Shipping policy

 

Last updated: October 7, 2026

This Shipping Policy explains how physical and digital orders placed through The 5Ws Store, operated by 5Ws, LLC, are processed, fulfilled, shipped, and delivered.

Physical orders are fulfilled directly by 5Ws, LLC and generally ship from Northern Virginia, including locations in Fairfax or Loudoun County.

Available shipping methods, rates, and delivery estimates are displayed at checkout where applicable. Shipping options, carriers, rates, packaging methods, and fulfillment procedures may change prospectively as our business and available carrier services develop.

Where We Ship

The 5Ws Store currently ships physical products to eligible addresses within the United States, subject to the restrictions below.

Temporary Plush Cube Shipping Availability

The Writer’s UnBlock™ plush cube is temporarily unavailable for delivery to Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. We’re working to make the product available to customers in these states.

This temporary pause applies to retail, wholesale, and bulk orders. We cannot accept or fulfill plush cube orders for delivery to these states during the pause.

Our digital Printable Activity Pack remains available throughout the United States. Please contact us for an availability update.

Other Shipping Considerations

Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii may involve higher shipping charges and longer transit times than shipping within the contiguous United States.

Availability of delivery to:

  • P.O. boxes;

  • APO, FPO, or DPO military addresses;

  • U.S. territories or possessions; or

  • other special or restricted address types

may depend on the carrier, service, product, and shipping option available at the time of purchase.

If no applicable shipping method is displayed at checkout for an address, quantity, or order configuration, we may not currently be able to process that order through standard online checkout.

We do not currently offer international shipping outside eligible U.S. destinations.

Order Processing

Physical orders are fulfilled directly by 5Ws, LLC rather than through an automated 24-hour fulfillment warehouse.

For in-stock merchandise, we generally aim to process orders within approximately 3 to 5 business days after an order is successfully placed and payment is confirmed.

This processing period is an estimate rather than a guaranteed shipment deadline.

Processing may occasionally require additional time because of:

  • order volume;

  • weekends;

  • federal holidays;

  • product availability;

  • severe weather;

  • operational circumstances;

  • carrier availability; or

  • other unexpected conditions.

For purposes of this policy, business days generally mean Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. federal holidays.

Orders placed on weekends or federal holidays generally begin processing on the next applicable business day.

Processing time is separate from carrier transit time.

Preorders

Certain physical products may be offered for preorder before inventory is available for ordinary shipment.

A preorder product page will provide the anticipated shipment information reasonably available to us at the time.

Preorder shipment dates, months, seasons, or other shipment windows are estimates rather than guarantees.

Because preorder inventory can depend on manufacturers, suppliers, freight providers, distributors, carriers, and other intermediaries, preorder timing may be affected by circumstances outside the direct control of 5Ws, LLC, including:

  • manufacturing or production delays;

  • supplier delays;

  • material shortages;

  • freight or transportation disruptions;

  • port congestion;

  • customs or import-processing delays involving third parties;

  • changes in tariffs, duties, trade requirements, or governmental policies;

  • regulatory changes;

  • labor disputes or staffing issues;

  • severe weather or natural disasters;

  • carrier delays; or

  • other supply-chain or operational disruptions.

We will make reasonable efforts to communicate material changes to anticipated preorder timing when they become known to us.

A customer may cancel a preorder for a full refund at any time before the preorder has shipped, as described in our Purchase Options Cancellation Policy.

If we determine that an order cannot be shipped within a timeframe represented to the customer, we will provide any delay notice, revised shipment information, opportunity to consent to the delay, cancellation option, or refund required by applicable law.

Shipping Carriers

We use the shipping carrier and service that reasonably balances reliability, delivery time, availability, and cost for the applicable shipment.

Carriers may include USPS, UPS, FedEx, or another appropriate shipping provider.

We do not guarantee use of a particular carrier unless a particular carrier or service is expressly stated for the applicable order.

We may change carriers or services when reasonably appropriate, including when another available service offers better reliability, availability, or cost.

Standard Shipping

Standard shipping is offered at the rate displayed during checkout.

Our standard shipping charges may use a tiered rate structure based on the type and quantity of physical products in the order, total shipment weight, packaging requirements, and other applicable fulfillment considerations.

The shipping charge displayed to the customer at checkout is the applicable customer shipping charge for that order. It is not necessarily identical to the postage amount ultimately paid by 5Ws, LLC to a carrier.

Standard carrier transit time is generally estimated separately from order processing or preorder waiting periods. Where a transit estimate is displayed at checkout, that estimate begins after the physical shipment has been processed and transferred to the carrier.

Shipping charges may be updated prospectively as carrier rates, packaging costs, fuel charges, shipping services, or our fulfillment arrangements change.

Multiple Packages, Mixed Physical Orders, and Split Shipments

Some physical orders require more than one shipping package because of product size, quantity, packaging limitations, or the combination of products ordered.

For example, different physical products in the same order may need to be packaged and shipped separately.

Where multiple packages are expected as part of the ordinary fulfillment method for an order, the shipping charge displayed at checkout may reflect the combined shipping cost associated with those separate shipments.

Separate packages may:

  • be shipped on the same or different days;

  • use the same or different carriers or services;

  • have separate tracking numbers; and

  • arrive at different times.

If 5Ws, LLC later elects to divide an order into additional shipments for our own operational convenience beyond the shipping arrangement already reflected in the customer's checkout charge, the customer will not be charged an additional shipping fee solely because of that decision unless the customer agrees to a different arrangement or applicable law otherwise permits it.

Large Orders and Standard Checkout Limits

Standard online checkout is currently configured for orders of up to eight (8) units of each individual physical product.

Orders exceeding that quantity may require custom packaging, multiple shipments, or other special shipping arrangements and therefore may not display an available standard shipping method during checkout.

Customers wishing to order more than eight units of an individual physical product should use our Bulk Orders page or contact us before placing the order so that we can confirm availability, fulfillment timing, packaging, and shipping costs.

Bulk and large-quantity orders may be subject to separately quoted shipping terms or charges.

The standard online-order limit may be changed prospectively as our packaging and fulfillment capabilities develop.

Alaska and Hawaii

We intend to make physical-product shipping available to Alaska and Hawaii where reasonably practical.

Because carrier costs and delivery times to non-contiguous states may differ from those for the contiguous United States, customers shipping to Alaska or Hawaii may see different shipping availability or charges at checkout.

Certain standard or expedited services may not be available to every Alaska or Hawaii destination.

Carrier transit times to these destinations may also be longer than estimated delivery times within the contiguous United States.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipping may be available for certain physical orders and destinations for an additional charge displayed at checkout.

Expedited shipping generally refers to the carrier's transportation service after an order has been processed and transferred to the carrier.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, selecting expedited shipping does not guarantee expedited order processing and does not eliminate any applicable preorder waiting period or ordinary processing period.

Expedited delivery estimates are subject to carrier availability, service restrictions, weather, transportation disruptions, holidays, and other circumstances outside our reasonable control.

Not every expedited service is guaranteed by the applicable carrier.

Estimated Delivery Times

Any processing, shipping, transit, arrival, or delivery date displayed or communicated by The 5Ws Store is an estimate unless expressly identified as guaranteed.

Carrier transit time begins after an order has been processed and transferred to the carrier.

Delivery estimates may be affected by circumstances outside our reasonable control, including:

  • severe weather;

  • natural disasters;

  • transportation disruptions;

  • carrier staffing or operational issues;

  • seasonal or holiday volume;

  • labor disruptions;

  • governmental actions;

  • changes in carrier networks;

  • address or delivery-access problems; or

  • other unexpected events.

We cannot guarantee that a carrier will complete delivery on a particular estimated date.

Nothing in this section eliminates any notice, cancellation, refund, or other right required by applicable law when an order cannot be shipped within a timeframe represented to the customer.

Tracking

We generally use trackable shipping services for physical-product orders.

When tracking is available, tracking information may be provided through:

  • an email notification;

  • an order-status page;

  • Shopify or Shop notification; or

  • another applicable communication.

Orders shipped in multiple packages may receive multiple tracking numbers.

Customers should provide a current and valid email address during checkout in order to receive email-based order and tracking communications.

Carrier tracking systems may require some time after shipment before movement or status information appears.

A tracking number or carrier acceptance scan confirms that a package has entered the carrier's delivery network but does not guarantee a particular delivery date.

