special-handling requirements, to the extent permitted by law.

6. Product Inventory & Replacement Values

Before shipping, clients must provide an accurate list of the merchandise being sent.

The inventory should include:

• Product names.
• Product quantities.
• Relevant variations or sizes.
• Actual replacement value of each item.
• Any special handling instructions.

High-value or unusually fragile merchandise must receive additional written approval before shipment.

Clients should not send expensive, irreplaceable, or sentimental items without discussing the risks and arrangements with us beforehand.

Declared product values are used for documentation and project planning. Providing a value does not automatically create insurance coverage or establish a guaranteed compensation amount.

7. Receiving & Inspecting Merchandise

Once merchandise has been physically received by Shelf Candy Studio, we may document the package’s arrival and inspect its contents.

This process may include:

• Photographing the exterior shipping box.
• Documenting visible damage or signs of leakage.
• Opening the package to verify its contents.
• Comparing products against the client’s packing list.
• Recording visible product damage or discrepancies.
• Notifying the client of identified concerns.

If merchandise arrives visibly damaged, we will make reasonable efforts to document the condition and notify the client.

Clients may be asked to provide photographs, receipts, invoices, or other documentation needed for a carrier claim.

A delivery notification from the carrier does not necessarily confirm that every listed item arrived or that the contents were undamaged.

Some concealed damage may not be discovered during the initial inspection.

8. Product Handling During Photography

Product photography naturally requires certain levels of handling, movement, positioning, and styling.

Depending on the agreed creative direction, photography may involve:

• Removing products from their packaging.
• Opening lids or containers.
• Removing protective wrapping.
• Positioning or rearranging products.
• Using styling materials or props.
• Pouring, applying, or dispensing products.
• Lighting candles or otherwise using merchandise.

Shelf Candy Studio will obtain client authorization before intentionally opening, consuming, altering, or using products beyond ordinary positioning and styling.

Clients must communicate any restrictions before production begins.

If the client approves a concept that requires opening or using merchandise, they acknowledge that those products may no longer be suitable for resale or return in their original condition.

Shelf Candy Studio will not intentionally destroy, consume, or dispose of client merchandise without authorization or another lawful basis.

Clients who require all merchandise to remain unopened or unused must disclose this requirement before approving their photography project.

9. Lost or Damaged Products

Shelf Candy Studio will exercise reasonable care when handling and storing client merchandise in its possession.

We understand that accidents and unexpected circumstances can occur.

Responsibility for lost or damaged merchandise will depend on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Damage During Inbound Shipping

Clients are responsible for arranging transportation and pursuing applicable carrier claims for merchandise lost or damaged before it is physically received by our studio, except where Shelf Candy Studio’s actions create independent legal responsibility.

Damage During Studio Handling

If merchandise is damaged or lost while in our custody, we will review the circumstances and any available documentation.

Where Shelf Candy Studio is legally responsible for the damage or loss, we will address that responsibility under applicable law and the project agreement.

Clients may be asked to provide reasonable proof of the item’s replacement value.

Approved Product Usage

Products intentionally opened, used, or altered as part of an approved photography concept may not be eligible for replacement solely because their condition changed as authorized.

Pre-Existing Defects

Shelf Candy Studio is not responsible for loss arising solely from manufacturing defects, faulty packaging, or product conditions that existed before receipt, unless our own actions contribute to the damage.

Nothing in this policy excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded.

10. Return Shipping Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for all return shipping expenses unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Once the photography project is complete, Shelf Candy Studio will notify the client that their remaining merchandise is ready for return.

Clients must provide either:

• A prepaid return shipping label with tracking information, or
• Payment for return shipping arranged by Shelf Candy Studio.

Clients are also responsible for providing an accurate return address and any necessary shipping documentation.

If additional packaging materials or special shipping arrangements are required, we will communicate any additional costs for approval before purchasing them.

Return shipping should include appropriate coverage based on the merchandise’s value.

Return shipping costs are not included in photography package pricing unless expressly stated in the approved proposal.

11. Packaging & Dispatching Returned Products

Shelf Candy Studio will exercise reasonable care when repackaging merchandise for return.

We may reuse original shipping materials when they remain suitable for transportation.

