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Policies & shopping help

Deposits, claims, payments, shipping, and returns—all in one place. Follow the links below to find the information you need.

New-shopper deposits

How do I get started as a new shopper?

For Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok live sales, message our Facebook business page with your email address and state. Review the deposit requirements, claiming rules, and shipping dates for the current show. Wait for John or Carra to confirm payment before claiming.

For other purchases, see payment methods by shopping platform.

What deposit is required?
  • Home-office live shows: new-shopper deposits start at $100.
  • Remote / gem shows: a $200 minimum new-shopper deposit is required.

Larger deposits may be required based on the value of your intended first claims. John or Carra will confirm the required amount before claims are accepted. Deposits apply toward purchases and do not provide a line of credit. Website purchases use website checkout.

What happens to unused deposit money?

Your paid deposit is applied to your purchases. For example, a $50 claim against a $200 deposit leaves $150 of paid funds for future purchases at a show or from home. Message us with questions about your remaining balance or a refund request before making another payment.

Do returning shoppers need to pay a new-shopper deposit?

The new-shopper deposit applies to first-time customers in our Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok live sales. Returning shoppers follow John or Carra’s instructions for the current show. See payment methods.

Can I claim more than my deposit covers?

Your deposit applies toward your claims; any remaining balance must still be paid. Larger claims may require a larger deposit or additional payment. Confirm the amount with John or Carra before adding claims beyond your paid amount.

Claiming & cancellations

How do I claim an item?

Post one clear comment with ME, MINE, or SOLD, plus the item number and price. For example: ME #25 $30. If there is no item number, include a clear description and the price. Keep the complete claim in one comment so we can identify the correct item.

Who gets an item when several people claim it?

We use the order shown on our device to award claims. Comment order can look different on different screens because of delays and filtering. John or Carra’s confirmation determines the successful claim. If your feed is delayed, try leaving and rejoining; this may improve playback, but it does not guarantee comment order.

Can I call dibs or ask for a closer look?

There are no dibs on new items being placed on the board or table. They go to the first valid claim shown on our device. For an item already available, a shopper who requests a closer look gets the opportunity to claim after viewing it. If they pass, we move to the next claim shown on our device.

Can I put an item back or cancel a claim?

Please claim only items you intend and are able to purchase. We do not allow routine put-backs or changes of mind during a live sale because they interrupt the show and prevent other customers from buying. If there is a genuine problem, message us directly. If a cancellation is accepted, the applicable cancellation / restocking fee is 25% of the canceled merchandise total for home shows or 50% for remote / gem shows. These percentages apply to canceled merchandise, not automatically to your entire deposit.

Payment methods & invoices

We host live sales primarily on Facebook, with additional shows on Instagram and TikTok. Payment timing depends on whether we are showing from home or remotely at a gem show.

How will I pay for home-show purchases?

Home-office purchases are invoiced through PayPal, generally after each day’s live show. We need your email address and state for invoicing. If invoicing is delayed, we will post an update on our Facebook page. Other payment methods are available by arrangement; ask John or Carra before paying.

How do I pay for remote gem-show claims?

Pay for your claims during the show, while we are showing the items. Remote lives from shows such as Tucson, Denver, and Milwaukee are usually hosted on Facebook. We do not send an initial merchandise invoice for these claims.

Use the self-checkout link or payment portal provided by John or Carra for that show, or pay through Venmo or Zelle following their instructions. If a payment link has not been provided, contact us for the current payment instructions before sending money.

After payment, we send a $0.01 PayPal confirmation invoice to document your paid claims. Before claiming, review new-shopper deposits and remote-show shipping dates.

Why do I receive a $0.01 PayPal invoice after paying?

After remote-show payments, we send a $0.01 PayPal confirmation invoice during the show or at the end of the business day. It creates one traceable merchandise log of your items, purchase prices, and the payment we already received—even when you paid another way.

Keep this invoice and your payment receipt as proof of purchase and supporting documentation if a shipment is lost or damaged. The penny is a confirmation amount, not the merchandise value or a second full payment.

How is my invoice linked to my shipment?

We add your PayPal invoice number to the shipping label’s reference or comments field so we can match your order to its shipment. The invoice number identifies your order; the carrier tracking number tracks the package.

Keep your invoice and any separate payment receipts. For a shipping-damage claim, retain records showing the actual items, purchase prices, and payments. The $0.01 confirmation amount is not the value of the merchandise.

When is my payment due?

Home shows: invoices with an outstanding merchandise balance are due within 24 hours of being sent. If an unexpected hardship affects payment, message us promptly. Our home-show cancellation process allows until 48 hours after invoicing and at least three reminders before unpaid claims are canceled. Unpaid claims may be restocked, the cancellation terms may apply, and future shopping access may be restricted.

Remote gem shows: pay during the show using the remote-show payment process. Do not wait for an initial PayPal merchandise invoice. The later $0.01 invoice records claims you have already paid for.

What if something on my invoice is incorrect?

Open and review the full invoice before paying. Check each item, price, and any deposit applied. If something is incorrect, do not pay yet. Message our Facebook page and wait for a corrected invoice or our response. The email preview may not show all item details.

Do I need a PayPal account, and will tax be added?

A PayPal account may not be required when guest checkout is offered on your invoice. If that option is unavailable, contact us for help. Applicable sales tax is added to taxable orders, including Texas orders.

How do I pay for website purchases?

Add available specimens to My Cart and pay through the website’s PayPal checkout. Merchandise and any applicable tax are paid at checkout; shipping is quoted and invoiced separately when you’re ready.

After payment, use Request shipping to select paid website orders for a combined quote. See shipping and open boxes for the full process.

How do shop and show credits work?