Shipping Insurance and Carrier Coverage

Some shipping services may include limited carrier liability, insurance, or other shipment protection as part of the service, while other services may not.

5Ws, LLC does not guarantee that every shipment will carry separate or additional shipping insurance.

We may purchase or use carrier protection when reasonably appropriate, but the existence or absence of separate carrier insurance does not alter our obligations concerning a package confirmed lost before delivery or other rights required by applicable law.

Lost Packages

If tracking stops progressing for an unusual period or a shipment appears to have been lost before delivery, please contact:

Email: orders@5ws.store
Support: support@5ws.store
Phone: (571) 306-3863

We may first investigate the shipment with the applicable carrier and ask the customer to allow a reasonable period for carrier research or delivery before treating a package as lost.

If the applicable carrier confirms that a package was lost in transit before delivery, we will offer an appropriate replacement, when available, or refund.

A refund for merchandise confirmed lost before delivery will include applicable amounts paid for the undelivered merchandise and any shipping charge that should appropriately be refunded because the order was not delivered.

Packages Marked Delivered but Not Received

A carrier's tracking record may occasionally indicate that a package has been delivered even though the customer cannot immediately locate it.

If this occurs, please first check, where applicable:

  • the designated delivery location;

  • entrances or alternate doors;

  • household members;

  • neighbors;

  • building management;

  • a front desk or reception area;

  • package lockers;

  • mailrooms; or

  • other persons or locations that may have accepted the shipment.

If the package still cannot be located, please contact us promptly.

We may work with the customer and carrier to investigate the delivery circumstances.

A package marked delivered by the carrier but reported missing will be evaluated case by case after review of available tracking and delivery information.

A carrier delivery scan does not automatically guarantee either approval or denial of a replacement or refund.

Incorrect or Incomplete Shipping Addresses

Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address during checkout.

Please carefully review your shipping information before placing an order.

If you discover an address error after ordering, contact:

orders@5ws.store

as soon as possible.

We will make reasonable efforts to correct an address before shipment when operationally possible, but we cannot guarantee an address change after an order has entered processing or fulfillment.

If a package is returned or requires reshipment because the customer provided an incorrect or incomplete address, the customer will generally be responsible for the reasonable cost of reshipping the package.

If an address or fulfillment error was caused by 5Ws, LLC, we will take reasonable steps to correct the error without requiring the customer to bear reasonable additional shipping costs resulting from our error.

Refused, Unclaimed, or Customer-Caused Undeliverable Packages

If a shipment is returned because:

  • delivery was refused;

  • the customer failed to claim or retrieve it;

  • the customer provided an incorrect or incomplete address;

  • the carrier could not complete delivery because of a customer-related circumstance; or

  • another delivery failure was reasonably attributable to the customer,

the customer may be responsible for reasonable costs associated with reshipping the order.

If the customer elects not to have an otherwise eligible product reshipped, any refund will be determined under our Return and Refund Policy, including applicable treatment of original shipping charges.

If nondelivery resulted from an error attributable to 5Ws, LLC or the carrier rather than the customer, we will review the matter and provide an appropriate resolution.

Shipping Damage

Please inspect physical products after delivery.

If a product or package appears to have been damaged during shipment, please contact us promptly and preferably within 7 days after delivery so that we can evaluate the issue while shipping records and packaging are still available.

Please contact:

support@5ws.store

and provide:

  • your order number;

  • a description of the damage; and

  • photographs of the product, shipping package, shipping label, and visible damage when reasonably possible.

We may ask you to retain the product and packaging temporarily while we investigate the matter or pursue a carrier claim.

The preferred 7-day reporting period for visible shipping damage does not limit a product-safety concern or another right that cannot legally be limited.

Customers will not be required to bear reasonable return shipping costs when a return or replacement is required because a product arrived damaged or because of another fulfillment error for which 5Ws, LLC is responsible.

Orders Containing Both In-Stock and Preorder Products

If an order contains both available in-stock physical merchandise and preorder merchandise, we generally intend to ship available in-stock merchandise separately rather than hold it until the preorder product becomes available.

The preorder portion will ship separately when it becomes available for fulfillment.

Where the checkout shipping charge already reflects separate shipments or product-specific shipping components, no additional shipping charge will be imposed after purchase solely because those items are shipped separately.

