Welcome to Dirty Little Reefers terms and conditions

Last Updated: March 2025

By accessing the Dirty Little Reefers website or placing an order with Dirty Little Reefers (“we” or “us”), you (“you” or “Customer”) agree to the following Terms and Conditions. These terms govern all transactions with Dirty Little Reefers and outline the rights and responsibilities of both the customer and the company. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not place an order or use our services.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom and applicable laws of the European Union. By entering into this agreement, you acknowledge that any disputes or claims will be resolved under these governing laws. These Terms do not affect any mandatory rights you have under UK or EU consumer protection laws. 

When placing an order with Dirty Little Reefers, you must provide complete and accurate information. This includes your full name, correct delivery address, and up-to-date contact details. Providing false or inaccurate information may result in delays or inability to fulfill your order, for which we will not be responsible.

• Non-Refundable Deposit: To begin sourcing your requested marine livestock, a £10 (or €12) deposit is required. This deposit is used to initiate the search and procurement process. Once the sourcing process begins, the deposit is non-refundable (except in the rare case that we are unable to source the requested item, in which case the deposit will be returned). If you proceed with the purchase, the deposit will be applied toward the final price of your order.
• Cancellations: If you cancel your order at any stage after the deposit or any further payment has been made, all payments made up to that point (including the deposit) are non-refundable. This policy is in place to cover the time and resources invested in sourcing your request. By confirming your order and paying the deposit, you accept that you will forfeit these payments if you decide to cancel.

Dirty Little Reefers will coordinate shipping of your marine fish or coral once your order is ready. We use reputable couriers experienced in handling live aquatic shipments. However, once the package is in transit, certain factors are beyond our control. The following terms apply to shipping and delivery:

• Courier Delays: We aim for timely delivery, but occasionally courier delays or mishandling can occur. If a courier delay occurs that adversely affects your delivery (for example, causing the livestock to perish in transit), we will work with you to either refund your order or provide a replacement shipment at our discretion. This applies only to delays caused by the courier during transit, and you must notify us immediately if you suspect a delay has jeopardized the livestock.
• Customer Availability: It is your responsibility to be available to receive the package on the expected delivery day. If delivery is attempted and you are not present or unavailable to accept the package, and the livestock’s health is affected as a result, no refund or replacement will be provided. Make sure to track your shipment (we will provide tracking information) and arrange to receive it in person.
• Acceptance of Delivery: You must accept all deliveries, regardless of the time of arrival. Live aquatic shipments may sometimes arrive outside of expected hours due to logistical issues. Refusal to accept a package (for example, refusing delivery because it arrived late or at an inconvenient time) means you forfeit any right to a refund or replacement for that order. Always accept the delivery and then contact us if there are any issues — this ensures we can properly address any problems under our DOA policy (see Section 4).
• Customs and External Delays: Dirty Little Reefers is not liable for delays or losses due to customs clearance procedures or other external factors beyond our control (such as weather events, carrier strikes, import/export regulations, or other unforeseeable events). If a shipment is held or delayed by customs or other authorities, we will assist where possible, but we cannot guarantee a refund or replacement in such cases. Please ensure you are aware of any import requirements or restrictions in your country prior to ordering.

We take great care to ensure your marine fish and corals arrive alive and healthy. However, due to the delicate nature of live animals, issues can sometimes occur during transit. Our Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy provides a remedy in such cases, provided you follow the required steps:

• Immediate Inspection: You must inspect the livestock immediately upon delivery. We strongly recommend that you open the package as soon as it arrives. Check the condition of the fish or coral while it is still in its original shipping bag or container.
• Reporting a DOA: If you find that any item is Dead on Arrival, you are required to notify us without delay. Contact us within a short window (ideally within 1–2 hours of the delivery time) to report the DOA. This prompt notification is crucial for the claim to be valid.
• Photographic Evidence: To make a DOA claim, you must provide clear photographic (and preferably video) evidence. Take photos of the livestock in the unopened original bag or container showing its condition, as well as additional photos after opening (if safe to do so) to confirm its condition. These images should be well-lit and focused. We may request that you email or WhatsApp these photos to our team. This evidence is required to substantiate the claim and for us to offer a refund or replacement.
• DOA Claim Evaluation: We will review the submitted evidence and information. If all DOA Policy guidelines are met and we verify that the loss occurred during transit, we will issue a refund or provide a replacement for the affected item(s). Refunds for DOA items, once approved, are typically processed within a few business days. Replacements will be arranged as soon as feasible, subject to availability and scheduling.
• Failure to Comply with DOA Policy: Refunds or replacements will only be issued if you adhere strictly to these DOA procedures. If you do not inspect the delivery immediately, fail to report within the required timeframe, or do not provide the required photographic evidence, you will not be eligible for any refund or replacement under the DOA policy. Additionally, our DOA policy does not cover losses or deaths that are reported after you have already introduced the livestock to your aquarium, or any issues that arise after the initial safe arrival. (For issues arising after arrival, see Section 5 on Liability Limitations.)

