Ordering Through the Mail

When you order something through the mail, the Federal Trade Commission is clear on how quickly a company has to get you your item.  If they don't follow the law, file a complaint with the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Here's what the FTC's website has to say about the law:

Mail or Telephone Order Rule

By law, a company should ship your order within the time stated in its ads. If no time is promised, the company should ship your order within 30 days after receiving it.

If the company is unable to ship within the promised time, they must give you an "option notice." This notice gives you the choice of agreeing to the delay or canceling your order and receiving a prompt refund.

There is one exception to the 30-day Rule: if a company doesn't promise a shipping time, and you are applying for credit to pay for your purchase, the company has 50 days to ship after receiving your order.