Shipping, Returns & Refund Policy

At Cherrywood Orchard, we take pride in providing premium Flathead Skeena cherries and Italian plums shipped directly from our orchard. Because our fruit is fresh, seasonal, and perishable, our shipping and refund policies are slightly different from standard retail purchases. Please read carefully before placing your order.

Shipping Policy

Cherries are harvested once each year between late July and early August. Orders placed before harvest are considered pre-orders, which means your order reserves fruit from the upcoming crop. Once harvest begins, orders are picked, packed, and shipped in the order they were received.

We ship only Monday through Wednesday to ensure delivery before the weekend. Most destinations are served by UPS Next Day Air or 2nd Day Air, while Montana residents receive a discounted in-state shipping option.

To preserve freshness, cherries and plums are packed in insulated boxes with cold packs, and the fruit is pre-chilled before packing to maximize shelf life. Orders are available in five- or seven-pound boxes.

Returns & Refunds

Because cherries and plums are fresh and highly perishable, we do not accept physical returns. Instead, our policy focuses on refunds, cancellations, and replacement eligibility.

Orders may be canceled for a full refund up to two weeks before harvest begins. Within two weeks of harvest, cancellations are not guaranteed, as fruit allocation and harvest planning rely on pre-orders.

If we are unable to fulfill your order due to crop loss, weather events, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund.

We carefully hand-pick, pack, and ship each order, but occasionally issues may arise in transit. Please inspect your fruit upon arrival. If your order arrives damaged, spoiled, or significantly below quality standards, contact us within 24 hours of delivery with a description and photos. We will review the issue and offer either a replacement shipment, if available during harvest, or a refund.

While we make every effort to ensure timely delivery, we cannot control UPS shipping delays once packages leave the orchard. If a delay results in spoiled fruit, we will work with you to make it right, but refunds may be limited if the delay was outside our control, such as severe weather or UPS system disruptions.

It is the customer’s responsibility to provide the correct shipping address. We cannot refund orders shipped to an incorrect address provided at checkout. UPS will attempt delivery per their service terms, and missed deliveries remain the responsibility of the customer.

How to Request a Refund or Report an Issue

To request a refund or report an issue, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery. Provide your order number, a description of the issue, and clear photos of the product and packaging. We will review your request promptly and confirm the next steps.

Summary

Cancellations are accepted up to two weeks before harvest. Refunds are guaranteed if we cannot fulfill your order due to crop loss. Damaged or spoiled fruit must be reported within 24 hours of delivery for a refund or replacement. Because fresh fruit is perishable, returns cannot be accepted.

At Cherrywood Orchard, our goal is to deliver the freshest, most flavorful Flathead cherries and plums possible. We appreciate your understanding of the unique challenges of shipping fresh fruit and thank you for supporting Montana growers.