Shipping Policy

Shipping Policy – Living Waters Homestead

At Living Waters Homestead, we understand that you're not just ordering worms—you're investing in healthier soil, sustainable composting, and a thriving homestead. That's why we take shipping seriously. Every order is backed by our care, our standards, and our commitment to getting your worms to you alive and thriving.

🌱 Where Your Worms Come From

Straight answer: right now your worms come from established partner farms we buy from and vet — not from our own beds. We picked them because they run healthy, pure-species colonies and pack for live arrival the same way we would.

Our own colony is being rebuilt. We ran about 14 pounds of worms before a move ended that colony — not mismanagement, just life — and we're starting over at bucket scale while the homestead relocates. When our own stock is large enough to fill orders, we'll say so right here on this page. Until then, we'd rather tell you where your worms actually come from than dress it up.

Whichever farm packs your order, every shipment is held to the same standard and covered by the same Live Arrival Guarantee described below.

🛠 A Note on Our Move

The homestead is relocating right now. Shipping is unaffected — orders go out on the same Monday-through-Wednesday schedule. Local pickup is paused while we move. We'll be relaunching in Wise County, Texas, and we'll post here and email our list when we're settled. We don't have a date yet, and we're not going to invent one.

🛫 Shipping Schedule

We only ship live worms early in the week—Monday through Wednesday—to minimize transit time and avoid weekend delays that could harm the worms in extreme temperatures. Our weekly order cutoff is timed to our fulfillment schedule; orders placed after the cutoff ship the following week.

In the event of unfavorable weather conditions or national holidays, shipping may be delayed to protect the worms' well-being. We'll keep you updated if any changes are necessary.

📦 Delivery Timeframe

Once your order is processed, delivery typically takes 2–3 business days within the continental U.S. You'll receive an email confirmation along with a tracking number to monitor your shipment. (Don't forget to check your spam folder!)

💸 Shipping Costs

We offer free shipping on most orders, with a few exceptions:

  • Bulk worm orders (10 lbs or more) may have calculated shipping fees at checkout.

  • For optimal worm health, overnight or 2-day shipping is highly recommended for large quantities. Please note: Our Live Arrival Guarantee does not apply to bulk orders shipped via standard ground methods.

Have questions about shipping large orders or equipment? Just contact us for a custom quote.

✅ Live Arrival Guarantee

Our goal is for your worms to arrive alive and thriving. We guarantee live delivery when the following simple steps are met:

  • Be present at delivery, or request that your post office holds the package. Leaving a live shipment sitting in heat or cold can harm the worms and may void the guarantee.

  • Open and inspect your worms immediately upon arrival.

  • If there's an issue, contact us within 2 hours of the carrier's final "Delivered" scan. You'll need to provide a clear photo or video showing the worms, the original packaging, and the shipping label so we can verify and resolve the claim.

The guarantee covers one replacement per order. Refunds are not issued for live worms, and claims submitted outside the 2-hour window or where negligence is evident (for example, extreme temperature exposure, delayed pickup, or improper storage) are not eligible.

📌 Please note: Returns are not accepted for live worms, as they cannot survive a return shipment.

📦 How Your Worms Are Packed

Each order is carefully packed using breathable cotton bags placed inside durable boxes labeled "LIVE WORMS." Inside, worms are cushioned with a carbon-rich bedding like dry peat moss to regulate moisture and keep them comfortable in transit. They may appear slow-moving upon arrival—give them a few hours to adjust to their new home!

🛒 Ordering Non-Live Items?

Products such as worm bins, compost kits, and accessories are shipped separately via standard carriers like UPS or USPS. These typically arrive within 5–7 business days.

📝 Special Instructions or Delivery Notes?

Need your order held at the post office? Live in a remote or gated area? Leave any special instructions during checkout, or contact us ahead of time—we're happy to accommodate when possible.

Still have questions?
📧 Email us at livingwatershomesteadtx@gmail.com — we're here to help both beginners and seasoned worm wranglers alike.