Welcome to Our DOA Policy
Here at Ocean Bloom Aquatics, we’re all about keeping your coral dreams alive! Our DOA (Dead on Arrival) Policy ensures you feel confident with every purchase. We understand the excitement of bringing vibrant corals to your aquarium and want to make sure they arrive in perfect health. Check it out below and see how we’ve got your back!
Understanding Our DOA Policy
We’ve crafted our Dead on Arrival (DOA) policy to give you peace of mind. If your coral arrives in less than perfect condition, just let us know within 2 hours of delivery, and we’ll guide you through the claims process. We may ask for a 48 hour observation period for cases that are not an obvious DOA. Remember, we want your reef to thrive as much as you do!
For any questions, or to make a claim, please email [email protected].
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy
Our DOA Policy applies only to corals shipped via a carrier. It does not apply to local pickup or local delivery. The DOA window lasts 2 hours after the carrier’s first delivery attempt, based on official timestamps or delivery photos.
Valid only for shipped corals that arrive dead upon arrival after overnight shipping.
DOA window: 2 hours after the first delivery attempt.
We must receive clear pictures or videos of Coral sealed in the shipping bag for DOA review.
Exclusions:
- Weather delays, carrier errors, or missed/rescheduled deliveries.
- Freebie items, opened bags, or minor color/texture variations.
- Shipments made during known high-risk conditions (extreme temperatures or buyer-requested risk shipping).
What Qualifies as Dead on Arrival
DOA applies only if the coral remains sealed in the original shipping bag and shows one or more of the following:
- Severe tissue loss
- Skeleton or internal structure visibly exposed
- Full tissue melting or complete polyp detachment
If you are concerned about the condition of the coral BUT it doesn’t qualify as an obvious DOA, please follow the same procedure below. Let us know in the email what your concerns are and ask about doing a 48-Hour Observation period.
To qualify for DOA consideration, all of the following must be completed within 2 hours of delivery:
- Take clear photos or video of the coral in the unopened bag. Be sure to get a close-up photo showing the coral’s condition and tissue loss.
- Email your claim and pictures/video to [email protected] with subject line: DOA Claim – [Order #].
After photos/video are taken, you may float the bag or place the coral in your tank while waiting for our initial response.
Please do not discard the coral until you receive our response. In some cases, we may require up to a 48-hour observation period before final resolution.
48-Hour Observation Period
In some cases, Ocean Bloom Aquatics may request additional photos/video be taken after a 48 hour observation period. The coral should be kept in low light during the observation period. If signs of recovery appear, the DOA claim will be closed as recovered. If the coral remains clearly dead, the claim will move to resolution. Failure to provide requested follow-up evidence may result in denial.
Resolution Options
If a DOA claim is approved, store credit equal to the coral’s purchase price (excluding shipping) will be issued for use on a future order.
Ocean Bloom Aquatics reserves the right to approve or deny any claim at our discretion.
Tips to avoid DOAs
- Be present for delivery and track your shipment closely.
- Avoid shipping during extreme weather conditions.
Policy Acknowledgment
By purchasing from Ocean Bloom Aquatics, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this policy. We may update this policy at any time to ensure fairness and the health of our livestock.
For all DOA claims and questions, please contact:
[email protected]