Shipping Policy

Sellers handle and dispatch items within 2-5 business days of receiving payment. Most sellers dispatch within 2-3 business days, with a maximum of 5 business days allowed.

Handling time is calculated from when payment is received and includes order processing, packaging, and handover to the carrier. Orders are typically processed Monday through Saturday (excluding public holidays).

If a seller cannot meet this timeframe, they must contact you directly to advise of any delay. If you have not received shipping confirmation or communication from the seller within 5 business days, you may contact the seller through your Transaction Hub or request a refund through PayPal.

Each seller on Midnight Merchant sets their own shipping costs based on their chosen shipping preference model. The exact shipping cost for each item is always clearly displayed on the product listing and at checkout before you complete your purchase.

How Seller Shipping Preferences Work: Sellers can choose from three shipping models:

• Bulk Rate Shipping: Sellers charge a single flat rate for up to a maximum number of items (e.g., $12.50 for up to 30 items). Buyers pay only this flat rate regardless of how many items they purchase, up to the seller's specified limit. Sellers can optionally set an additional cost per item for quantities exceeding their threshold (e.g., $12.50 for 30 items, then +$1.00 per additional item). This encourages multi-item purchases while allowing fair pricing for larger orders.
• Per-Item Shipping: A fixed rate per item that multiplies by the quantity purchased (e.g., $3 per card × 5 cards = $15 shipping). Simple and predictable for both buyers and sellers.
• Per-Listing Rate Shipping: Sellers set a custom shipping cost individually for each specific listing. This provides maximum flexibility for items with varying sizes, weights, or special handling requirements.

Sellers have full control over their shipping costs within their chosen model. When purchasing multiple items from the same seller, shipping is automatically calculated based on the seller's preference settings and the quantity in your cart.

Tracked shipping is optional — some sellers may use tracked shipping while others may use untracked standard mail. If tracking is important to you, check the listing details or contact the seller before purchasing to confirm their shipping method.

When tracking information is available, sellers can update the order status in the Transaction Hub.

Sellers are required to package items securely to protect against:

• Water damage
• Bending or creasing
• Scratches and scuffs

Recommended packaging includes: plastic card sleeves, top loaders, cardboard backing, and appropriate outer packaging such as rigid mailers or padded envelopes.

Once dispatched by the seller, transit time is typically 3-7 business days for delivery within Australia, depending on your location and the carrier service used.

Most sellers use Australia Post services. Delivery times to metropolitan areas are generally faster (3-4 days), while regional and remote locations may take the full 7 business days.

Delivery times may be extended during peak periods (e.g., public holidays, major sales events) or due to circumstances beyond the seller's or carrier's control.

If your item has not arrived within a reasonable timeframe, follow these steps:

1. Check tracking (if available): Review the tracking information for any delivery updates or issues
2. Contact the postal carrier: Lodge an enquiry with Australia Post or the relevant carrier to investigate the missing item
3. Contact the seller: Advise the seller of the issue through the Transaction Hub messaging system
4. Open a PayPal dispute (if unresolved): If the postal carrier cannot resolve the issue and you cannot reach an agreement with the seller, you may open a dispute through PayPal's Resolution Center. Provide evidence of the missing item.

PayPal's Buyer Protection may cover eligible purchases where items are not received.

If your item arrives damaged:

1. Document the damage: Take photos of the packaging and the damaged item
2. Contact the seller: Share the photos and explain the issue
3. Agree on a resolution: The seller may offer a refund, partial refund, or replacement

For more information on returns, please see our Returns & Refunds Policy.

Midnight Merchant operates as a consumer-to-consumer (C2C) marketplace that facilitates transactions between buyers and independent sellers. We do not handle, store, or ship items directly.

All shipping is arranged and fulfilled by individual sellers. Each seller has the flexibility to set their own shipping costs using one of three shipping preference models (Bulk Rate, Per-Item Rate, or Per-Listing). This gives sellers control while ensuring buyers always see exact costs before purchasing.

Transparency Guarantee: The exact shipping cost for every item is clearly displayed on the product listing page and will be shown again at checkout before you complete your purchase. There are no hidden shipping fees. We encourage buyers to review seller ratings, shipping costs, and handling times before making a purchase.

If you have questions about shipping, please contact us:

Email: contact@midnightmerchant.com.au

We aim to respond within 5 business days.