SHIPPING & F.A.Q
PLEASE READ: Shipping Updates as of January 3rd, 2025
Canada Post is no longer on strike! Orders are being delivered again, and ones that were being held hostage are starting to arrive! 😊
-- CANADA: Only tracked shipping options are available at this time. I will be leaving the free shipping option turned off for now. I *might* turn it back on later in the new year, or I can also make a coupon code for those who request it and acknowledge oslettermail has no tracking/can be slow af, just send me a message! :)
--- USA: UPS will be phased out and I’m going back to using Canada Post/USPS for most (Approx 1-2 weeks in transit) who aren’t nearly as backed up, and don’t lose/destroy/misdeliver as many packages. DHL will now be the Express option, as it only takes 2-4 Days to arrive.
MOST IMPORTANT: My processing time (time it takes me to make/pack/ship your order) as of January 3rd is now up to 6-8 weeks, as I am still very busy with orders and catching up from wasting so much time each day dealing with 6 different shipping carriers, so please bear with me :’) I hand make and ship these all by myself and have been working as fast as possible!
If you need your order by a certain date PLEASE let me know so I can confirm that I can accommodate it, and make sure that you choose the right shipping option to get it there on time 😊
THANK YOUUUUU FOR YOUR SUPPORT <3
***Please let me know if your order is a Gift, and what to put in the note/say who it is from!**
SHIPPING FAQ (Please read above announcement FIRST!)
HOW DO YOU SHIP?
My standard shipping is typically done through Canada Post. Tracked options for Canada are available at a discounted rate at check out. If you would like a quote for an alternate shipping service please send me a message. Please note Canada post (or pretty much any other service either) still does not guarantee any service speeds at this time so please contact me if you are requiring your order by a certain date to ensure you select the correct shipping option for your needs.
Local delivery areas may be possible upon request: Airdrie, Cochrane, Canmore/Banff.
USA/INTL Shipping: All USA/INTL Orders are tracked packages. USA is 1-2 Weeks in transit (but can be shorter or longer sometimes!) INTL will vary depending on your location.
Please remember I have zero control over Canada posts shipping speeds and you do have options for tracked/faster shipping at checkout :)
As of January 3rd my current processing time is 6-8 weeks, Ive received a large amount of orders all at once and am working my way through them as fast as possible (I do this all by myself!) Please leave me a note or send me a message if you are hoping to get it by a certain date - I do most of my work made to order to avoid waste/taking up space and orders are filled as they are received. However, Some will ship sooner if it's items I already have on hand.
Again, If you need your order by a certain date please contact me or leave a note in your order :)
Free shipping option is oversized lettermail which does NOT have any tracking, the shipping upgrades available do have tracking #s provided. All USA/INTL is tracked shipping.
IS YOUR PACKAGING GREEN?
Most of my packing supplies are repurposed from electronics shipments, the bubble mailer envelopes, boxes & most packing supplies I use are items that would normally be sent to be recycled. Re-purposing is even better than recycling as it saves those extra steps. My glass straws typically come wrapped in tissue paper (unless cases have been ordered or are included) to protect from scratches/damages during shipping, sometimes repurposed bubble wrap may be used if shipping a long distance or if extra padding is needed.
If you would like your order gift wrapped please leave a comment on your order along with any gift note you would like to add :) there is no additional fee for gift wrap.
F.A.Q:
Whats the best way to clean my straw?
Under a tap with a cleaning brush or even better: the Dishwasher! Did you know that running a tap for 2 minutes is about the same water use as a full cycle on a dishwasher? the newer ones use even less water! They actually get pretty clean in the utentils holder (try to keep away from the metals so they dont bang against them) My Borosilicate straws are even strong enough for industrial dishwashers and can handle the high temps.
Do you sell Metal / Steel or Bamboo Drinking Straws?
No, In my own opinion Metal Straws are an awful alternative and they are actually one of the reasons I started making Glass Straws, it is also one of the top things i hear at markets: "I have a metal straw but I hate it" Not only are Metal Straws unpleasant feeling/tasting to drink from they can easily cause lacerations to the mouth as they are thin walled and the edges can be VERY sharp. (Example: Starbucks recalled ALL metal straws back in 2016 due to these very issues and haven't sold them since, a lady in the UK even lost her life being impaled by one)
As for Bamboo, while it sounds like a great option - it is a porous material that needs to be cleaned properly to avoid hygienic issues but that's kind of hard when you cannot see through them to make sure they are cleaned well, and only reusable for about a month or two. Also, Why continue to import mass produced straws when you can find locally made ones instead?
Do you have a retail store?
To shop in person you can find Bow Valley Straws at these Local Canadian Retailers and Markets: