Purchase Policies
Fossil Realm policies
Clear terms for authenticity, documentation, returns, payment and the safe delivery of natural-history specimens.
These policies apply to specimens sold directly by Fossil Realm unless a quotation, invoice or separate written purchase agreement states otherwise.
Last updated August 2026
Authenticity and documentation
A clear account of what is being acquired
Fossil Realm unconditionally guarantees the authenticity of every specimen it sells.
Each specimen is evaluated for identity, condition, repairs, restoration and available provenance information. We work with established suppliers and specialists and communicate material uncertainties rather than setting them aside.
Natural-history specimens are unique and may exhibit natural imperfections, repairs, restoration or other intervention. Known repairs and restoration are described to the extent reasonably ascertainable.
Every specimen sold by Fossil Realm is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity. Condition reports and supporting records are available upon request, with the scope of documentation proportionate to the specimen, its history and the nature of the acquisition.
If a good-faith concern arises regarding authenticity or a material discrepancy from the written description, Fossil Realm will review the available evidence and may seek an independent specialist opinion. If the specimen is determined not to be authentic as represented or materially differs from its written description, Fossil Realm will accept its return and refund the purchase price.
Further information about our approach can be found on our Integrity and Authenticity page.
Purchases
Returns and Reservations
Returns
Items priced below $7,500 USD may be returned within 14 days of delivery for a full refund.
Items must be returned in their original condition. For a voluntary return, return shipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility. Refunds are issued after the specimen has been received and inspected.
Items priced at $7,500 USD or more are final sale unless otherwise agreed in writing or required by applicable law.
Before a final-sale purchase is completed, buyers may request additional photographs, condition information and available supporting documentation. A physical or third-party inspection may also be arranged where practical.
Please contact Fossil Realm before returning any item.
Reservations
A reservation deposit is applied in full toward the purchase price. Unless otherwise agreed, a 20% non-refundable deposit reserves a specimen for up to 30 days.
The reservation period and deposit terms will be confirmed in writing before payment. The deposit will be refunded if Fossil Realm is unable to supply the specimen because of loss or damage while it remains in our possession.
Significant acquisitions
Separate Purchase Agreements
Higher-value, unusually complex or logistically demanding acquisitions will ordinarily be governed by a separate written purchase agreement. This allows the terms to reflect the particular specimen and transaction rather than relying solely on general retail policies.
Specimen and documentation
The specimen’s description, identity, condition, known restoration, provenance and supporting records.
Commercial terms
Price, currency, deposits and payment schedule; inspection or acceptance arrangements; final-sale or return terms; and the point at which ownership transfers.
Delivery and responsibility
Packing, crating, storage, shipment, insurance, risk of loss, import or export responsibilities and installation where applicable.
The agreement is provided for review and accepted before the transaction is completed. Where its terms differ from these general policies, the separate agreement will govern that transaction, subject to applicable law.
Packing and transport
Shipping and Delivery
Packing, timing and insurance requirements vary considerably according to the size, value, fragility and destination of the specimen.
Handling and timing
Most orders are shipped within one week after full payment has been received and cleared.
Large, heavy or fragile specimens may require custom packing or crating and may take longer to prepare. When additional preparation is required, an estimated shipping date will be provided.
Shipping and delivery times are estimates. Fossil Realm is not responsible for carrier or customs delays after dispatch.
Insurance, damage and loss
All specimens are packed with care using methods appropriate to the material.
The shipping method, insurance arrangements, associated costs and allocation of responsibility will be confirmed before dispatch. Insurance is strongly recommended for valuable or fragile specimens and may be arranged by Fossil Realm, the buyer or a specialist carrier, as agreed.
If a shipment arrives damaged, photograph the specimen and all packaging immediately and contact Fossil Realm as soon as possible. We will assist with tracking and any applicable carrier or insurance claim.
Responsibility for loss or damage will follow the agreed shipping terms and applicable law.
International orders
Customs, Permits and Import Requirements
International shipments are accurately described and declared using the appropriate customs classification and actual transaction value. Fossil Realm will not understate values or falsify customs documentation.
The buyer is responsible for import duties, taxes, brokerage fees, destination-country permits and other charges imposed at the destination. The buyer is also responsible for confirming that the specimen may legally be imported and for obtaining any documentation required by the destination country.
Fossil Realm will provide the available specimen, provenance and export documentation associated with the acquisition and will cooperate with the buyer and carrier in addressing known shipping requirements.
Customs decisions and processing times remain outside Fossil Realm’s control. Although we will assist with available documentation, admission into the destination country cannot be guaranteed.
Transaction terms
Payment, Currency and Tax
Payment
All prices are listed and processed in US Dollars unless otherwise stated.
Purchases of $7,500 USD or more must be paid by wire transfer.
Specimens will be shipped only after full payment has been received and cleared.
Sales tax
Listed and quoted prices exclude applicable sales taxes unless otherwise stated. Required taxes will be added according to the transaction and delivery location.
Staged payments
Staged payment arrangements may be considered on an individual basis for certain higher-value acquisitions. Where offered, the deposit, payment schedule, delivery and transfer of ownership will be set out in a separate written agreement. The specimen will ordinarily remain in Fossil Realm’s possession until payment has been received in full.
Personal information
Privacy
Fossil Realm is committed to protecting personal information. Please review our Privacy Policy for further information.
Where a quotation, invoice or separate written purchase agreement contains terms that differ from these general policies, the terms of that document will govern the applicable transaction.
Nothing in these policies is intended to limit rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.