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Shipping carriers calculate costs based on size as well as weight, not just how heavy an item is. Even though the buckets are empty, they must be shipped in large boxes to prevent damage. Each box is approximately 25 inches × 13 inches × 36 inches and weighs approximately 31 pounds once packed.

Because of their size, carriers charge what’s known as dimensional weight, which means larger packages cost more to ship even if they aren’t very heavy. Buckets occupy a significant amount of space on delivery trucks, and unfortunately, shipping rates are determined by the carriers, not us.

To help offset this, we’ve discounted the bucket prices as much as possible. As a small, family-owned manufacturing business, we don’t receive the deep shipping discounts offered to large national retailers, but we always do our best to keep pricing fair.

When shipping skid quantities, the shipping address should be commercial with a dock and/or forklift for receiving pallets to keep costs as low as possible. Additional fees apply in trucking rates when the delivery address has more details such as no dock, no receiving hours, farm, church, construction site, liftgate, and appointment call.

Pails and Lids are manufactured to fit each other, therefore buying lids and pails from different manufacturers will not work most of the time.

Blem stands for Blemished. Our quality control ensures that our Blem products are the same quality product as our pure color buckets. Blem products are the first run or last run of a color cycle that come out with a bit of a blend of colors, or too dark or too light. Quality is not affected by odd colorations.

Purchase price is based on volume, and both retail and wholesale can purchase buckets from Affordable Buckets.

Our online ordering platform is only set up to ship within the United States. For international shipments please contact us at sales@affordablebuckets.com, and we can work on a quote if we know what size, what color and how many pails and lids you need quoted. We also ask for wire or ACH payment, then you will want to set up a freight forwarder to complete export documents, and ship the order.

We will accept returns of defective products, most unused products, and damaged products as long as they comply with our Terms and Conditions.

• Certain products (such as special order items) are non-returnable.
• Returns are subject to a 15% restock and shipping and handling fees. 
• Return orders must be returned to our dock prior to 30 days from ship date
• Lids can not be returned if the bucket is not purchased from Affordable Buckets.  Our buckets, containers or lids are not guaranteed to fit other supplier product so purchase of matching bucket and lid is important.
  
• Any items received with dirt or damage will not receive a refund.

Please contact us if you have any questions.  Requests for returns can be made by emailing sales@affordablebuckets.com or calling (319) 647-8383.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a plastic material that is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier. HDPE is best known for its naturally translucent appearance and flexibility. It is compatible with a wide range of products. The addition of color will make HDPE opaque, but not glossy. HDPE offers good protection at below freezing temperatures, but must not be used with products filled at over 180°F.

Yes, we do allow mixing 2 colors per box, by special request. If you would like to do this please submit a quote request for the product you would like and we will follow up with you.