Shipping & Freshness Policy

At Lovitaly Gourmet, we are dedicated to bringing the authentic taste of Italy to your doorstep. Because we specialize in premium imported goods with natural ingredients, our shipping and freshness standards are unique. Please review our policies below.

1. Shipping Rates & Delivery

  • Free Shipping: Available for orders of $99+ (after discounts) for packages under 20 lbs.
  • Weight Calculation: Your order’s total weight is displayed at the bottom of your cart before checkout.
  • Carrier Selection: We reserve the right to choose the most efficient courier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) to ensure fast delivery.
  • Rural Areas: Deliveries to rural locations may require an extra business day and may incur additional surcharges.
  • Exclusions: We currently do not ship to PO Boxes, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Puerto Rico, or International addresses.

2. Processing & Transit Times

All items ship from New York. Note: Standard processing times apply to in-stock items. If an item is on backorder, please refer to Section 5 for updated timelines.

  • Standard Shipping: 1–2 business days for processing + 2–10 business days for transit.
  • Weekly Schedule: * Orders placed Mon – Wed ship within 24–48 hours.
    Orders placed after 2 PM EST Thursday or on Friday/Weekend ship the following Monday.
  • Expedited Shipping: Orders are prioritized and typically ship within 24 hours. The cutoff is 2 PM EST. For urgent arrangements, call us at (917) 858-1390.

3. Address Errors & "Return to Sender"

We are not responsible for lost or undelivered packages due to inaccurate addresses. If a package is returned to us, the following fees apply:

  • If you received Free Shipping:
    - To Reship: A flat $20 reshipping fee applies.
    - To Refund: A 15% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund.
  • If you Paid for Shipping
    -     To Reship: The customer must purchase a new shipping label at current carrier rates.
    - To Refund: Original shipping fees are non-refundable, and a 15% restocking fee will be applied to the product total.

Note: We can only process reshipments or refunds once the package has physically arrived back at our New York warehouse.

4. Freshness & Product Integrity

  • Italian Expiration Standards: Italian snacks (Mulino Bianco, Pavesi, etc.) use fewer preservatives. It is standard for these items to have a "Best Before" date ranging from 4 to 12 weeks from delivery. We do not recommend "stocking up" for long-term storage.
  • Warm Weather & Meltable Items: Lovitaly Gourmet is not responsible for items that melt during transit. If chocolate arrives soft, place it in a cool, dry place for 1–2 hours. Expedited shipping is recommended for warm climates.
  • Fragile Items: While we use professional-grade packing, minor cracking may occur in delicate items (Easter eggs, wafers). Refunds are not issued for cosmetic damage that does not affect food safety.

5. Clearance & "Best Before" Date Disclaimer

To reduce food waste and offer the best value, we occasionally offer authentic Italian products at a significant discount (Clearance) because they are approaching or have passed their "Best Before" date.

  • Nature of "Best Before" Dates: In accordance with Italian and USDA food safety guidelines, a "Best Before" date is a manufacturer's estimate of peak quality (flavor and texture) and is not an expiration or safety date. These items remain safe to consume and delicious past the printed date.
  • Consumer Assumption of Risk: By purchasing these clearance items, the customer acknowledges and accepts that the product is sold "as-is" at a reduced price and that the texture or flavor may differ slightly from a fresh-dated product. The purchase is for the customer’s own intended use, and the customer assumes all responsibility for determining the suitability of the product for their specific purposes.
  • Health & Safety Warning: The health and safety of our customers is our priority. If you have specific health concerns, food sensitivities, or are pregnant/nursing, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before consuming any product, especially those past a "Best Before" date.
  • Inspect Upon Arrival: Always inspect the integrity of the packaging before consumption. If the vacuum seal or safety packaging is compromised, do not consume the product.
  • Clearance Transparency: Any item sold with a close or past "Best Before" date will be clearly marked in the product title or description (e.g., "BB: March/2026").
  • Final Sale Policy: All items purchased from our Clearance/Sale section or marked with a "Best Before" notice are Final Sale. We do not offer refunds, returns, or exchanges for these items. Lovitaly Gourmet disclaims all liability for any misinterpretations regarding these dates.

6. Backordered Items & Availability

We strive to maintain accurate stock levels; however, due to high demand, certain items may occasionally be placed on backorder.

  • Notification: If an item is on backorder, we will notify you via email within 24-48 hours of your purchase.
  • Fulfillment Timeline: Backordered items are typically processed and shipped within 7–10 business days of the original order date, unless otherwise stated.
  • Your Options: You may choose to wait for the item or cancel the affected portion of your order for a full refund.
  • Split Shipping: If your order contains both in-stock and backordered items, we may hold the entire shipment until all items are available to minimize shipping costs.

7. Tracking & Support

Once an order is fulfilled, you will receive tracking information via email.

  • Email: sales@lovitalygourmet.com
  • Phone: (917) 858-1390 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST)