FAQs

Some of the most frequently asked questions of The Fossil Store.

1. How do I know it's an authentic fossil?

   Every item displayed for sale on thefossilstore.com is immediately and automatically verified as described as a guaranteed fossil specimen or material containing fossil trace specimens, unless otherwise stated in the accompanying description page.
   Item purchasers are encouraged to print this, retain and attach to their official receipt page for insurance purposes and their own records. We also recommend printing out our 'Fossil Authentication Certificate Template' (FACT), available as a downloadable PDF from our website. To receive a signature verification, simply fill out your purchase reference details and send the FACT to us to the address included (along with an SAE) and we will return the completed FACT for your retention.

2. Can I display this fossil outside and will it withstand frost and freezing temperatures without needing to be brought indoors?

   In general, we would advise that all fossil material is treated with care and respect. If an item is suitable for outdoor display, this may be noted in the description but in any doubt, please contact us for guidance.
   Products from the 'Garden' section of thefossilstore.com may well be appropriate for an outdoor setting, in theory – but in environments subject to severe or inclement weather, including frosts, snows and torrential rain, we would advise special care to be taken – either by applying a suitable covering or moving the fossil to a more temperate place during such seasonal extremes.
   In the case of Moroccan ammonoids and Orthoceras marbles/limestones of the Devonian period, placing these in an exterior setting will cause them to lose their highly polished sheen effect. This is created by professional polishers in our overseas workshops and in order to retain it, we advise interior display only.
   If you're in any doubt whatsoever, we advise you to consult with us before placing any item in an exterior setting.

3. How do I clean and preserve the fossil?

   In the vast majority of cases, the only cleaning of a fossil specimen we recommend is light dust removal. However, for Moroccan ammonoids and Orthoceras marbles/limestones of the Devonian period, we advise regular polishing with beeswax or household wax sprays to enhance the lustrous appearance and 'nourish' the stone.
   For externally displayed items, please see question 2 above.

4. I need to include the fossil in my insurance/division/probate valuation, how do I do this?

   Retain your receipt, product information and FACT (as mentioned in question 1) in order to provide accurate information on specimen value. For items of a certain cost or higher, a separate specialist policy may be required. We also provide written valuations for specific cases. For detailed advice relating to fee information and particular products, please contact us. For enquiries in writing or to send a FACT for verification for insurance/accreditation purposes, please use our PO Box address as detailed below.

5. I am an international customer - which taxes will I need to pay?

   There is no VAT applicable to your purchase but it may be subject custom clearance duty in your particular country of residence. We recommend investigation of this prior to making any purchase.
   Further detailed information can be found on our International Guests page.

6. What is your address/Can I visit your store?

   The Fossil Store Ltd is a fully accredited internet only commercial operation, having receded entirely from our previous gallery and shop locations in the northwest of England, in order to reduce costs and provide a more streamlined service to our customers. We no longer receive visitors but are happy to provide further information and deal with the enquiries of customers should they wish to contact us. For FACT verification, please use our PO Box address as detailed below.

7. Is it legal to buy these products in a 'non museum' arrangement and to have them shipped to my country of residence?

   The restrictions regarding the international purchase and movement of fossils has developed significantly in the decades since our business was established. In general, if an item is for sale in the Fossil Store catalogue, then it is legal to do so from Great Britain but this does not necessarily mean it is legal for you to import it to your country of residence.
   Many of the items in our collection have been purchased from other collections amassed before the legislation and cite certificates were appropriate, so we advise discussing your particular intended purchase with us if you’re in any doubt.
   Currently, restrictions apply most typically to Chinese fossils and some Russian fossil remains of scientific importance. Also, any dinosaur vertebrate material requires wider certification if the intention is to export material that is of a highly important nature and/or is nearly complete. Movement within the UK – provided the original import to the UK was legal - is all totally fine.
   Previously, many different fossil types could be bought in museum shops. Today that situation has changed, with only some small and common fossils (typically British examples) still available for sale. Many of the fossils of British origin found in our catalogue would not be available in museum shops and the vast majority of non British specimens certainly wouldn't.

8. The fossil has arrived damaged, what should I do?

   Be sure to retain all interior and exterior packaging, as well as any original postal documents included. Take photographs of any damage indentified (we may ask you to email these to assist us in addressing the problem) and contact us within the timescale prescribed in our terms and conditions.

9. I have damaged/broken the fossil, what should I do?

   We offer a comprehensive, professional workshop restoration service and while we cannot guarantee that anything can be fixed, we're happy to respond to enquiries relating to any damages - please contact us with the relevant information.
   The Fossil Store workshop charges start from just £60 per hour (excluding collection and delivery charges).