DOA (Dead on Arrival) Claims

Claims for corals that die in transit (DOA policy)

Despite the greatest care in packing and shipping, in rare cases a coral may not survive transport. In this case, the following voluntary DOA policy applies:

1. Check on arrival

Please check your delivery immediately after it arrives. Dead or damaged corals must be documented within 24 hours of receipt.

2. Photo documentation

  • The animals must be photographed in the unopened transport bags or containers.

  • In addition, a close-up photo of the affected coral is required (outside the tank, against a neutral white background, in normal daylight).

  • If several animals are affected, please also send an overview photo of all affected corals.

⚠ Unfortunately, we cannot process a claim without the corresponding photos within the stated deadline.

3. Damaged packaging

Please have the courier confirm a visibly damaged shipping box or packaging in writing when you accept the delivery.

4. Reporting deadline

Claims must be reported to us within 24 hours of delivery by phone, WhatsApp or email. Later reports cannot be considered.

5. Local collection

For self-collection, any right to claim under this DOA policy does not apply.

6. Type of compensation

For a justified claim, you will receive:

  • either the purchase price of the affected coral as a store voucher,

  • or, where possible, a replacement animal added to your next order.

Additional costs such as shipping costs are excluded. A refund of the purchase price is not provided.

Statutory rights

  1. Warranty rights
    This DOA policy is a voluntary additional service.
    Independently of this, you of course retain your statutory warranty rights under Sections 433 et seq. of the German Civil Code (BGB).
    Under Section 90a BGB, animals are not considered things, but with regard to statutory warranty claims they are treated like things.
    These rights are neither restricted nor excluded by our terms.

  2. Right of withdrawal
    Under Section 312g(2) No. 3 BGB, there is no right of withdrawal for live animals.
    Please note, therefore, that orders of corals and other live animals carry no right of return under distance selling rules.
    This of course does not affect your entitlement to statutory warranty rights.