Shipping policy

Shipping Policy — Blackpool Air Guns Ltd

Effective date: 7 October 2025
Contact: 01253 627720 · info@blackpoolairguns.co.uk

This Shipping Policy explains how we handle orders that are processed by phone (telephone order + card payment), what documents you will receive, how different product types are shipped, and our RFD collection process for air rifles and pistols.

1) Phone orders, payment & order paperwork

When you place an order over the phone and pay by card we will provide the following:

  • Written order receipt (paper): we will prepare a written order receipt at time of sale which you can collect in person (if collecting) or which is stored against your order record.

  • Email confirmation: after the phone order is completed you will receive an email confirmation that includes the order details, shipping method chosen, estimated delivery/collection instructions, and a copy of the written receipt as a PDF attachment where possible.

  • Card (merchant) receipt: the payment terminal/merchant will provide a card receipt at the time of payment; we will also retain merchant proof of payment in our records and can email a copy to you on request.

  • Tracking & status emails: once the item has been dispatched or made available for collection you will receive an email with tracking details (where applicable) and next steps.

These documents together form your proof of order and payment. Keep them safe — we may ask for them when collecting an item or for any post-sale enquiries.

2) Which carrier we use

  • Non-firearm items (accessories, parts, non-air-rifle/pistol items): shipped using APC (APC Overnight / APC network) for standard parcel services and tracking. APC is our trusted overnight/parcel partner for non-weapon items. apc-overnight.com

  • Air rifles & pistols (RFD / legal transfers): we use Parcelforce / secure parcels services for rifle and pistol consignments where postal transfer is permitted by law and by carrier rules; when shipping firearms/airguns we follow legal and carrier requirements for secure, signed-for delivery. Parcelforce/official postal guidance confirms that low-powered air weapons have specific handling/route requirements and must travel on appropriate secure services. Parcelforce Worldwide+1

3) RFD collection for rifles & legal requirements

Because of UK law governing the sale and transfer of air weapons (Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 and related rules), air rifles and pistols are only supplied via a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) collection or face-to-face transfer where required. We maintain a network of RFDs across England, Scotland and Wales to enable collection at a local RFD convenient to you. The VCR Act and guidance require face-to-face transfers via registered dealers for regulated transfers. Legislation.gov.uk+1

  • Collection charge: the local RFD will normally make a nominal charge for processing the transfer (booking in/out, inspection, paperwork). This charge is independent of Blackpool Air Guns and is payable directly to the collecting RFD on collection (typical local RFD charges range and are set by the RFD; Blackpool Air Guns will advise the expected fee when arranging collection).

  • Our standard RFD/next-day delivery option: we operate a next-day RFD delivery option for eligible rifle/pistol orders made before 16:00; our next-day service fee is £50.00 (this covers secure carriage to the RFD and expedited handling). Shipping days for rifles (RFD dispatch) are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (If you require a different arrangement we will try to accommodate — call 01253 627720 to discuss.)

  • Collection ID & checks: you must bring photo ID and any required licence/certificate when collecting a rifle or pistol from an RFD. We will confirm required documents with you when the sale is processed.

(We will always follow the law and the RFD’s instructions. If the RFD refuses the transfer for any lawful reason we will work with you to resolve the issue.)

4) Delivery charges, timings & schedule

  • Shipping days: shipments (dispatch to carrier or RFD handover) are made on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Orders received and paid for by phone will be scheduled for the next available shipping day.

  • Next-day (expedited) option: orders confirmed and paid before 16:00 may be eligible for next-day dispatch to the chosen RFD for an additional £50.00 service charge (subject to RFD availability and carrier cutoffs).

  • Standard accessory/parts shipping: APC-shipped items are dispatched on our standard schedule and delivery timings depend on APC service level chosen at checkout/phone order. Tracking information will be emailed once the parcel is booked. apc-overnight.com

5) Tracking, signatures & insurance

  • All parcels are tracked where the carrier provides tracking (APC / Parcelforce). You will receive tracking information by email once the parcel is booked. apc-overnight.com+1

  • Signature on collection/delivery is required for rifle and pistol consignments and usually required for higher-value accessory parcels — the carrier or RFD will obtain a signature on handover. Carrier rules generally require firearms/air weapons to be handed in person at a depot/RFD counter and to be carried only on approved secure services. AirGun Forums+1

  • Insurance: all dispatched items are insured in transit up to the carrier’s standard liability limits. If you require extra transit insurance we can arrange this for an additional charge — contact us before dispatch.

6) Returns for repair / servicing

  • If you need to return a rifle for repair or servicing: we can post the rifle back to your home address in England and Wales after service. For Scotland we will return the rifle to a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) for collection (in line with Scottish transfer rules). We will advise the return method and carrier when arranging the repair. GOV.UK Assets

7) Refusal of carriage / illegal consignments

Carriers and postal services have prohibitions and restrictions on sending weapons and related items. We will not dispatch any item if doing so would breach carrier terms or applicable law. If a carrier or RFD refuses a consignment for legal/compliance reasons we will contact you to arrange an alternative (refund, rebook, or collection from shop/RFD).

8) Customs / international shipping

We currently dispatch within the UK only. International dispatch of weapons or weapon parts is subject to strict export controls and additional approvals; if you need international shipping we will advise on the required approvals and any extra costs but note many international shipments of weapons/parts are prohibited.

9) Contact & queries

If you have any questions about shipping, RFD collection, required documents, or estimated timings, call us on 01253 627720 or email info@blackpoolairguns.co.uk.