DOA Policy

DOA (Dead on Arrival) & Live Arrival Guarantee

At Blue Collar Coral, we take pride in providing quality corals, saltwater fish, and invertebrates to help you build an extraordinary reef. We carefully prepare our livestock for shipment and want your order to arrive alive and in healthy condition.

Because live livestock can be affected by shipping conditions and transit stress, all live livestock orders are subject to the following Live Arrival Guarantee requirements.

Please read this policy carefully before placing your order.

Live Arrival Guarantee Requirements

To qualify for our Live Arrival Guarantee, the following requirements must be met:

  • Be available for delivery. The recipient must be present to receive the package on the first delivery attempt.

  • Bring the package inside promptly. Packages must not be left outside or unattended after delivery. Leaving a package unattended may void the Live Arrival Guarantee.

  • Inspect livestock immediately. Check the condition of your corals, fish, and invertebrates as soon as your package arrives.

  • Report issues within one hour. Any livestock that arrives dead, damaged, or visibly unhealthy must be reported to us by email within 1 hour of the carrier’s recorded delivery time.

  • Provide clear photographs. Include clear photos showing the affected livestock and its condition upon arrival. Additional photos or information may be requested to review your claim.

  • Keep the livestock and packaging. Do not discard the affected livestock, shipping bags, or packaging until we have reviewed your claim and advised you on the next steps.

Claims submitted after the one-hour reporting window or without the required photographic evidence may not qualify for coverage.

If a coral appears unhealthy but is still alive upon arrival, contact us within the same one-hour window to document its condition. Our team can review the situation and advise you on the next steps.

How to Submit a DOA Claim

If any livestock arrives dead or appears unhealthy, please follow these steps:

1. Inspect your delivery. Check each item immediately after receiving your package.

2. Take clear photos. Photograph the affected livestock and its condition upon arrival. Include the shipping bag when appropriate.

3. Email us within one hour. Send your claim to Sales@BlueCollarCoral.com within one hour of the carrier’s recorded delivery time.

4. Include your order information. Provide your order number, the name of the affected item, a description of the issue, and your photographs.

5. Wait for our review. Our team will review the information and contact you regarding the outcome of your claim.

Prompt reporting and clear documentation help us assess the condition of your livestock upon arrival.

DOA Claim Resolution

If your DOA claim is reviewed and approved, Blue Collar Coral will issue store credit for the purchase price of the affected livestock.

  • Store credit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

  • Shipping charges are non-refundable and are not included in DOA store credit.

  • Store credit applies to the approved affected livestock only.

  • Any shipping charges associated with a future order or replacement purchase remain the customer’s responsibility.

  • Store credit does not guarantee that the same livestock will be available for a future order.

All claims are subject to review and must meet the requirements outlined in this policy.

Refunds & Returns

Due to the sensitive nature of live aquatic livestock, all livestock sales are final.

We do not offer cash, credit-card, or debit-card refunds or accept returns on live livestock. Approved DOA claims are resolved through store credit only, in accordance with this policy.

Shipping charges are non-refundable.

What the Live Arrival Guarantee Does Not Cover

Our Live Arrival Guarantee addresses the condition of livestock upon delivery. It does not cover losses or health issues resulting from conditions after delivery, including:

  • Improper acclimation or handling.

  • Unsuitable water parameters, salinity, or temperature.

  • Inappropriate lighting or water flow.

  • Incompatible tankmates or aggression from other livestock.

  • Failure to follow appropriate care requirements after delivery.

  • Missed first delivery attempts or packages left unattended outside.

Please research the care requirements of each species and ensure your aquarium is appropriately prepared before introducing new livestock.

Questions About a DOA Claim?

If you have a concern about your shipment, contact us promptly with your order number, photographs, and a description of the issue.

Blue Collar Coral

Email: Sales@BlueCollarCoral.com
Phone: 732-803-1691
Location: Waretown, NJ

Thank you for choosing Blue Collar Coral. We’re here to help you build your reef.