Shipping policy

 

Shipping Policy (The Essential)

 

Last updated: March 13, 2026

 

We ship only to the Continental United States. Many of our items ship factory-direct from partner factories (often located in China). This allows better pricing but can involve longer lead times and multi-stage tracking.

 

Where We Ship

 

We ship to the Continental United States only (no Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories at this time).

 

Carrier Types (Small Parcel vs Large Goods)

 
       
  • Smaller parcels ship via UPS/FedEx Ground.
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  • Larger furniture may ship via LTL freight or a local delivery carrier.
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LTL/local delivery may not always involve a scheduled appointment; carriers may deliver during standard business hours and may require delivery access.

 

Delivery Estimates

 

Estimated delivery time is shown on the product page and in your order confirmation. Estimates are not guarantees and can change due to customs processing, port congestion, weather, carrier capacity, and other factors outside our control.

 

Tracking (Important)

 

Factory-direct shipments often include multiple stages:

 
       
  1. International transit (may have limited scan events)
    2.    
  2. Handoff to a U.S. carrier for final delivery (UPS/FedEx/local delivery)
    3.  
 

Tracking notes:

 
       
  • You may receive a UPS/FedEx tracking number that initially shows “Label created” or no movement. This is normal until the shipment is handed to the U.S. carrier.
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  • Some orders ship in multiple boxes and may have multiple tracking numbers.
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  • LTL/local delivery carriers may provide fewer scan events than parcel carriers.
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Address Accuracy

 

Please confirm your shipping address at checkout. Address changes after 24 hours cannot be guaranteed. If a package is delivered to the address provided, we are not responsible for incorrect addresses entered by the customer.

 

Delivered but Not Received

 

If tracking shows “Delivered” but you can’t locate the package:

 
       
  • Check your property, mailroom, neighbors, and building staff
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  • Contact us at care@theessential.com within 72 hours so we can assist with next steps
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Damaged Shipments (72 Hours)

 

Please inspect items promptly upon delivery. If there is visible damage:

 
       
  • Take photos of the packaging and item(s)
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  • Contact us within 72 hours with photos so we can resolve quickly
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