Shipping FAQ

KnowledgeBase > Shopping on Lulu > Shipping FAQ

  • Lulu is a print on demand (POD) company. All products are manufactured when ordered. The number of shipping days listed do not include manufacturing times.
  • Shipping times are estimates and not guarantees. They may be affected by factors over which Lulu has no control, including incorrect delivery addresses, customs delays and Post Office delivery restrictions. Orders affected by such delays may take as long as 6 weeks to arrive. Lulu will take no action on these orders during that time.
  • FedEx business days are Monday through Friday for FedEx Commercial delivery and Tuesday through Saturday for FedEx Home delivery.
  • USPS business days are Monday through Saturday.
  • Lulu business days are Monday through Friday.
  • International Economy packages are delivered via the postal service of the destination country. Lulu cannot ship to international PO Boxes.
  • Local Customs and Immigration agencies determine any duties or taxes that may be levied against packages arriving from outside the destination country. These additional fees are the responsibility of the recipient. Lulu cannot be held responsible for any costs incurred by the purchaser or recipient of orders due to shipment failure or late delivery.
  • Lulu does not offer shipping insurance.
  • All orders addressed to an APO or FPO (military mail) must be shipped via a USPS method.
  • FedEx is not available for Post Office (PO) Boxes.

Holiday Shipping

 

All holiday ordering deadlines have expired as of December 20th; any orders placed at this time will not ship in time for Christmas delivery. Lulu wishes you a very happy holiday.

This holiday season Lulu is providing a list of key dates to ensure orders arrive in time for the holidays. Scroll down to your region of the globe and compare the deadlines for each ship method.

Ordering restrictions:

  • Orders must be 25 or less to meet the Holiday deadlines listed below
  • Orders must be placed before 6 pm EST to be considered same business day
  • Expedited orders ("Super Fast" and "Super Mega Fast") placed after 10AM EST will be manufactured and shipped on the following business day
  • Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
  • Some items may not be available for certain shipping options in your region. Double check your items in the shopping cart
  • Lulu does not recommend USPS Media Mail or Economy shipping methods and will not guarantee December 24th delivery

Disclaimer: The dates and information provided are intended to serve as a guideline for order delivery by December 24th, 2008. The dates provided here do not imply a guarantee. Weather and unforeseen circumstances may delay deliveries.

Lulu encourages you to order early!

United States

*Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
**Lulu does not recommend USPS Media Mail shipping method and will not guarantee December 24th delivery!
To receive your items by December 24th, order by the date listed next to the desired shipping method!
Paperbacks, & Calendars*
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
US Postal Priority
- December 13
FedEx Ground
- December 13
FedEx 2 day Air
- December 18
Fedex Overnight
- December 19
Super Fast
- December 20
Super Mega Fast
- December 20
USPS Media Mail**
- November 28

Black & White Paperback books fulfilled and shipped within the U.S have a FedEx 2 day Air shipping deadline of 12/19.

Color Perfectbound books shipped within the U.S have a FedEx 2 day Air shipping deadline of 12/19.

Publisher Grade Books
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
US Postal Priority
- December 12
FedEx Ground
- December 12
FedEx 2 day Air
- December 17
FedEx Overnight
- December 18
Super Fast
- December 20
Super Mega Fast
- December 20
USPS Media Mail**
- November 27
CDs & DVDs
Shipping Method
Order Date
FedEx Ground
- December 15
FedEx 2 day Air
- December 18
FedEx Overnight
- December 19
Hardcovers
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
US Postal Priority
- December 08
FedEx Ground
- December 08
FedEx 2 day Air
- December 12
FedEx Overnight
- December 13
USPS Media Mail**
- November 24
 
 
Art Prints
Shipping Method
Order Date
FedEx Ground
- December 12
FedEx 2 day Air
- December 17
FedEx Overnight
- December 18

 

Canada

*Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
**Lulu does not recommend Economy shipping and will not guarantee December 24th delivery!
To receive your items by December 24th, order by the date listed next to the desired shipping method!
Paperbacks, & Calendars*
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 28
FedEx Ground
- December 10
Standard
- December 13
Express
- December 17
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
Hardcovers
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 24
FedEx Ground
- December 04
Standard
- December 08
Express
- December 11
 
 
Publisher Grade Books
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 27
FedEx Ground
- December 09
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
Hardcover Photo Books
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 24
FedEx Ground
- December 04
Standard
- December 08
Express
- December 11
CDs & DVDs
Shipping Method
Order Date
FedEx Ground
- December 12
Standard
- December 16
Express
- December 18
 
