Limits of liability

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Overview

EarthShip provides a free US suite address, package consolidation, storage, and international forwarding service to more than 3,353 customers shipping to over 200 countries. Because we act as a forwarding agent rather than the original retailer, our liability for any single shipment is limited as described below. Please read this page alongside our terms of service before requesting a shipment.

Declared value and insurance

Our liability for loss or damage to a package while in our custody, or while in transit with a carrier we arrange on your behalf, is limited to the declared value you provide when you request a shipment — up to a maximum of $100 per shipment unless additional carrier insurance has been purchased at checkout. We strongly encourage customers shipping higher-value items to add insurance; without it, compensation is capped regardless of the item's actual purchase price.

What is excluded

Delays caused by customs authorities, import inspections, or duties/taxes owed in the destination country.
Loss or damage to prohibited or restricted items shipped in violation of our policy, or to hazardous materials that were not properly declared.
Cosmetic damage to original retail packaging that does not affect the item inside, when consolidation or repackaging was requested.
Incorrect delivery addresses, ship-to country selections, or recipient details supplied by the customer.
Force majeure events — including carrier network disruptions, weather, strikes, or acts of government — that are outside EarthShip's reasonable control.
Indirect, incidental, or consequential losses such as lost profits or lost business opportunities arising from a delayed or damaged shipment.

Free storage and package handling

EarthShip provides 45 days of free storage per package from the date it arrives at our warehouse. While packages are in storage awaiting consolidation or forwarding instructions, we take reasonable care to protect them, but our liability during this period is subject to the same declared-value limits described above. Packages left beyond the free storage window may be subject to additional fees or, after extended notice, disposal in line with our terms.

Buy-for-me and third-party purchases

For orders placed through our Buy-for-me service, EarthShip acts solely as a purchasing and forwarding agent. We are not the manufacturer or seller of the goods and are not liable for product defects, warranty claims, or retailer-side order errors — those are the responsibility of the original merchant. Our liability is limited to the care we take once the item is received into our warehouse.

Claims process

If a package is lost or arrives damaged, contact our support team within 14 days of expected or actual delivery. We will investigate with the relevant carrier and, where liability is established under the limits described here, issue a refund or credit to your EarthShip wallet balance. Claims submitted after this window may not be eligible for compensation.

Payments and wallet balance

Any compensation, refund, or credit issued under this policy will be applied to your EarthShip wallet or original payment method (card, Zelle, or Zain Cash) at our discretion. EarthShip's total liability for any single shipment will never exceed the declared value or purchased insurance amount, whichever is lower.

Changes to this policy

We may update these limits of liability from time to time as our services and carrier partnerships evolve. Continued use of EarthShip after an update means you accept the revised terms. For the full picture of your rights and obligations, see our terms of service, privacy policy, and legal information pages.

Questions?

If you have questions about a specific shipment or this policy, our support team is available via contact us.