SHIPPING POLICY

At El Mercado Market, we are committed to providing a transparent and reliable shopping experience. Every product is carefully inspected and dispatched directly from our store in Houston, United States.

1. Shipping Territory & Costs

Service Area: We ship exclusively within the United States. We do not support international shipping.
Free Standard Shipping: Available on all orders over $50.00.
Standard Shipping: A flat fee of $4.95 applies to all orders under $50.00.
No Hidden Fees: We do not charge handling or surprise processing fees; taxes are calculated at checkout.

2. Handling & Order Cut-Off Times

We process orders efficiently to ensure your items are delivered promptly:

Daily Order Cut-Off Time: 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT).
Handling Time: 0 – 1 Business Day.
Processing: Orders placed before 5:00 PM are typically prepared and ready for carrier pickup by the next business day.

3. Transit Time & Delivery Estimates

Transit Time: 3 – 5 Business Days.
Total Estimated Delivery: 3 – 6 Business Days.
Carriers: We use trusted carriers such as USPS or UPS; you will receive a tracking number via email once your order is dispatched.

4. Free Local Store Pickup (Houston)

If you are in the Houston area, you can skip the shipping wait by collecting your order in person:

Pickup Location: 9955 Eastex Freeway Feeder Rd, Houston, TX 77093.
Ready Time: Most orders are ready for collection within 2 hours during our store hours.

5. How to Order for Store Pickup

Shopping online and collecting in-person is simple and free:

Select Your Items: Add your desired products to your cart.
Choose "Pick Up" at Checkout: On the information page, select the "Pick Up" option instead of "Ship" to remove shipping charges automatically.
Wait for Confirmation: You will receive an "Order Confirmation" email, followed by a "Ready for Pickup" email once your items are ready.
Collect Your Order: Visit our store during store hours with your Order Number and a valid government-issued photo ID.

6. Tracking & Delivery Accuracy

Order Tracking: Your shipping confirmation email will contain a link to monitor your delivery in real-time.
Address Accuracy: Please verify your delivery address at checkout; reshipment fees may apply if a parcel is returned due to an incorrect address.

7. Delivery Issues & Damages

If your order arrives damaged, please email support@elmercadomarkethouston.com within 24 hours of delivery with photos of the damaged item and packaging for an immediate resolution.