Terms and Conditions

Ward's Science is Here to Help You
We've made it easy to place your Ward's Science order by providing all the information you need below.

Shipping Terms
All orders will incur shipping and handling fees added to the total order value. Shipping charges may vary based on the nature of the product, total weight, destination, delivery date, and delivery method. Orders will ship via UPS carrier at current published rates. Shipping costs are estimated at the time of online order. Orders required to ship by motor freight may incur an additional shipping charge. All orders $24.99 or less (pre-tax) will be subject to an additional $7.00 handling fee. Our shipping terms are FOB shipping point unless otherwise specified. For more information regarding specific shipping terms for your account, contact your Ward's Science Account Manager. Visit wardsci.com/repfinder to locate a representative in your area.

Order Online and Save!

Receive FREE standard ground shipping on orders of $250 or more when you place your order online at wardsci.com. Order total must be at least $250 before tax; total may include live and hazardous materials, however these materials will remain subject to standard shipping charges and fees. Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

Chemical & Hazardous Shipping Fee

Materials classified as hazardous by the D.O.T. may include, but are not limited to, chemicals, microbiological specimens, or activity kits containing these materials. If your order contains an item classified as hazardous by the D.O.T., a minimum $27.50 fee will be charged for each order. Orders for chemicals and hazardous materials will only be accepted from educational and research institutions; we will not ship chemicals to individuals. Select chemicals are now available with Poison Packs to enable faster shipping. Previously, these chemicals shipped freight within 7-14 days and incurred a $70.00 freight shipping charge. Now, added Poison Packs enable your chemicals to ship via UPS to arrive within 3-4 days, eliminating the $70 freight charge. For a list of chemicals that include Poison Packs, visit wardsci.com/chemicalship .

Live Materials Delivery & Guarantee

All micro life cultures will be delivered to you within two business days when order is placed before 12:00 om EST. (demonstration plates, microalgae, Nostoc excluded). Your specimens or cultures will arrive in good condition or we will send a free replacement as soon as the next day. Requesting a delivery date of Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday ensures healthy delivery of your live specimens.

Bacteria and Pathogens

Shipping pathogens and bacterial cultures to high schools and individuals is prohibited by the Federal Health Service. State or local authorities may require a permit before we can ship pathogens to you. Colleges and universities are permitted to order pathogens and bacterial cultures through an institutional purchase order only.

Product Representation

Every effort is made to ensure accuracy in our product images, descriptions, and pricing prior to publication. However, due to occasional changes made by vendors after date of publication, the physical appearance of items may change or vary in color from what is shown in the catalog. We assure the items you receive will satisfy all product specifications and requirements. Catalog pricing and product availability is subject to change. If a typographical error in pricing should occur, we are not obligated to honor the misprinted price. Please check our website for the most recent updates to product images, descriptions, availability, and pricing.

Your Favorite Items, Always in Stock

Thousands of our best-selling products always stocked and ready when you need them, so you don't have to wait for the items you use most. Items are shipped within 48 hours of ordering when order is received electronically or by phone prior to 1:00 pm EST. In-stock promise and 48-hour shipping time excludes hazardous chemicals and exceptional order quantities which will be made available at lead time. Availability subject to change in the event of natural disaster or forces of nature affecting sourcing, shipping, transportation, or availability of living material required for producing saleable goods. Ward's Science will contact the customer directly to communicate the occurrence of such an event and provide alternate materials when available. Current stock and availability for all products available online on every product page.

Promotional Exclusions

Unless otherwise specified, any item with a price ending in '9' (i.e. $5.09, $14.99, $100.89) is excluded from special offers, discounts, and promotions. Promotional discounts may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions. Offers for free shipping include standard ground shipping only.

Credit & Invoicing

Credit is extended to all educational institutions. Terms are net 30 days from the date of invoice. Teachers' personal orders are always welcome. For more information email wardscs@vwr.com.

Sales Tax

Sales tax (state and local) will be included on your invoice. If you are exempt from sales tax, please provide proper documentation when placing your order. Visit us online to download a form at wardsci.com/taxexempt.

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Returns

We accept product returns for any reason within 60 days of purchase. Items returned must be unused and in original packaging. To return an item for refund, replacement, or credit, please email wardscs@vwr.com or call 800-962-2660 for a return authorization number and further instructions for return. Please have your order number readily available so that we can better assist you. In some cases, a restocking fee may apply. Items returned without prior authorization may not be accepted or credited. Items under warranty will be repaired or replaced at our discretion. To ensure the quickest return or replacements, we recommend you inspect all packages immediately upon arrival to ensure your satisfaction. A carrier inspection may be required. 

Print These Terms