AF Plakad Thai DOA Policy for live betta fish shipping
Live Betta Shipping • Proof-first • Fair & Clear

DOA Policy (Dead On Arrival)

We pack live bettas with oxygen and protective insulation so they can safely travel during standard transit times. If a fish arrives deceased, this policy explains exactly what qualifies, what proof is required, and how refunds are handled—so both buyer and breeder are protected.

Fast reporting

Submit within 2 hours of delivery for best approval odds.

Sealed bag rule

Claims are valid only when the bag is unopened & sealed.

Refund scope

Approved DOA refunds cover fish price only (shipping excluded).

DOA Claim Requirements (Steps 1–8)

Follow these steps in order. If you’re unsure, the safest rule is: keep everything sealed, take clear photos, and contact us immediately.

Quick Video: How to File a DOA Claim

No text in video (AI typo-proof 😄)

Sealed bag requirement for DOA claim proof

1 Sealed Bag Requirement

The fish must be confirmed deceased inside a fully sealed, unopened bag. If the bag is opened, cut, or re-bagged, the claim is automatically invalid.

  • Bag must remain sealed (no cutting / no opening / no re-bagging)
  • Evidence must clearly show the seal and the fish inside
Example of DOA proof photos: package label and sealed fish bag

2 Required Proof (No proof = no claim)

Provide clear photos (and/or a short video) showing the sealed bag and the fish inside. Evidence must be readable, well-lit, and unedited.

  • Photo 1: full package label (tracking visible if available)
  • Photo 2: sealed bag + fish clearly visible (no open edges)
  • Optional: short video panning across seal and fish for clarity
Delivery time window reminder for DOA claim

3 Claim Window

Claims must be submitted quickly after delivery. Delayed claims are usually impossible to verify fairly.

  • Submit within 2 hours after the delivery timestamp (recommended)
  • If you cannot submit within the window, contact us immediately with a reason
Refund scope: fish price only, shipping excluded

4 Refund Scope

If approved, we refund only the fish price for the confirmed DOA item. Shipping and fees are not refundable because the carrier service was delivered.

  • Refund covers only the affected fish item(s)
  • Shipping cost is not refundable
  • Refund method follows original payment method when possible
Examples of invalid DOA claims or missing proof

5 What Is Not Covered

We cannot approve claims that are outside the rules or caused by factors beyond fair verification.

  • Opened / cut / re-bagged bags
  • No clear evidence, blurry photos, or missing seal visibility
  • Claims submitted after the claim window without prior notice
  • Improper recipient handling after delivery (e.g., leaving package in heat)
Live fish shipping risk notes: delays and weather

6 Carrier Delays & Weather

Live shipping always carries some risk. Severe delays, extreme heat/cold, or customs-related holds may increase risk. We pack with oxygen and insulation to maximize survival, but we still require the same proof rules.

  • Typical transit: 5–7 days (fish can survive 5–10 days in proper packing)
  • If tracking shows a major delay, message us ASAP before opening anything
  • Extreme weather days may require rescheduling shipment
Steps for wrong fish or order mismatch verification

7 Wrong Fish / Order Issue

If you believe you received the wrong fish, keep the bag sealed and contact us immediately with clear photos of the fish and package label. We will verify using our packing logs and listing photos/videos.

  • Do not open the bag until we confirm the issue
  • Send: label photo + sealed bag photo + screenshot of your order
  • We may request additional angles for identification
DOA claim submission checklist

8 How to Submit a Claim

Send your claim via the fastest channel (WhatsApp/Email). Include order details and your proof files in one message so we can process quickly.

  • Order number + customer name
  • Delivery timestamp + tracking (if any)
  • Your photos/video proof (sealed bag clearly visible)
  • Preferred refund method if needed

Pro tip (do this every time)

Before opening any package: record a 10–15 second video showing the sealed bag, the fish inside, and the shipping label. It’s the fastest way to avoid back-and-forth and get a fair decision.

FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about DOA claims.

How fast do I need to report a DOA?

Report as soon as possible—ideally within 2 hours of delivery. Fast reporting keeps evidence reliable and helps us resolve fairly.

Can I open the bag to confirm the fish?

No. The bag must remain sealed for a valid DOA claim. Once opened, we cannot verify conditions accurately.

What do you refund if my DOA claim is approved?

We refund the fish price for the confirmed DOA item(s). Shipping fees are not refundable.

What proof do you need?

Clear photos showing the package label (if available) and the fish inside a fully sealed, unopened bag. A short video is helpful but optional.

What if tracking shows a long delay?

Message us immediately before opening anything. Delays increase risk, but proof requirements still apply.