Questions we are often asked.
On payment, the COA, returns, living specimens, overseas delivery and lead times. For anything not covered here, please reach out.
What payment methods do you accept?
PayPal (cart checkout) is available now. Bank transfer and credit-card payments will be added in stages. Works marked “Inquire” are settled individually after a consultation.
Can I buy a high-value work?
Yes. High-value works are handled individually after a consultation, when we advise the payment method. Works marked “Inquire” show no price; we guide you through the arrangement. Please contact us.
What is the COA (Certificate of Authenticity)?
The COA is a document certifying the work as genuine. It bears the artist, title, series, date of issue, specimen data and serial number, and is delivered with an engraved serial and a wax seal. The seal is applied in two places: on the certificate, and on the opening of the specimen case. It is issued by HERCULES LABO Co., Ltd. See “About the COA” for more.
Can I return a work?
As every work is one of a kind, we do not accept returns for change of mind. If a piece is damaged in transit, please contact us promptly upon arrival (transit-damage cover for specimen art). See “Returns & Refunds” for details.
How are living specimens shipped? Is there a guarantee?
Living specimens are domestic-only and have no cart; they are arranged by inquiry — we advise the payment method individually, and they may be collected in person. They ship by Yu-Pack with a delivery time slot and carry a 72-hour live-arrival guarantee. If the specimen has died on arrival, contact us the same day; if it weakens and dies after arrival, contact us within 72 hours of arrival, with photos showing its condition. We will send an equivalent specimen, or refund in full if none is available (shipping at our cost). The guarantee requires a delivery time slot, receipt in person on the day, and photos submitted with the packaging unopened. Full conditions are on our “Returns & Refunds” page. Dispatch may be held during extreme heat or cold for the specimen’s safety.
Do you ship overseas? What about customs duties?
Our specimen art can be delivered overseas (destinations open in stages as each country is prepared). Import VAT, customs duties and clearance fees are the customer’s responsibility under the destination country’s rules (DDU). We share an estimated landed cost for your country before dispatch, so you can review it in advance. See “Import VAT & Duties” below for a country-by-country reference. Living specimens are available within Japan only.
What are your lead times?
Works we have ready ship after payment is confirmed, once carefully packed. Pieces involving preparation or bespoke commissions vary by scope. In every case we share an estimated timeline before dispatch. If your timing is pressing, let us know.
How are the works made? Do you harm the beetles?
We never kill for art. We use only beetles that were farm-raised and lived out their natural span. Honored and given a second life as art, they carry the culture of Hercules to the next generation. See “Ethics” for more.
Can I view a work in person before buying?
Our store, with its café, is in preparation. We will announce the opening date as soon as it is set. If you would like to discuss a purchase in advance, contact us via “Contact & Reserve.”
Import VAT & Duties (DDU)
Import duties & taxes (please read before ordering). Prices and shipping do not include import VAT, customs duties, or clearance fees charged by your destination country. As the importer, you are responsible for these charges, which your carrier or customs office will collect before delivery.
For fine-art pieces, most countries charge little or no customs duty (for specimen-based decorative art this is not yet settled) but do apply import VAT (e.g. UK 5%, France 5.5%, Italy 5%, Germany 7%). We will send you an estimated landed cost for your country before we ship — your order proceeds only after you confirm. Refusing delivery does not waive these charges. Questions? Contact us before purchasing.
Import VAT by country
Principal examples of import VAT applied to works of art.
- United Kingdom
- 5%
- France
- 5.5%
- Italy
- 5%
- Germany
- 7%
These reduced rates apply only where a piece qualifies as a work of art; whether specimen-based decorative art so qualifies is not yet settled, and where it does not, standard rates may apply (e.g. Germany 19%, UK 20%). Rates and rules are subject to change. We reconfirm the prevailing rate and send you an estimated landed cost before dispatch. The final amount is determined by the customs authority of the destination country.
For anything not covered here, we are glad to help.
Contact & Reserve