Shipping policy

Last updated: October 16, 2025

At Highwater Publishing, we take great care to ensure that our photobooks and editions reach you in excellent condition. This Shipping Policy explains how we process, ship, and deliver your orders.

1. Processing Times

  • Orders are typically processed and dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.

  • Pre-orders will ship once the title is officially released. Estimated dispatch dates are indicated on the product page.

  • Once dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking details.

2. Packaging

All books are carefully packed with protective wrapping and corner protection to minimize the risk of damage in transit. Please keep the packaging if you need to request a return for a damaged item.

3. Shipping Area

We currently ship to a select list of countries worldwide, including all European Union countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, and a growing list of international destinations.

If your country does not appear at checkout, please contact us at hello@highwaterpublishing.co and we’ll do our best to assist or arrange a manual order.

4. Shipping Methods & Rates

  • Orders are shipped from Zottegem, Belgium.

  • Shipping costs are flat rates calculated at checkout based on your delivery address. And we use following categories:
    - BE/NL: €6,-
    - EU 1: €12,-
    - EU 2: €24,-
    - WORLD 1: €48,-
    - WORLD 2: €60,-

  • All shipments include track & trace whenever available.

5. Customs and Import Fees

Our prices and shipping rates do not include any local import duties, customs handling fees, or taxes that may apply in your country.
If applicable, these are the responsibility of the recipient.

🇺🇸 Shipping to the United States 🇺🇸

Orders shipped to the USA are sent under DAP (Delivered At Place) terms.
This means that shipping covers transport to your address, but any import duties or customs handling fees (if applicable) are paid by the receiver.

Since books are generally duty-free in the U.S., most customers do not incur additional charges, or only a small customs processing fee charged by the courier.

If you have any questions before placing your order, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to clarify.

(We’re monitoring upcoming changes in U.S. customs regulations and will adjust our shipping options if needed.)

6. Estimated Delivery Times

  • Belgium & The Netherlands: 1–3 business days after dispatch

  • European Union: 3–10 business days after dispatch

  • United Kingdom: 5–12 business days after dispatch

  • United States & other international destinations: 7–20 business days after dispatch

Please note: these are estimated transit times. Actual delivery may vary depending on carrier performance, customs clearance, and local postal handling.

7. Pre-orders and Combined Orders

  • If you order both in-stock and pre-order items, your order will be shipped when all items are available.

  • If you would like in-stock items shipped immediately, please place them in a separate order.

8. Tracking and Delays

  • Tracking numbers are provided for all eligible shipments.

  • Once we hand over your package to the carrier, the responsibility for delivery lies with them. We cannot be held liable for carrier delays.

9. Failed Deliveries and Returns

  • If a package is returned to us due to an incorrect address, refusal, or failure to collect, we can re-ship it at the customer’s expense.

  • Original shipping fees are non-refundable.

10. Damaged Orders

If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos of the packaging and item. We will arrange a replacement (if available) or a refund in line with our [Return Policy].

11. Contact

For any shipping-related questions, please reach out to:

Highwater Publishing
📧 hello@highwaterpublishing.co
📍 Van Aelbrouckstraat 20, 9620 Zottegem, Belgium