Shipping Information
At Alwarah, we work with multiple sellers across India, and each seller may use different shipping partners and methods. This guide explains how shipping works on our marketplace and what you can expect when you place an order.
Shipping Coverage
We currently ship to all cities and towns across India. This includes metro cities, tier-2 cities, tier-3 cities, and most rural areas. Some extremely remote or hilly areas may take longer for delivery. You can check if your location is serviceable by entering your pincode during checkout. A green checkmark indicates your area is deliverable.
Order Processing
After you place an order, we confirm payment on the same day. Your order is then sent to the seller, who receives it within the next 24 hours. The seller then has 1-2 business days to pack and ship your order. Please note that processing time does not include weekends or public holidays. Once your seller ships the item, you will receive an email with a tracking number.
Shipping Timeline
Standard shipping typically takes 3-7 business days from the date the seller ships your item. However, delivery times vary by location. Orders to metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad typically arrive within 2-4 days. Orders to tier-2 cities usually arrive within 4-6 days. Orders to tier-3 cities and rural areas may take 5-7 days or longer. Please note that these are estimates and not guaranteed delivery dates. During peak seasons like Diwali, Christmas, or other holidays, shipping may take 1-2 days longer due to high volume.
Shipping Cost
We currently use a flat-rate shipping model. Standard shipping typically costs between ₹50-100 depending on your location and the weight of the package. The exact shipping cost is calculated and displayed at checkout before you make payment. Shipping costs vary based on whether you’re in a metro area, tier-2 city, or remote location. If you order from multiple sellers in one checkout, each seller charges separate shipping.
Shipping Methods
Our sellers use multiple trusted shipping partners including Delhivery, BlueDart, Shiprocket, India Post, and other regional carriers. You will receive a tracking number via email once your order ships. This tracking number allows you to monitor your package in real-time. You can track your order through the Alwarah website using your order ID and tracking number, or you can visit the shipping partner’s website directly using your tracking number.
Tracking Your Order
To track your order, log into your Alwarah account and go to your order history. Click on the order you want to track and select “Track Order.” Enter your tracking number when prompted, and you will see real-time updates on your package’s location and estimated delivery date. You can also track directly on the shipping partner’s website by entering your tracking number. You will typically receive SMS or email updates from the shipping partner about your delivery.
Delivery
When your package arrives at your location, the delivery agent will attempt to deliver it to you. Some packages may require a signature on delivery, while others may be left at your location if you’ve requested that option. If you’re not home when the delivery agent arrives, they will leave a notification at your address. You can then reschedule delivery or pick up the package from their local depot. Contact information for the local depot will be provided in the delivery notice.
Multiple Orders from Multiple Sellers
If you order from multiple sellers in a single checkout, each seller will ship their items separately to you. You will receive a separate tracking number for each seller’s shipment. This means your packages may arrive on different dates. Each seller is responsible for their own shipping, so delivery timelines may vary between sellers.
Special Delivery Instructions
If you have special instructions for delivery (for example, “Leave with neighbor” or “Call before delivery”), you can add these instructions when placing your order or immediately after. To add delivery instructions, go to your order details and click “Add Delivery Instructions.” However, please note that the shipping partner will make a best effort to follow your instructions, but cannot guarantee compliance.
What Happens if Your Package Gets Lost
If your package is lost during shipping, you should first contact the shipping partner using your tracking number. If the shipping partner confirms the package is lost, you can file a claim within 7 days of the expected delivery date. Provide your tracking number and order ID. The shipping partner will investigate the claim, which typically takes 5-7 days. If the package is confirmed as lost, you will receive a full refund or replacement, at the seller’s discretion.
Damaged Item During Shipping
If your item arrives damaged, report it to the seller within 24 hours with clear photos showing the damage. The seller will review your claim and either approve a refund or send a replacement. No return shipping is required for damaged items. The seller will typically process a refund or replacement within 3-5 business days of approving your claim.
Delayed Delivery
If your delivery is significantly delayed beyond the estimated delivery date, there are steps you can take. A delivery is considered delayed if it hasn’t arrived 2 or more days after the estimated date, or if there have been no tracking updates for 3 or more days. First, contact the shipping partner directly using your tracking number to inquire about the delay. If you don’t receive a satisfactory response within 2 days, contact the seller. If the issue remains unresolved, contact Alwarah support at support@alwarah.com with your order ID and tracking number.
Delivery Coverage by Area
Metro cities including Delhi, NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad are well-serviced and typically receive deliveries within 2-4 days. All state capitals and major urban centers typically receive deliveries within 4-6 days. Small towns and rural areas typically receive deliveries within 7-10 days. Hill stations and extremely remote locations may take even longer, sometimes up to 14 days.
International Shipping
At this time, Alwarah only ships within India. We do not offer international shipping. However, we are exploring international shipping options for the future. Check back on our website for updates on international shipping availability.
Free Shipping
Currently, we do not offer free shipping on any orders. Shipping charges are calculated based on your location and are displayed at checkout before you complete your purchase. We periodically review our shipping costs and may introduce free shipping promotions in the future.
Return Shipping
When you return an item, the cost of return shipping depends on the reason for return. If the seller made an error (sent the wrong item, item arrived defective), the seller covers the return shipping cost. If you are returning an item due to change of mind or if the item doesn’t fit, you typically pay for return shipping, which usually costs between ₹50-150 depending on your location. The seller will provide return shipping instructions when they approve your return request.
Holidays and Peak Seasons
During public holidays and peak shopping seasons like Diwali, Christmas, and other festivals, shipping and delivery may be slower than usual. Shipping partners experience very high volume during these periods. We recommend placing orders early during peak seasons to allow extra time for processing and delivery. Processing times may extend by 1-2 days, and delivery may be 1-2 days slower than normal.
Tips for Safe Delivery
To ensure your package arrives safely and on time, provide a complete and accurate delivery address with clear landmarks. If possible, be available during the typical delivery window or contact the delivery agent to arrange a convenient time. You can request that the delivery agent call or send an SMS before arrival so you can be ready. Inspect your package before accepting it if the delivery agent allows. Keep your tracking number until the item is confirmed delivered and received.
Contact Shipping Support
For shipping questions or concerns, email us at support@alwarah.com with your order ID and tracking number. Please include details about your issue in the subject line, for example, “Shipping Issue – Order #12345.” We typically respond within 24-48 hours. For tracking issues, you can also contact the shipping partner directly using your tracking number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know when my item ships?
A: You will receive an email notification with your tracking number as soon as the seller ships your item. This usually happens within 1-2 days of purchase.
Q: Can I change my delivery address after placing an order?
A: If the item hasn’t shipped yet, contact the seller immediately to request a change. If the item has already been picked up by the shipping partner, you cannot change the delivery address. However, you can arrange redelivery to a different address after it arrives.
Q: What if my delivery address is incomplete?
A: The shipping partner will attempt to deliver using the information provided. If delivery fails due to incomplete address information, contact us immediately to update your address. This may delay your delivery.
Q: Do you ship to PO boxes?
A: Most shipping partners in India do not deliver to PO boxes. Please provide a physical residential or commercial address for delivery.