Shipping policy

Because caviar is a live, perishable delicacy, we ship it with the same care we'd want for our own table. Please review the details below so your order arrives in perfect condition.

1. Shipping Coverage

We currently ship within the contiguous United States (the lower 48 states) only. At this time we do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, PO Boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or internationally, due to the cold-chain and regulatory requirements involved in shipping perishable, CITES-regulated caviar products.

2. Cold-Chain Packaging

Every order is:

  • Hand-packed in insulated, temperature-controlled packaging with gel ice packs to maintain optimal freshness (typically 28–32°F)

  • Shipped in leak-proof, tamper-evident containers

  • Labeled in accordance with USFWS/CITES requirements where applicable (species, origin, and lot identification)

3. Shipping Methods & Transit Time

To preserve freshness, all caviar orders ship via expedited service — typically:

  • Overnight/Next-Day Air for most destinations

  • 2-Day Shipping available in select regions

We do not offer standard ground shipping for perishable caviar products, as extended transit times compromise quality and food safety.

4. Order Cutoff & Shipping Days

All orders received Monday–Friday and confirmed by 10:00 am CT are eligible for overnight shipping, with next day arrival Tuesday–Saturday. We do not ship Saturday for Sunday, or Sunday for Monday. We do not ship on major U.S. holidays.

5. Delivery Requirements

Perishable orders require someone to be available to receive the package promptly upon delivery, or to bring it inside as soon as possible.

We are not responsible for spoilage caused by delayed pickup, incorrect address information provided by the customer, or failure to promptly refrigerate the product upon arrival.Please refrigerate your caviar immediately (32–38°F) upon receipt and consume within the timeframe noted on the product label.

6. Order Tracking

You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information once your order ships. Please monitor tracking closely so you know when to expect delivery.

7. Shipping Rates

A flat shipping fee of $40 applies to all U.S. orders.

8. Delivery Issues

If your package is significantly delayed by the carrier, arrives damaged, or arrives without adequate cold packaging integrity, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery at orders@empresscaviar.com with your order number and photos. We will work with you on a replacement, credit, or refund per our Quality Guarantee (see Terms and Conditions).

We are not liable for delays caused by circumstances outside our control, including severe weather, carrier disruptions, or incorrect shipping information provided at checkout.

9. Address Accuracy

Please double-check your shipping address at checkout. We are not responsible for orders delayed, lost, or spoiled due to incorrect or incomplete address information. Address changes after an order has shipped may not be possible.

10. Signature & Adult Recipient

Given the premium nature of our products, select high-value orders may require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery.

11. Gift Orders

Shipping to a different address than the billing address is available at checkout — perfect for sending Empress Caviar as a gift. Gift orders do not include pricing information on the packing slip.

12. Contact Us

Questions about your shipment? Reach out anytime: Empress Caviar Email: support@empresscaviar.com