Dirty Little Reefers provides live marine animals and strives to ensure they arrive healthy. However, once the animals are in your care, their well-being depends on proper handling and environment. By purchasing from us, you acknowledge and accept the following limitations of liability:

• Post-Delivery Care: We are not responsible for losses or harm resulting from improper care after delivery. This includes, but is not limited to, poor acclimation procedures, incorrect water parameters, inadequate tank conditions, or incompatible tank mates. It is your responsibility to acclimate the new arrivals properly and maintain a suitable aquarium environment. We provide guidance on acclimation, and failure to follow these guidelines can lead to stress or mortality for which we cannot be held liable.
• Health After Arrival: Any stress, illness, or death that occurs after you have received and initially confirmed the livestock to be alive and healthy is not covered by us. We do not guarantee the long-term health of live animals beyond their arrival in good condition. Marine life can be sensitive and may develop issues due to various factors in your aquarium; such issues are at your own risk and responsibility.
• Shipping Delays & External Factors: While we pack livestock to survive normal transit times, unforeseen delays during shipping (such as prolonged transit times, mishandling by the courier, or customs interventions) can occasionally occur. We are not liable for any loss, death, or damages resulting from delays or events outside our control, especially in cases where Section 3 (Customer Responsibilities) conditions were not met by the customer. We will assist with courier claims if applicable, but we do not assume responsibility for consequential losses from these events.
• Indirect or Consequential Damages: Under no circumstances will Dirty Little Reefers be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages or losses arising from the purchase or use of our livestock or services. Our liability for any claim (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) is limited strictly to the value of the purchase in question, to the fullest extent permitted by law. All purchases of live aquatic animals involve some inherent risk, and the customer assumes all such risks upon taking ownership of the livestock.
• Statutory Rights: Nothing in these Terms and Conditions is intended to exclude or limit any rights you have under local law (including statutory consumer rights that cannot be waived). These liability limitations apply only to the extent permitted by applicable law.

To fulfill your orders and provide our services, Dirty Little Reefers will collect and use certain personal information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data lawfully. Key points regarding customer data include:

• Information Required: When you place an order, you must provide accurate personal information including your full name, shipping address, and contact details (phone number and/or email address). This information is necessary to process payments and ship your order to you.
• Use and Sharing of Data: The personal details you provide will be used solely for order fulfillment and delivery purposes. We will share your name, address, and contact information with our trusted suppliers, shipping partners, or couriers as needed to procure your items and ensure they reach you. We only share the minimum information necessary, and our partners are also expected to handle your data securely.
• Privacy Compliance: All personal information is handled in compliance with our Privacy Policy and in accordance with applicable data protection laws (including UK data protection regulations and EU GDPR where relevant). By placing an order, you consent to our collection and use of your information as described in these Terms and our Privacy Policy. We do not sell or misuse your data, and we take reasonable measures to safeguard it. For more details on how we manage personal data or to inquire about your data, please review our Privacy Policy or contact us directly.

Dirty Little Reefers offers several secure payment options to make your transactions convenient and safe. All orders must be paid in full before we ship any items to you. We do not offer cash on delivery or credit terms. The accepted payment methods are:

• PayPal: You may pay using PayPal, which allows you to use your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or credit/debit card through the PayPal interface.
• Revolut: We accept payments via Revolut, a digital banking service. You can transfer the due amount to our Revolut account as instructed on your invoice.
• Bank Transfer: Direct bank transfers (BACS/SEPA or international wire) are accepted. You will receive our banking details on the invoice. Please use your order number or name as a reference when making a transfer. Note that your order will only be processed once the funds have cleared in our account.
• Card Payments via Shop Reader: In certain cases (for example, if arranged directly or in person), we can process your payment using our shop’s card reader or point-of-sale system. This might involve a credit or debit card transaction in person or through a secure remote link. We will inform you if this option is available or necessary for your transaction.

Payment Timing: All payments (including deposits and any remaining balance) must be completed and received by us before shipping. We will not dispatch any livestock or products until full payment has been confirmed. If you delay payment, it will delay the sourcing or shipping of your order. Any payment fees (for example, international transfer fees or PayPal transaction charges) are the responsibility of the customer. Ensure that the amount we receive is the full price as invoiced. If we do not receive the full payment, we may hold the order until the balance is settled or, if not resolved, treat it as a cancellation (subject to the cancellation terms in Section 2).

Dirty Little Reefers reserves certain rights to ensure smooth operation of our services and to protect our business interests. By engaging with our services, you acknowledge these rights:

• Right to Modify Terms: We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes may be necessary to reflect updates to our policies, changes in law, or improvements to our services. If we make material changes, we will publish the updated Terms on our website with a new effective date. It is your responsibility to review the Terms periodically. Continued use of our website or services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you should discontinue use of our services.
• Final Decision on Disputes: In the event of any dispute, claim, or issue arising between you and Dirty Little Reefers (for example, disagreements about DOA claims, refunds, or interpretation of these Terms), Dirty Little Reefers reserves the right to make the final decision. We promise to consider all facts and to act in good faith to resolve issues fairly. However, the company’s determination will be final and binding with respect to the application of our policies and terms, to the extent permitted by law. This means we have the final say on how these Terms are interpreted and enforced in any given situation. (Of course, this does not remove your right to seek remedies through legal means if applicable under governing law.)
• Reservation of Rights: Any rights not expressly granted to you in these Terms are reserved by Dirty Little Reefers. Failure by us to enforce any part of these Terms in a particular instance does not waive our right to enforce it in the future. If any provision of these Terms is found to be unlawful or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision will be deemed severable from the Terms and will not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms and Conditions or any aspect of your experience with Dirty Little Reefers, please feel free to contact us:

• Email: admin@dirtylittlereefers.com
• Phone/WhatsApp: +44 (0)7760 304522 (available during business hours for calls and messages)
• Contact Form: You can also reach out through the Contact Us page on our website.

Our customer support team is here to help and will respond as soon as possible. We value your business and aim to address any issues in a prompt and fair manner.