Shipping, Handling, and Sales Tax Explained
Understand the charges shown before payment and why they vary by school, event, order, and delivery method.
Quick answer: Every charge is shown in the order summary before payment. The amount depends on the event’s delivery setup, products, shipping destination, and applicable tax rules.
Shipping
Shipping normally applies when an order is mailed to a home or another direct-delivery address. The available service and rate are displayed in the current gallery. Some events offer school delivery instead of direct shipping, and some offer a customer choice.
Handling
Handling can support order processing, packaging, classroom sorting, event fulfillment, or another service connected to the order. A handling charge may appear even when physical products are delivered through the school.
Sales tax
Applicable sales tax is calculated from the taxable products, delivery destination, and current tax requirements. Digital and physical products may be treated differently depending on the order and jurisdiction.
Why charges can differ
- Different schools or photo events use different delivery settings.
- A late order may require home shipping after school delivery has closed.
- Specialty products may ship separately or use a different fulfillment method.
- Multiple children may be in separate carts that each have their own delivery charges.
- A free-shipping threshold or promotion may apply only to a qualifying cart.
Review before paying
The checkout page is the final place to verify shipping, handling, tax, discounts, and the total. Contact Van Gogh before payment when a charge appears inconsistent with the event instructions.
Important: Customer Support cannot promise to refund a correctly displayed event charge after the order has been submitted. Review the total carefully before completing payment.
Still need help?
Use the Van Gogh Help Center to search for an answer or submit a private support ticket. You can also email info@vangoghphoto.com or call 847-382-2282.
Please include:
- Student’s school and photo event
- Screenshot of the cart summary
- Delivery method shown
- Products and subtotal
- Promotion or free-shipping message, if applicable
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