Shipping FACTS / FAQ

Questions & Concerns About Shipping?

The shipping prices giving at the check out are just a ESTIMATE! We ship by EXACT WEIGHT. We ALWAYS ship the least expensive way possible using FedEx,UPS, USPS or Speedy Delivery (for Wisconsin and surrounding states only), by GROUND, 2nd Day AIR or Overnight, depending on whether or not you've ordered perishable goods and the time of year. We charge your credit card after your box has been weighed. We will change the estimated charge to the correct number. If you need a exact amount before shipping. Just specify that in the special instructions section on the check out page. We wil call you!

FedEx Home Delivery ground delivers Monday-Saturday (if Saturday service is available in the shipping area).
FedEx Express delivers Monday-Friday.
USPS Delivers Monday-Saturday.
SPEEDY Delivery- delivers ground Mon-Fri to MN, Wi.
The shipping rates applied during checkout are estimates based on total weight and the destination address. In order to guarantee optimum freshness for perishable goods, as well as the lowest shipping cost, we reserve the right to change your shipping method as needed.

Please Note: Neither Bavaria Sausage or FedEx delivers New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We ship via USPS, Monday-Saturday.

Handling Charges

We have no hidden costs.

We will automatically charge a $6.95 handling fee for cooler boxes and special handling on orders for perishable goods.
Please Note: Because of the high cost of shipping with dry-ice, a hazardous material which alone can add up to $25 to the cost of shipping, we DO NOT SHIP WITH DRY-ICE. It is far safer and less costly to our customers for us to ship overnight using cooler boxes and re-usable ice packs.
Weather temperatures permitting, we will ship via USPS PRIORITY whenever possible, which reduces your handling charge to 2.50 or less if a envelope is used.
OUR $6.95 handling fee covers our specially designed styrofoam cooler box, reusable ice packs (when needed) and all other packaging materials and labor.
We charge by the EXACT weight of your box and your zip code using electronic shipping charts we access in real time via computer.
Because we ship at ridiculously high volumes, we get special rates which we pass onto YOU whenever possible!! So, Make your order worth it by adding other products you might like ... Shipping and handling costs for SMALL- LIGHT weight perishable orders can cost more than the cost of the merchandise. The more weight the better. Perhaps you can find 2 people to go in on an order together and split the shipping?
USPS: When ordering non-perishables the computer will estimate a price for a Commercial A box 10 x 7x 4 3/4 inches. If your product does not fit in this box, the next size is 12 x 10 1/4 x 5 inch, the price will be increased by $5-12 depending if we even have to go bigger. Or at that point we will ship Fed Ex. Example. If you order a few boxes of chocolate or more than 4 loafs of bread, they will have to go in a bigger box to protect them and the price will increase. The shpping price will be reflected when your order is updated. We always ship by exact weight and zip code. If you need to know exact pricing when placing a order, Please note this in the special instructions that you want to be called with the exact price and we will call you.

When will my order ship?

While we try to ship all orders received Monday thru Wednesday before 1pm on that same day, or the next. Orders that come in after that will go out the following Monday unless you are in a State close to Wisconsin or require

NOTICE: During SEPTEMBER thru DECEMBER, our busiest months of the year, we do our best to get orders out in the order they come in. Because the order volume is extraordinarily HUGE, please allow extra time for delivery and PLEASE order as early as possible, Snow & Ice storms as well as the volume at that time of the year will delay shipping. We will do our best to post the last day to order for Christmas delivery on our home and checkout pages.

WHEN PLANNING A PARTY ...

PLEASE - PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA DAYS FOR PRODUCT TO ARRIVE. Shipping errors and weather can delay an order.

We do not ship perishables on Thursdays or Fridays unless you select Overnight during the checkout process. ( for States far from Wisconsin)Remember, we are shipping food, and you don't want it sitting over a weekend in some warehouse.)

During warmer months, your products can defrost on the way to you. Our products are made fresh every week. Just put them in the freezer until ready to use.

Orders will be shipped on the next available shipping date following receipt of your order, unless a later date is specified. Please allow 3-7 days for arrival.