Complimentary promotional shop credits and show credits expire two months after the issue date. Any unused promotional balance expires at that time and does not carry over. The issue date and expiration date will be provided when the credit is issued. Credits are redeemable toward eligible regular-priced merchandise and cannot be combined with wholesale or discounted pricing. Message us before claiming if you plan to use a credit. This promotional expiration policy does not apply to money you have paid, including deposits, purchased balances, or refunds owed.

Shipping & open boxes

Can you combine my purchases?

We combine paid website, home-show, and remote-show purchases when practical and confirmed with us. Shipping is calculated once the purchases are ready to pack.

How do I keep an open box?

To hold a smaller order for additional shopping, comment OPEN BOX on the designated weekly Facebook post. Without an open-box request on that post, your order will be prepared for shipping at the end of the shopping week. Keep your purchases paid while your box remains open.

For paid website orders, select the live-show open-box option at checkout when available and provide the name you use on the show.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping charges include postage and packing materials. The minimum shipping charge is $10; the final amount depends on box size, weight, destination, and packing needs. Larger or especially delicate specimens may cost more. We use USPS Priority Mail and UPS, with UPS preferred for larger packages. International shipping costs more; message us to discuss availability and a quote. Your shipping invoice shows the amount due.

When will my order ship?

Shipping dates vary by show and location. Home-office shipping follows the dates announced for the current show. Website, home-show, and remote-show orders may take substantially longer while we work remotely, especially during extended trips such as Tucson, where we may be away for around 30 days. Shipping may occur much later than usual.

If you need an item shipped promptly or by a deadline, contact us before claiming. We’ll confirm whether shipping while away is possible. Check each show’s announcements and your shipping invoice for dates and payment cutoffs.

What should I do if my package arrives damaged?

We use quality boxes and packing materials, but damage can happen in transit. If a box has crushed corners, dents, tears, or signs of moisture:

  1. Before opening: photograph all sides of the box, including the shipping label and any visible damage.
  2. While unpacking: inspect every item and photograph any damage and how the item was packed. If possible, record the opening as additional evidence; a video does not guarantee claim approval.
  3. Keep everything: save the original box, label, all packing and wrapping materials, all contents, and any broken pieces until the claim is fully resolved. Discarding these materials can cause a claim to be denied. Follow any carrier inspection instructions.
  4. Report promptly: use the carrier claim links below and notify us through our Facebook business page. Keep your tracking number, paid invoice, and photos. We can assist with shipping documents or any steps the carrier requires from the sender.
Is shipping insurance required, and what does it cover?

Shipping insurance or additional shipment protection is recommended, but optional. Ask us before your order ships if you would like additional protection. Included coverage varies by service and may not cover the full purchase price.

Claim eligibility and payment depend on the applicable carrier or insurer’s terms, coverage limits, proof of value, packaging, and inspection requirements. A claim may be paid in full, in part, or denied. Rockin’ Minerals does not control or guarantee the carrier’s decision or payment amount.

Where do I file a USPS or UPS damage claim?

Use the link for the carrier on your shipping label. These official pages explain the filing process, documents, and deadlines:

File promptly and follow the deadline for your shipment. International shipments may have different procedures. If the carrier requires the sender to file or provide documents, message our Facebook business page. Coordinate with us before filing so the same shipment is not submitted twice.

Final sales & exchanges

Are purchases final? Do you accept returns or exchanges?

All purchases are final. We do not accept returns on purchased items, including gem-show purchases. Please be sure of your selection before claiming.

Any swap or exchange is considered case by case and must be approved by John or Carra in advance. Approval is not guaranteed. For shipping damage, see shipping-damage instructions; for an incorrect item or another order issue, message our Facebook business page.

Community & specimen care

What are the live-show community rules?

Treat your hosts, helpers, moderators, and fellow shoppers respectfully. Questions are welcome; harassment, insults, political arguments, and disruptive behavior are not. We may remove comments, restrict access, or refuse sales or service when necessary to maintain a welcoming shopping environment. Please show courtesy to our regular shoppers who volunteer to help explain the process.

Can other sellers promote products or message your shoppers?

Please do not advertise competing sales in our feed or contact our shoppers to solicit sales through our shows. Accounts doing so may be blocked. If you receive an unsolicited sales message connected to our feed, let us know.

What is the best way to contact you?

Send a private message to the Rockin’ Minerals Facebook business page. We use Facebook messages for customer service; please do not rely on email for order questions. Your email address is still needed for invoices. We usually answer messages the next business day. Replies may take longer during live shows, travel, or time away from the shop.

Where will I find schedule or policy updates?

This page contains our shopping policies. Check our Facebook page and current show announcements for show-specific shipping dates, invoicing updates, and payment instructions. Confirmed shows are listed on the show schedule.

Will every specimen have an identification label?

Not every item includes a mineral label. If you need identification or locality information, message us and we will share what we know. We also welcome questions in our Facebook community, where collectors can learn from one another.

How should I handle and display my specimens?

Minerals are collectible specimens. Some contain hazardous substances, shed particles, or have sharp edges. Keep specimens out of reach of children and pets, avoid ingesting them or their dust, and wash your hands after handling. Ask us about the care requirements of a particular specimen before cleaning or handling it extensively.

Whatnot shows

Whatnot is a separate, occasional show format with its own checkout and shipping process.

How are Whatnot purchases paid and shipped?

Whatnot charges your payment method as you purchase and calculates shipping there, bundling eligible orders. These purchases normally ship separately from our website and other live-show orders. Regular customers should message us on Whatnot before purchasing to discuss any special arrangement. Local Pickup is an in-person collection option; confirm an available arrangement with us before selecting it.

Questions? Message John & Carra on Facebook ↗