Mailing and Shipping

2021 Holiday Shipping Times

barkeater Blog, Holiday

2021 HOLIDAY TRANSIT TIMES WILL BE SLOW. PLEASE PLACE YOUR ORDER BY 12/15.

  • For delivery by Dec. 25 within the lower 48 states, the U.S. Postal Service advises people to send items by Dec. 15. The recommended shipping date for Priority Mail Express, Dec. 23, hasn’t changed.
  • UPS advises sending packages within the U.S. by Dec. 21 if using UPS 3 Day Select or as late as Dec. 23 if sent by UPS Next Day Air — the same dates as last year. Ground shipping deadlines vary depending on the package’s route, and UPS advised checking its website for estimated shipping times.
  • Using Priority Shipping will often be the least expensive, but also the slowest. In 2020, the holiday transit times varied WIDELY. Some people received their chocolates in 2 days; many 2 weeks (or longer). Please consider your options VERY CAREFULLY.
  • UPS Ground is usually quick in the Northeast, Mid Atlantic States and Southeast. Often estimated arrival times are 1-3 days; but we have seen this increase slightly over the fall months. Choosing 3 day select in these regions is unnecessary, and we will default to Ground as it will be faster and cheaper.
  • UPS 3 day select or faster transit times are a good idea for getting your chocolates across the country.
  • If you are ordering after December 15, please consider your shipping speed.
  • Barkeater Chocolates usually ships within 1-3 business days after receiving an online order (custom & corporate orders take a bit longer). Unfortunately, we have no control over transit times. Please be patient, flexible & kind.
  • You will receive tracking information from the shipper you choose, please track your packages. Make sure the email address you have entered is correct and that you check it for updates.
  • During the holidays, tracking information may be delayed or unavailable; we can’t get the information from the shipper any faster than you can!
  • If you notice a problem, please contact us or the shipper immediately. A package that shows as delivered, but wasn’t for example needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
  • Remember ETA stands for Estimated Time of Arrival – emphasis on the Estimated.
  • Play it safe and order early!! That’s the best way to avoid holiday shipping stress.
  • Also, if you’re within driving distance of our factory store, you can always choose Factory Store Pick Up. It’s a pretty drive and we’re open 7 days a week!
  • Speaking of Factory Store Pick Up – please note that we are located in North Creek, NY. That’s 90 minutes north of Albany, 90 minutes south of Plattsburgh, 3 hours east of Syracuse and 4.5 hours north of Manhattan.