Art Prints
Shipping Method
Order Date
FedEx Ground
- December 09
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
 

 

Latin America

*Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
**Lulu does not recommend Economy shipping and will not guarantee December 24th delivery!
To receive your items by December 24th, order by the date listed next to the desired shipping method!
Paperbacks, & Calendars
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 28
Standard
- December 13
Express
- December 17
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
Hardcovers
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 24
Standard
- December 08
Express
- December 11
 
 
Publisher Grade Books
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 27
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
CDs & DVDs
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 16
Express
- December 18

 

Art Prints
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16

 

European Union

*Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
**Lulu does not recommend Economy shipping and will not guarantee December 24th delivery!
To receive your items by December 24th, order by the date listed next to the desired shipping method!
Paperbacks, & Calendars*
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 28
Standard
- December 13
Express
- December 16
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
Hardcovers
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 24
Standard
- December 08
Express
- December 11
 
 
Publisher Grade Books
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 27
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
CDs & DVDs
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 16
Express
- December 18
 
Art Prints
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16

 

United Kingdom

*Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
**Lulu does not recommend Economy shipping and will not guarantee December 24th delivery!
To receive your items by December 24th, order by the date listed next to the desired shipping method!
Paperbacks, & Calendars*
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 28
Standard
- December 13
Express
- December 08
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
Hardcovers
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 24
Standard
- December 08
Express
- December 11
 
 
Publisher Grade Books
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 27
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
CDs & DVDs
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 16
Express
- December 18
 
Art Prints
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16

 

Australia

*Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
**Lulu does not recommend Economy shipping and will not guarantee December 24th delivery!
To receive your items by December 24th, order by the date listed next to the desired shipping method!
Photo Books & Calendars*
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 22
Standard
- December 13
Express
- December 17
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
Paperbacks
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- December 10
Express
- December 13
 
 
 
Hardcovers
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 18
Standard
- December 08
Express
- December 11
 
 
Publisher Grade Books
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 21
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
CDs & DVDs
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 16
Express
- December 18
   
   
   
Art Prints
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
   
   
   

 

Rest of the World

*Only paperback Black and White perfect bound and saddle stitch books are eligible for Super Fast & Super Mega Fast
**Lulu does not recommend Economy shipping and will not guarantee December 24th delivery!
To receive your items by the December 24th, order by the date listed next to the desired shipping method!
Paperbacks, & Calendars*
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 22
Standard
- December 13
Express
- December 17
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
Hardcovers
(including Photo Books)
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 18
Standard
- December 08
Express
- December 11
 
 
Publisher Grade Books
 
Shipping Method
Order Date
Economy**
- November 21
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16
Super Fast
- December 17
Super Mega Fast
- December 19
CDs & DVDs
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 16
Express
- December 18
 
Art Prints
Shipping Method
Order Date
Standard
- December 12
Express
- December 16

Common Shipping Validation Errors and Solutions

The USPS database is sensitive about what is entered into the shipping fields. If you get any of the error messages below, check to make sure everything was typed in correctly. If you still get an error message, try verifying your address with the USPS site. Fill out the fields on the USPS site and click the submit button. USPS will return a page with the available options for the address you entered.

The address entered doesn't match the USPS database - This error usually occurs when the USPS database doesn't know what is wrong with the address you entered. It can also occurs with any of the errors below.

The apartment or suite number doesn't match the USPS database - The USPS database needs to have the appropriate abbreviation for the 'Street 2' field. We have found that floor and # will not work in most cases. Your business may have an entire floor, but the floor may have originally been separate suites. You will need to enter a suite number from the USPS list in the 'Street 2' field.

The house or PO Box number doesn't match the USPS database - Check to make sure you didn't accidentally type in the incorrect information for the house of PO Box number. You can't enter a PO Box and Street name in the 'Street 1' field. This error can also occur if you enter the incorrect street information.

The Zip / Postal Code doesn't match the USPS database & The Zip / Postal Code doesn't match the city and state entered - These errors occur when an incorrect zip code, city, or state is entered. One or all of the options can be incorrect.

This address requires an apartment or suite number - This error usually occurs if you enter your apartment or suite number in a field other than the 'Street 2' field.

This address requires a PO Box number - This error usually occurs if the USPS database has a PO Box number for the address, but you didn't include it.

This address requires a house or PO Box number - This error usually occurs if the USPS database has a house or box number for the address, but you didn't include it.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:05 | Back to top

How long until my order ships?

All products must go through a manufacturing process before they ship. The amount of time it takes to receive a purchase varies depending on the product's format (below) and the shipping method you choose.

  • Paperback Books - Ship in 3 to 5 business days (Orders of more than 25 may take from 6-8 business days.)
  • Hardcover Books - Ship in 10 to 12 business days
  • Artwork - Ship in 3 to 5 business days
  • CDs & DVDs - Ship in 3 to 5 business days
  • Downloads - Available immediately in your downloads/purchases.

If your order stays in a Fulfilling state for longer than the following times, please report the problem from your Order History page.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:19 | Back to top

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping and handling charges vary by carrier and are calculated at checkout.

Add desired item(s) to the shopping cart then click the checkout button.

Add payment info and a shipping address then click the checkout button.

Select a shipping method and the rate is updated.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:21 | Back to top

Shipping to the United States

U.S. Shipping
FedEx Ground Commercial shipping method takes 1 to 5 business days after the date of shipment.
FedEx Home Delivery shipping method with free Saturday delivery takes 1 to 5 business days after the date of shipment.
FedEx International Ground (Canada & Puerto Rico) shipping method takes 3 to 7 business days after the date of shipment.
FedEx 2nd Day Air shipping method takes 2 business days after the date of shipment.
FedEx Standard Overnight shipping method takes 1 business day ( by 3:00 pm to most locations) after the date of shipment.
FedEx Priority Overnight shipping method takes 1 business day ( by 10:30 am to most locations) after the date of shipment.
USPS Media Mail shipping method usually 1 to 3 weeks after the date of shipment. Delivery is not guaranteed, and we will not be able to locate or replace the order.
USPS Priority Mail shipping method takes 2 to 3 business days after date of shipment.
Note: Shipping times provided are estimates and not guarantees. Allow time for manufacturing before shipping. Please see Shipping FAQ for more information.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:22 | Back to top

Shipping to Canada

Canada Shipping
Economy shipping method arrives 7 to 11 business days (may take up to 30 business days) after the date of shipment. Delivery is not guaranteed, and we will not be able to locate or replace the order.
International Ground shipping method arrives 3 to 7 business days after the date of shipment.
Standard shipping method arrives 2 to 3 business days after the date of shipment.
Express shipping method arrives 1 to 2 business days after the date of shipment.
Note: Shipping times provided are estimates and not guarantees. Allow time for manufacturing before shipping. Duties and taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser or recipient. Lulu is not responsible for lost or late shipments. Please see Shipping FAQ for more information.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:19 | Back to top

Shipping to the European Union

European Union Shipping
Flat Rate shipping takes 5 to 20 business days after the date of shipment. Delivery is not guaranteed, and we will not be able to locate or replace the order.
The following restrictions apply...
- To qualify purchase 1 to 3 physical books (Certain sizes are not available). Ship to Europe (excluding the UK) and pay in Euros (€). Ship to the UK and pay in Pounds Sterling (£).
Economy shipping method takes 7 to 11 business days after the date of shipment. Delivery is not guaranteed, and we will not be able to locate or replace the order.
Standard shipping method takes 2 to 3 business days after the date of shipment.
Express shipping method takes 1 to 2 business days after the date of shipment.
- Large hardcovers, Dust-jacket 6 x 9” hardcovers, Publisher Grade books, brochures, premium calendars, CDs, and DVDs will take 3-5 days to deliver.
Note: Shipping times provided are estimates and not guarantees. Allow time for manufacturing before shipping. Duties and taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser or recipient. Lulu is not responsible for lost or late shipments. Please see Shipping FAQ for more information.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:39 | Back to top

Shipping to Mexico

Mexico Shipping
Economy shipping method arrives 7 to 11 business days (may take up to 30 business days.) after the date of shipment.
Standard shipping method takes 2 to 3 business days after the date of shipment.
Express shipping method takes 1 to 2 business days after the date of shipment.
Note: Shipping times provided are estimates and not guarantees. Allow time for manufacturing before shipping. Duties and taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser or recipient. Lulu is not responsible for lost or late shipments. Please see Shipping FAQ for more information.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:18 | Back to top

Shipping to Latin America

Latin America Shipping
Economy shipping method arrives 7 to 11 business days (may take up to 30 business days.) after the date of shipment.
Standard shipping method arrives 4 to 5 business days after the date of shipment.
Express shipping method arrives 2 to 3 business days after the date of shipment.
Note: Shipping times provided are estimates and not guarantees. Allow time for manufacturing before shipping. Duties and taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser or recipient. Lulu is not responsible for lost or late shipments. Please see Shipping FAQ for more information.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:21 | Back to top

