Ordering Info
Please begin by carefully reading the live arrival guarantee and terms published on our Tarantulas For Sale page.
The simple order steps on the left side of this page should answer all your questions about the ordering process, but here are some Frequently Asked Questions that specifically address ordering.
Shipping Overview
At TARANTULAS.com we take every step to ensure animal safety during shipment with special packaging and legal shipping via UPS Next Day Air. We do not ship live animals through the postal service or use other carriers. Our minimum shipping charge is $30 and this rate applies to a small box that typically can contain one to six spiderlings, a couple of "juveniles" or one subadult specimen. Additional fees may be necessary due to destination or larger boxes for larger specimens or orders. We ship exclusively via UPS Next Day Air on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for arrival the following morning. Delivery is by 10:30 a.m. in most major cities, but may be later in outlying areas. CONTINENTAL US SHIPPING ONLY for retail orders. Our live arrival guarantee requires that you be awaiting delivery on first attempt and personally accept package from driver. It is your responsibility to ensure that package is not just dropped at your door and subjected to heat or cold.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering
How are tarantulas and scorpions shipped?
We ship tarantulas and other terrarium pets throughout the continental US year-round and have for many years. We ship legally and safely using UPS Next Day Air overnight service to your doorstep. Each animal is carefully and snugly packed in a small protective container and then one or more containers is securely packed in a new styrofoam-lined small animal shipping box. Heat packs or gel cool packs are used as necessary to ensure animal safety.
What is the shipping charge and how many tarantulas can be shipped for that price?
Our current minimum price for a small styro box shipped UPS Next Day Air throughout the continental US is $35. This small box may contain as many as 6 or so small "spiderling" size tarantulas, a couple of "juveniles" or one subadult size specimen. Larger orders will require a larger box and shipping charges will be greater. You will be provided with the exact freight charge during the phone or email ordering process.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Credit and debit cards via phone are our preferred method of payment. We also accept PayPal instant payments if absolutely necessary. We will accept PayPal electronic check payments, but they will delay shipping until the funds clear. We will, however, hold your animal the 3-5 business days electronic check processing typically requires. We would prefer not to accept checks or money orders, but will do so for customers who cannot pay by the preferred methods. However, we cannot hold animals while we wait for mailed payment and significant delays are likely due to mail transit and bank clearing of funds.
Do I have to sign for the box?
UPS no longer requires signature on Next Day Air service. We prefer not to request signature service because it is an additional cost and, more importantly, if nobody is present to accept the package the driver will keep it and it will ride around all day in a potentially hot, cold and definitely bumpy truck. Our live arrival guarantee states that you must be waiting for the package and accept it on first delivery attempt. You don't have to sign, but you have to take it directly from the driver. We suggest you have the package delivered to a business or neighbor if you are not certain you can wait for it.
Why do you only use UPS?
Our company ships thousands of boxes of animals, feeder insects and dry goods each month using UPS and we have a regular pick-up on Monday through Wednesday. We have used them for years and have had great results. We will occasionally use FedEx for those customers who have their own account with FedEx and therefore want to bill freight charges separately. However, this is a bit less convenient and we would prefer to use UPS. We will not illegally ship live animals through the postal service [USPS] or use any other carriers.
Can I choose a female? I hear they live longer.
Yes, females do live longer but, no, in most cases we only sell "unsexed" spiders. In other words, you have a 50% chance of acquiring a female if you purchase one specimen. Our 3-lot and 6-lot pricing allows keepers to buy several specimens and increase their odds of obtaining at least one female. Simply put, we primarily sell young captive-bred tarantulas that are too small to determine sex. We pick them at random when we pack orders. We do occasionally offer larger subadult or adult tarantulas of guaranteed sex, but these command a premium price and are usually purchased by breeders. Although females do live considerably longer than males, tarantulas are fairly long-lived animals and even a male tarantula will outlive most terrarium pets like lizards and frogs.
Will my tarantula come with a care sheet?
No. We would hope that you would research the specific needs of your chosen species and tarantula care in general before you make a purchase. Our website has numerous informational pages relating to care and we also recommend two specific tarantula books. Additionally, we suggest using your favorite search engine and the species scientific name to find the wealth of information that exists on the Internet (always read a number of care sheets so that you can find a consensus opinion and don't trust one potentially inaccurate source.) Of course, we are always happy to answer your questions prior to purchase. Please submit them via email.
Can my tarantula live in the container it is shipped in?
No. (Please also refer to answer to first question and answer above.) Tarantulas are packed in very small containers that ensure little movement during transit and minimize risk of injury. A suitable home (see Care Info for recommendations) is approximately several times the legspan of the spider in width or diameter and one time the legspan in height or depth (Note: Arboreal species can and should have much taller containers. However, terrestrial or burrowing types are safest in short cages. For example, a young terrestrial tarantula with a diagonal legspan of two inches is best kept in a container about six inches in diameter and with a depth of no more than two inches from the top to the top of the substrate.