1. Processing Time & Cancellations
Ship a Postcard LLC utilizes two distinct fulfillment streams depending on how an order is submitted.
A. Web Application Orders (Direct/Instant)
- Processing: Orders placed directly through the Ship a Postcard web interface (GUI) are processed instantly. Once the "Send" button is clicked and payment is authorized, the order is immediately transmitted to our fulfillment partner, Lob.com, for production.
- Cancellations: Because fulfillment is fully automated and triggered upon submission, Web Application orders cannot be canceled or modified once the order is confirmed.
B. Developer API & Enterprise Orders (Daily Batch)
- Processing: Orders submitted via the Developer API or high-volume Enterprise tools are held in a pending_batch status. These orders are aggregated and transmitted to our fulfillment partner in a single nightly job, the ProcessDailyBatches (typically at 12:00 AM EST).
- Cancellations: For API/Enterprise orders only, a "Grace Period" is provided. You may modify or delete these orders using the DELETE /v1/postcards/{id} endpoint at any time before the nightly batch process begins. Once the status transitions from pending_batch to in_transit, no further changes or cancellations are possible.
2. Estimated Transit Time
- USPS Standard: Estimated delivery for USPS First-Class Mail is typically 3–7 business days within the contiguous United States.
3. Third-Party Liability Release
- Carrier Responsibility: Ship a Postcard LLC utilizes third-party carriers (USPS) and fulfillment providers (Lob.com).
- Transfer of Risk: Our responsibility for the physical delivery ends once the postcard is in the possession of the USPS.
- Force Majeure: Ship a Postcard LLC is not liable for delays, non-delivery, or damage caused by weather, natural disasters, logistical disruptions, or incorrect address information provided by the user.
- "Delivered" Status: Once a postcard is marked as "Delivered" by the carrier, the order is considered fulfilled. Ship a Postcard LLC is not responsible for postcards lost or stolen after successful delivery.