Purchases you make from Playground Universe are delivered to you via small-parcel carriers or LTL (less than truckload) freight carriers. Each is explained here. Playground Universe is operated by S3 Stores LLC.
How shipping costs are calculated
We do not use one flat shipping price for the whole catalog. Checkout shipping is calculated from package weight and delivery destination.
For most small-parcel ground orders, the rate is based on the item's shipping weight and the distance (zone) between the fulfilling warehouse and your delivery ZIP code, using UPS Ground–style weight × destination rate tables.
The exact shipping amount for your cart is shown at checkout after you enter a deliverable address — it can change if weight, warehouse, or destination changes.
Oversized / heavy items that ship LTL freight use separate freight quotes. Those costs depend on weight, dimensions, and destination, and are confirmed before the order ships when a quote is required.
Free shipping, when offered, is stated on the product page and applied only when that offer's conditions are met.
Delivery timing
When a product page lists a lead time (for example 10–20 business days), that lead time takes priority over general transit estimates on this page.
After an item ships, small-parcel ground transit within the contiguous U.S. is typically a few business days; expedited options may be available at checkout when offered.
International and freight shipments often take longer. Transit time depends on destination, carrier, customs, and the shipping method selected.
Small Parcel:
Ground and 3-Day services will arrive via a small-parcel carrier such as UPS, USPS or FedEx
A physical street address is required for all addresses, as we do not ship to P.O. boxes.
Orders with an APO or FPO address can be processed only if the product lists availability for international shipping. These orders are shipped via USPS, for which there is often an additional charge.
LTL Freight:
Products delivered using LTL Freight will arrive via a large truck from contracted freight carriers. Freight delivery is standard when the size and/or weight of the product is too large to ship using small-package carriers.
LTL deliveries require a recipient to be present during delivery and are made during normal business hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The delivery agent will call in advance to schedule a delivery appointment, generally within a 4-hour window. Alternatively, you can schedule your own appointment online with our carrier when tracking your shipment.
LTL Deliveries are ground-floor deliveries made outside the main home entrance (e.g. inside a garage or to a front porch). Please note that the street/driveway of access must be at least 10 feet wide with an overhead clearance of at least 14 feet. If the street or driveway is smaller than this, additional handling charges may apply. Please contact our Customer Service department about availability and pricing for additional services.
Transporting the item into the home or other area is the customer's responsibility. Individual drivers may provide some assistance, but Playground Universe cannot guarantee this additional service. Delivery agents are not equipped to dispose of packaging materials.
Standard shipping rates for this type of delivery apply to the 48 Contiguous United States only. A physical street address is required for all addresses, as we do not ship to P.O. boxes.
LTL Freight, Inside Delivery:
Inside Delivery is an upgrade service that includes special handling and placement. Products delivered using LTL Freight, Inside Delivery will arrive via a large truck from contracted freight carriers.
Upon delivery, the service agent will place your product in the room of your choice. Removal of packaging material is not included with this service.
Inside deliveries are made Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and require a recipient to be present. The delivery agent will call in advance to schedule a delivery appointment, generally within a 4-hour window.
The street/driveway of access must be at least 10 feet wide with an overhead clearance of at least 14 feet, with no vehicle weight restrictions.
Stairways, doorways, hallways, and turns inside the premises should be at least 36 inches wide.
The Inside Delivery service includes up to two normal flights of stairs (up to 15 steps each).
Delivery conditions that are outside the above guidelines and those including but not limited to things such as sharp turns, narrow or gravel driveways, and gated communities or condominiums require additional handing services and fees. If any of these apply to your situation please contact our Customer Service department about availability/pricing for additional services.
Standard shipping rates for this type of delivery apply to the 48 Contiguous United States only. A physical street address is required for all addresses, as we do not ship to P.O. boxes.
Shipping Claims
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Please inspect your packages at the time of delivery and before you sign the carrier's delivery receipt.
Are all pieces accounted for?
Please check that all items are correct and all pieces accounted for before you sign for a delivery. If a box is missing, you may accept the delivered pieces, but be sure make a note of the shortage on the delivery receipt, and contact our customer service team to locate the missing item(s).
Are the boxes or product(s) damaged?
You may choose to refuse the delivery if there is damage to your item(s). If you choose to refuse the delivery, you must note the damages on the delivery receipt. Please contact our Customer Service department to notify us of the refusal.
If only part of an item is damaged, you may accept the order, record the damages on the carrier's delivery receipt, and contact us. We may be able to replace damaged pieces. If a damaged item arrives outside of our business hours, please contact us the next business day. We will ensure that any replacement item(s) are sent to you promptly and free of charge.
Once you have signed the delivery receipt indicating any notes on damage, be sure to ask the freight carrier for a copy of the delivery receipt. Also, record the freight company's name and truck number if possible so that we may track the order back to our vendor or warehouse.
If you discover damages after the delivery is made, please contact our Customer Service department within 24 hours so that we may resolve the situation immediately.
Additional Notes:
Free shipping offers if available are listed on the product pages.
Playground Universe works with hundreds of warehouses in the USA and Canada.
Shipping costs are weight- and destination-based (not a single flat catalog rate) and, like delivery times, are subject to change without notice.
We calculate shipping from the same weight × destination rules used at checkout. If an adjustment is still required (for example freight reclass or carrier accessorials), our customer service staff will contact you to confirm the final shipping cost and order total before the order is shipped.