If the original packaging is damaged or unsuitable, replacement materials may be needed.

Products will be prepared for shipment using packaging appropriate for their condition and applicable carrier requirements.

Once return arrangements are completed, we will dispatch the package within a reasonable timeframe and provide available tracking information.

Clients are responsible for monitoring their return shipments and communicating with the carrier when necessary.

Loss or damage caused solely by the carrier after proper handoff is generally addressed through the applicable carrier claims process.

Shelf Candy Studio remains responsible for its own negligent packing, handling, or other legally actionable conduct.

12. Product Return Deadlines

Clients are expected to arrange the return of remaining merchandise promptly after project completion.

The following timeline applies:

Within 14 Calendar Days

Clients should provide return shipping instructions, a prepaid label, or payment for return shipping within 14 calendar days after receiving written notification that their merchandise is ready.

After 14 Calendar Days

If return arrangements have not been received, Shelf Candy Studio will attempt to contact the client again.

After 30 Calendar Days

If merchandise remains unclaimed, additional storage arrangements or charges may be proposed.

Storage fees will apply only when disclosed and agreed upon in writing, and where permitted by law.

Clients are encouraged to communicate any anticipated delays as soon as possible.

13. Unclaimed Merchandise

We understand that delays and communication issues sometimes occur.

However, Shelf Candy Studio cannot guarantee indefinite storage of client merchandise.

If products remain unclaimed after repeated written attempts to arrange their return, we may request that the client authorize one of the following:

• Return shipment at the client’s expense.
• An agreed extension of the storage period.
• Donation of approved merchandise.
• Disposal of specified merchandise when appropriate and lawful.

Unclaimed products do not automatically become the property of Shelf Candy Studio.

We will not sell, donate, or intentionally discard merchandise solely because a return deadline has passed.

Any disposal, transfer, or other disposition of unclaimed property will require appropriate authorization or another lawful basis.

14. Products Clients Do Not Want Returned

If clients do not wish to receive their merchandise back, they must provide written instructions.

With appropriate authorization, Shelf Candy Studio may agree to donate or dispose of remaining merchandise when practical and lawful.

We reserve the right to decline requests to retain or dispose of products that present safety, environmental, or regulatory concerns.

Merchandise will not be sold or repurposed for unrelated commercial use without authorization.

15. Shipping Delays & Project Timelines

Clients are responsible for shipping merchandise early enough to meet the agreed photography schedule.

Project timelines may be affected by:

• Carrier delays.
• Incorrect shipping addresses.
• Lost packages.
• Damaged merchandise.
• Missing products.
• Incomplete shipments.
• Products requiring replacement.
• Unexpected transportation interruptions.

If merchandise does not arrive in suitable condition or by the agreed deadline, the photography project may need to be rescheduled.

Shelf Candy Studio is not responsible for missed client launch dates caused solely by shipping delays outside our reasonable control.

Any additional production expenses or rescheduling charges will be discussed and agreed upon before being incurred.

16. Local Product Drop-Offs & Pickups

Local product drop-offs or pickups may be offered by prior arrangement.

All local handoffs must be scheduled and confirmed by Shelf Candy Studio.

Unannounced visits are not permitted.

Clients arranging local drop-offs remain responsible for safely transporting their merchandise to the approved location.

Products received through local handoff remain subject to our applicable handling, inventory, and return requirements.

17. Client Agreement & Acknowledgment

Before sending merchandise, clients may be required to complete a Product Shipping Authorization & Acknowledgment Form.

This form documents:

• The merchandise being shipped.
• Product quantities and declared replacement values.
• Shipping arrangements.
• Special handling requirements.
• Permission for approved product usage.
• Return shipping preferences.
• Acknowledgment of this policy.

Failure to complete required documentation may delay project acceptance or production.

18. Contact Information

Have questions about preparing your merchandise for shipment?

We’re happy to help clarify our process before you send anything.

Shelf Candy Studio
Email: hello@shelfcandystudio.com
Website: https://shelfcandystudio.com

Important Reminder: Please do not ship products without receiving written approval and shipping instructions from Shelf Candy Studio.

Thank you for trusting us with your products. We look forward to bringing your creative vision to life! 🍬