(0)Delivery Information including Shipping
Our shipping costs are automatically calculated based on the weight of the items you purchase, your location and the mode of delivery selected. We do not see delivery costs as an income or profit generator, rather we base our prices on the actual costs of getting the goods to our customers in a timely fashion and in good condition.
We offer a Free Delivery option, Royal Mail 48 option and also a Next Working Day Delivery Courier option within the UK (all options subject to some post code constraints in Scotland, Northern Ireland other UK or associated islands). Currently our UK courier service is provided by APC (https://apc-overnight.com/).
Typically Free Delivery will arrive within 5-7 workings days and Royal Mail 48 will arrive in approximately 2-3 working days. However, since these are not tracked services it is not possible for MEL to guarantee these time scales. Delivery times may also be affected by circumstances outside of our control such as weather.
Unless otherwise agreed or advised, courier shipments within most UK postcodes will arrive next working day by 6pm. Typically, and especially in larger cities, towns and conurbations, deliveries are made by 1pm. However, this not guaranteed, the cut off time is 6pm. If you are under particular time pressure and your courier delivery has not arrived by 3pm, please track your order and contact your local APC depot (https://apc-overnight.com/receiving-a-parcel/tracking).
For shipments to destinations outside the UK we offer a range of post and courier options but delivery costs and lead times vary so dramatically it is impossible to list them here. Please ask for details when ordering. We would point out that post options to destinations outside the UK can be very slow and unreliable. Courier options will typically be faster and more reliable but can be considerably more expensive.
Some of our products (Children's items) are zero rated for VAT and therefore are also subject to a zero rating VAT for shipping. Where there are mixed orders of Adult and Children's items the zero rated VAT is apportioned according to the weight ratio of the Children's versus Adult items.
For destinations outside the UK, VAT may not be applicable, but customs and other duties may apply in the destination country. MEL cannot accept responsibility for such charges but will always work with customers to ensure all required paperwork is completed and accompanies the goods to ensure the smoothest possible delivery process from end to end.