If we later choose to create additional shipments beyond the fulfillment arrangement reflected at checkout for our own operational convenience, the customer will not be charged an additional shipping fee solely because of that decision.

Separate tracking information may be provided for separate shipments.

Digital Products

Digital products offered through The 5Ws Store, including downloadable activities, worksheets, printables, educational materials, creative resources, and other digital files, are delivered electronically and are not physically shipped.

We currently use a Shopify-supported digital-product delivery solution to support electronic fulfillment.

No physical shipping charge applies solely to a digital product.

Digital products may be provided by:

  • email;

  • electronic download link;

  • order-confirmation page;

  • order-status page; or

  • another applicable digital-delivery method.

Digital products may be delivered separately from physical merchandise purchased in the same order.

In a mixed physical and digital order, shipping charges relate to the physical merchandise and applicable physical shipping services. Adding a digital product does not by itself create an additional physical shipping charge.

Because digital products do not require physical delivery, references in this policy to shipping carriers, transit times, physical tracking, delivery addresses, or return shipping generally do not apply to digital products.

Digital-product cancellation, refund, and licensing terms are addressed in our Purchase Options Cancellation Policy, Return and Refund Policy, Terms of Service, and applicable product-specific terms.

Signature on Delivery

We do not ordinarily require a signature for delivery of standard retail orders.

We may use a signature or other additional delivery service for an unusual, high-value, bulk, or otherwise appropriate shipment when reasonably necessary.

If such a requirement materially affects the customer's order or cost, applicable information will be provided when appropriate.

No Local Pickup or Local Delivery

The 5Ws Store does not currently offer customer pickup or local delivery.

Orders must be shipped or electronically delivered using the applicable fulfillment method.

Our mailing and return address is not a customer pickup location or retail storefront.

Returns and Return Shipping

Shipping of an original order and shipping associated with a voluntary return are treated separately.

Under our Return and Refund Policy, an eligible physical product may be returned for any reason when a return is requested within 14 calendar days after delivery, provided it meets the applicable return-condition requirements.

For an ordinary voluntary return, including a return based on preference or a change of mind, the customer is responsible for return shipping costs.

If a return or replacement is necessary because a product arrived damaged or defective, we sent the wrong item, or another fulfillment error for which 5Ws, LLC is responsible occurred, the customer will not be required to bear reasonable return shipping costs associated with correcting that issue.

Please consult our Return and Refund Policy for complete return requirements.

Shipping Promotions

We may offer free shipping, reduced shipping, or other shipping promotions from time to time.

Any:

  • order minimum;

  • geographic restriction;

  • promotional period;

  • qualifying products; or

  • other condition

will be disclosed with the applicable promotion.

A temporary shipping promotion does not create an entitlement to the same rate on future orders.

Changes to Shipping Services and Rates

Available carriers, services, shipping rates, geographic coverage, packaging methods, quantity limits, fulfillment procedures, and delivery estimates may change prospectively as our business develops or carrier services and prices change.

Changes will not be used to impose an additional shipping charge on an already completed order unless the customer agrees to the change or applicable law otherwise permits it.

Relationship to Other Policies

This Shipping Policy should be read together with our:

  • Return and Refund Policy;

  • Purchase Options Cancellation Policy;

  • Terms of Service;

  • Privacy Policy;

  • Legal Notice; and

  • any product-specific shipping or preorder terms disclosed before purchase.

Where more specific shipping terms are expressly disclosed for a particular product or transaction, those specific terms control with respect to that matter, subject to applicable law.

Contact Us

For questions concerning shipping, fulfillment, delivery, tracking, preorder shipment, or an order in transit, please contact:

5Ws, LLC / The 5Ws Store
Website: https://5ws.store

Mailing and Return Address:
21000 Southbank St.
Ste. 106, #540
Sterling, VA 20165
United States

Orders and Tracking: orders@5ws.store
Product or Delivery Support: support@5ws.store
Bulk Shipping: bulk@5ws.store
General: info@5ws.store
Phone: (571) 306-3863

The Sterling address above is a mailing and return address only. It is not a customer pickup location, is not necessarily the location from which orders are shipped, and is not a retail storefront or location open to the public.