If you MUST have your order shipped OVERNIGHT please place your order BEFORE 1:00 pm CST and indicate "OVERNGHT SHIPPING" in your shipping instructions during checkout, or call us at 800-733-6695.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I Ship Brats, Sliced Meats Or Other Perishables Thru USPS?
How Do We Handle Non Perishable Shipping?
Can Glass Be Shipped Thru USPS?
When Will My Order Ship?
What Shipping Companies & Methods Do You Use And, Can I Choose?
How Long Have You Been Shipping?
Do You Use Dry Ice?
What Do You Ship My Order In, How Will It Arrive?
Can I Specify A Shipping Date?
Can I Use My Own FedEx Or Ups Number?
If I Am Sending A Gift, Should I Let The Person Know?
Do You Ship Outside The USA?
Do You Charge A Handling Fee?
How Do You Calculate Shipping & Why Are We Different And Not Charge By The Amount You Spend?
Will Shipping Cost More Than The Product?
Do You Offer A Catalog?
Do You Offer Live Customer Service?
Do You Have A Retail Store, & Where Are You Located?
Are You Just Another Online Warehouse?
Do You Sell Wholesale?
What Makes Bavaria Sausage Different Than Other Companies?

CAN I SHIP BRATS, SLICED MEATS OR OTHER PERISHABLES THRU USPS? Back to top

NO!! perishables like bratwurst, liver sausage, sliced meats, fish, frozen meals and others, CAN NOT BE SHIPPED via USPS or FedEx Ground because they will not not ship perishables nor guarantee the freshness of the products. We need to put perishables in a cooler box with ice packs. Even items like Chocolate and Gummy candy can melt during certain times of the year. USPS boxes do not provide cooling protection. Please do not pick USPS for perishables because we will change the shipping method, to make sure your product gets to you in good shape.

HOW DO WE HANDLE NON PERISHABLE SHIPPING? Back to top

If you are purchasing a non- perishable ITEM like Landjager, Summer sausage, Cheese (at certain times of the year may require a cooler box)) Jams, non-food items. Krauts, chocolates ( this item may require a cooler box during hot months) and many other items we offer. We can ship these USPS Priority Mail if they fit in the boxes that are allowed (see below) or we will use Fed Ex without a cooler box for a $ 2.50 handling fee. USPS does allow liquids sent through them. We will calculate by exact weight and distance, and we will take it down to the exact price on your order form. If you are purchasing a apron, or an item that can fit into a padded envelope we will charge $1.00 handling fee.

USPS: When ordering non-perishables the computer will estimate a price for a Commercial A box 10 x 7x 4 3/4 inches. If your product does not fit in this box, the next size is 12 x 10 1/4 x 5 inch, the price will be increased by $5-9 depending if we even have to go bigger. Or at that point we will ship Fed Ex. Example. If you order a few boxes of chocolate or more than 4 loafs of bread, they will have to go in a bigger box to protect them and the price will increase. The shpping price will be reflected when your order is updated. We always ship by exact weight and zip code. If you need to know exact pricing when placing a order, Please note this in the special instructions that you want to be called with the exact price and we will call you.

WE WILL ALWAYS DO OUR BEST TO SHIP THE LEAST EXPENSIVE WAY POSSIBLE, AND WE WILL CHANGE THE PRICE FROM WHAT THE SHIPPING CALCULATOR SAYS ON OUR WEB SITE. CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!

CAN GLASS BE SHIPPED THRU USPS? Back to top

Some glass items like jam and preserves we can, but pickles and heavy liquid items we will not. These need to be wrapped special and protected in a cooler box. USPS does not accept LIQUIDS.

WHEN WILL MY ORDER SHIP? Back to top

It is very important for us to get your order to you right away. We usually ship your order out within 3-7days. Our biggest shipping days are Monday-Wednesday for perishable items. We ship on Thursday & Fridays, Overnight, or if you are located close to Wisconsin and if it is not perishable. Orders placed Wednesday after 1pm- thru Monday at 1pm will go out that Monday, unless non-perishable. Orders placed after 1 pm on Monday or Tuesday will go out the next day. We ship everyday! We will not ship perishables or heat sensitive items if they will sit over a weekend or Holiday.

Note: Oktoberfest and Holidays- Please allow extra processing time for us to ship your order because of volume, & Weather delays. Please Plan ahead!!

WHAT SHIPPING COMPANIES & METHODS DO YOU USE AND, CAN I CHOOSE? Back to top

We prefer to use FEDEX because we get THE BEST rates & service. Also available is UPS if requested. USPS for non-perishable items, APO’s, Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico addresses. SPEEDEE Delivery is a great economical service if you live in Northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and parts of North & South Dakota.

Yes, you can pick you shipping service, But remember, we know best how to get your product to you for the best cost to assure freshness. Most sausage products are perishable.

Note: To ensure the quality of our fine foods, perishability, distance and weather are all considered in determining whether to ship Ground, 2 Day Air or Overnight.