Shipping in Asia and the Pacific Rim

Asia and Pacific Rim Shipping
Trim Size
Shipping Method
Shipping Time
U.S. Trade
U.S. Letter
Comic Book
Landscape
Small Square
Pocket Size
Royal
Crown Quarto
A4
Standard
Within Australia - 1 to 5 Business Days
Outside Australia - 5 to 10 Business Days
Express
Within Australia - 1 to 3 Business Days
Outside Australia - 1 to 3 Business Days
All other products
Economy
7 to 11 Business days
Standard
2 to 3 Business days
Express
1 to 2 Business days
Note: Shipping times provided are estimates and not guarantees. Allow time for manufacturing before shipping. Duties and taxes are the sole responsibility of the purchaser or recipient. Lulu is not responsible for lost or late shipments. Please see Shipping FAQ for more information.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:22 | Back to top

Can I get my order Rushed?

Lulu offers two rush production options for orders - Super Fast and Super Mega Fast.

To qualify, your order must meet the following criteria:

  • Saddle-stitched or perfect-bound paperback book
  • Single book title (Orders containing multiple book titles cannot be rushed)
  • 25 copies or less

Books made through Lulu Studio are not available for Super Fast or Super Mega Fast shipping.

Super Fast = $25 Rush Production Charge + The Cost of Shipping

You must place your order before 4 p.m. ET (21:00 UTC) for your order to ship on the next business day.

Shipping method within the 48 contiguous United States uses FedEx Standard Overnight.

Shipping outside of the U.S. uses FedEx International Economy.

Note: Orders placed after 4 p.m. ET (21:00 UTC) will ship in two business days. Orders placed on Friday will ship Monday.

Super Mega Fast = $50 Rush Production Charge + The Cost of Shipping

You must place your order before 10 a.m. ET (15:00 UTC) for your order to ship the same business day.

Shipping method within the 48 contiguous United States uses FedEx Priority Overnight.

Shipping outside of the U.S. uses FedEx International Priority.

Note: Orders placed after 10 a.m. ET (15:00 UTC) will ship the next business day. Orders placed Friday before 10 a.m. ET (15:00UTC) will ship Friday Afternoon.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:19 | Back to top

How do I check the status of an order?

The My Recent Orders box under the My Lulu tab displays the status for the 5 most recent orders. To see other orders or to get more details on a particular order, click View All Orders at the bottom of the My Recent Orders box. The My Order page shows the order number, date, status and amount for each purchase. The status of an order is next to the order date. Click an order number to see the order receipt. This includes items, quantities, prices, shipping and handling charges, order status, shipping date and tracking or confirmation numbers (if available). Below is an explanation of each fulfillment status.

  • Waiting Funds - An order remains in Waiting Funds status until the payment clears. A PayPal e-check or other method that takes funds from a checking or credit account, can take up to 7 business days to move on to the fulfilling status. If you did not pay using that method, there may be a problem with the payment. Click Need Help? for assistance. You will need the order number.
  • Paid - The order has been processed and your payment accepted.
  • Fulfilling - The order has been sent to the manufacturer and is in production.
  • Shipped - The order has left the manufacturer and is on its way. An email is sent when the order ships. A tracking or confirmation number is displayed in the order receipt.
  • Refund - The order has been returned to Lulu and we have refunded the credit card or PayPal account used for the purchase.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:47 | Back to top

What is the difference between tracking numbers and Delivery Confirmation numbers?

FedEx provides tracking numbers that help ensure the safe arrival of your package. Packages with tracking numbers are scanned at each checkpoint on their journey, allowing the packages to be tracked as they move through the FedEx system to their destination. If an issue arises with a package the location is readily identified and makes the chances of recovery more likely. Also, FedEx has a Customer Service person available to further assist in resolving any issues with your shipment.

USPS only offers Delivery Confirmation numbers. Delivery Confirmation gives the date, zip code and the time the package was delivered. If delivery was attempted, the date and time of attempted delivery will be given. There is no capability to determine where your package is at a given time in its movement to you. Packages with Delivery Confirmation do not get scanned at each checkpoint on their journey like a tracking number, making it impossible to locate a package that may have gone astray.

Last updated: 2008-12-16 10:37:19 | Back to top

Last updated: 2008-12-22 11:29:01

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