Fear Not Tarantulas, a U.S.-based online retailer specializing in tarantulas and other arthropods, offers a free promotional item and a potential bonus animal with qualifying purchases. The company provides a free plush spider toy for orders that meet a specific monetary threshold. Additionally, customer reviews indicate that free live tarantulas are frequently included as "freebies" with qualifying orders, although the official terms and conditions do not guarantee a specific live animal bonus.
Free Plush Spider Offer
The primary promotional offer detailed on the Fear Not Tarantulas website is a free plush spider toy. This offer is available to customers who place orders totaling $50 or more.
- Eligibility Threshold: The order total must be at least $50. This amount is calculated after the application of any discounts but before shipping costs are added.
- Item Details: The free plush spiders are described as "adorable" and measure approximately 9 inches by 6 inches.
- Selection: Customers can choose from three different colors for the plush toy.
- Limitations: The offer is strictly limited to one freebie per shipment. The regular price of the item is listed as $0.00.
Potential Free Live Tarantulas
While the official terms of service explicitly detail the plush toy offer, extensive customer feedback confirms the availability of live tarantulas as free bonuses with qualifying orders. This appears to be a standard practice for the company, though specific eligibility rules for these live bonuses are not codified in the provided terms of service.
- Customer Experiences: Multiple verified customer reviews on a third-party platform mention receiving free live tarantulas with their purchases. One customer noted, "I got a free tarantula with my purchase? How cool is that? I was debating between two and managed to get them both and then my third choice was free!" Another reviewer stated, "we took advantage of the opportunity and was lucky to be able to buy 6 spiders and get a freebie as well (my favorite perk about FNT is getting freebies with orders that qualify for certain amounts, just about guaranteed a freebie with your purchase)."
- Availability: The terms of service mention that a free live tarantula may be replaced with a future order "as long as it is still being offered as a ‘freebie’," implying that the availability of live animal bonuses can vary.
- Policy on Free Live Animals: The terms of service explicitly state that if a tarantula that arrived Dead on Arrival (DOA) was a bonus or freebie, Fear Not Tarantulas is "under no obligation to replace it." However, they may offer a replacement with the customer's next order if the freebie is still available.
Live Arrival Guarantee and Requirements
Fear Not Tarantulas maintains a strict Live Arrival Guarantee for all live animals, including any free bonus tarantulas. Adhering to specific delivery and notification protocols is required for the guarantee to be honored.
Delivery and Receipt Protocols
- First Delivery Attempt: The guarantee is void if the recipient is not available to receive the package on the first delivery attempt. This applies even if the carrier arrives earlier or later than the estimated time.
- FedEx Center Pickup: If the order is shipped to a FedEx center for customer pickup, the order must be collected within two hours of its arrival at the facility.
- Immediate Unpacking: It is crucial to unpack the tarantulas as soon as the package arrives. If immediate unpacking is not possible, any heat or cold packs must be removed from the box.
Reporting Dead on Arrival (DOA)
- Timeframe: The company must be notified of a DOA within two hours of delivery. Failure to report within this window voids the live animal guarantee.
- Documentation: To claim the guarantee, the recipient must provide a clear picture of the deceased tarantula. The photo must show the tarantula laid out on a coin to verify its size and condition. This photo must be received by the company on the day of delivery.
Post-Shipment Care Instructions
To ensure the health of tarantulas after they have been shipped—a stressful process for the animals—Fear Not Tarantulas provides specific care instructions. These tips are crucial for the survival and well-being of the new pet.
- Habitat Preparation: Habitats must be prepared and ready for the tarantulas on the day of delivery.
- Misting: Before introducing the tarantula to its new home, the habitat should be misted. Both the walls and the substrate should be wetted. This is important because tarantulas can become dehydrated during shipping, and accessible water droplets are vital.
- Unpacking: Great care must be taken when unpacking small spiderlings, as improper handling can be fatal. The company provides a video tutorial on their website demonstrating the correct unpacking process for spiderlings.
Customer Service and Reputation
Based on customer reviews, Fear Not Tarantulas is regarded for its responsive customer service and clear communication regarding policies. Customers report receiving quick and professional replies to inquiries. The company also actively responds to reviews, addressing concerns and thanking customers. The reviews consistently highlight positive experiences with packaging, shipping, and the health of the animals received, including the free bonus tarantulas.