We reserve the right to change your shipping choice if perishability has NOT been considered on your end; and in the event that there is any question, we will TRY to contact you prior to shipping the order. Please always provide us with a daytime phone number.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SHIPPING? Back to top

The Bavaria name has long been recognized across the Country since the 60’s. We started shipping our products to our Customers and wholesale accounts since the late 1970’s. Where has the time gone?? A lot of things have changed since then! I guess you could say we have a lot of experience!

DO YOU USE DRY ICE? Back to top

We DO NOT use DRY ICE. This is a hazardous material, which the shipping companies charge a lot extra. It is not cost effective. PLEASE NOTE! IT IS LESS EXPENSIVE TO GO OVERNIGHT & 2 Day THAN TO USE DRY ICE.

WHAT DO YOU SHIP MY ORDER IN, HOW WILL IT ARRIVE? Back to top

We ship your order in a corrugated box with a thick styrofoam liner, and plenty of gel freezer packs, for you to keep! Most all perishable items are made fresh than put immediately in the freezer, then packed for shipping. We are a Federal USDA plant and this is required. Products may start to thaw depending on the climate it is going to. This will not hurt the product at all, it is fully cooked. Bread products will never stay frozen and will arrive thawed. It is very important when you receive your shipment to immediately remove your products from the box and place in your refrigerator or freezer.

CAN I SPECIFY A SHIPPING DATE? Back to top

Yes you can, and we will do our best to make sure it gets out on that date. Remember not to put a date down that may be a Thursday or Friday ship date, unless it is to a State close to Wisconsin. We will be also be happy to hold your order as long as needed if you are making plans early.

CAN I USE MY OWN FEDEX OR UPS NUMBER? Back to top

Yes, you sure can! Just include your Shipper number and special instructions to us on the “special Instructions” section on the checkout page. We will only charge you a handling charge.

IF I AM SENDING A GIFT, SHOULD I LET THE PERSON KNOW? Back to top

It is always good to let that person know “something is coming” and watch for it” Specially during the warmer months. We can’t be responsible for the product, if you ship a package and the people are not home, and it sits for days. It is nice to surprise people, but strange things happen! Better to be safe than sorry.

DO YOU SHIP OUTSIDE THE USA? Back to top

Yes we ship to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, APO’s , FPO's addresses Via USPS. Shipping perishables to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will require special 2 Day Air premium shipping with USPS.

Shipping outside the USA, to other countries such Canada, does require a lot of red tape and with customs, we can’t guarantee products will arrive.

DO YOU CHARGE A HANDLING FEE? Back to top

Really if you think about it every company does. If they say it upfront or just include it in the shipping and or products. They have to get it somehow. Nothing is free. I will tell you upfront my shipping charge is $6.95, if we have to use a cooler box. We have not changed this charge in over 12 years. This covers the cooler box, reusable ice packs, tape, foam or other stuffing. If your box can be sent USPS or FedEx without a cooler box we will only charge a $2.50 handling fee.

HOW DO YOU CALCULATE SHIPPING & WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT AND NOT CHARGE BY THE AMOUNT YOU SPEND? Back to top

I have a huge problem with charts. They either overcharge or undercharge. I want to be accurate and to the exact penny. I charge by the EXACT weight of your box and your zip code and which service will it be going. I know you want to know an estimate so we will try to provide one. So many variables go into this. Outside Temperature and which State it is going to, How long will it be on the road? Does it need to go 2 day Air, Overnight or Ground ? Believe it or not, some people think fish and brats can go ground to California ground in July. It can’t. Thats why we pick what is the best way to get it to you in the best condition. Our shipping prices come straight out of the computer to you!. Because we ship a lot of volume, we get special rates which we pass onto YOU!! The prices we are estimating are just that, an estimate. The exact price will be charged when your order is packaged and weighed. We don’t want to Overcharge or Undercharge we want to be exact. We are sorry if you don’t like how we do it, but with different foods and variables it’s hard to give an exact charge till we weigh and zone it.Shipping is never free.

WILL SHIPPING COST MORE THAN THE PRODUCT? Back to top

Yes, sometimes if you are only shipping a couple of items. Shipping is expensive these days, so make your order worth it. Shipping and handling costs for SMALL- LIGHTweight perishable orders can cost more than the cost of the merchandise. The more weight the better. Stock the freezer up. Also, if you can find another family member or friend to go in on an order together, you can split the shipping. Usually with FedEx you will pay the same amount for 10 lbs as you will with 2 lbs. shipping during the cooler or Winter months or cooler weather weeks, may help avoid air.

DO YOU OFFER A CATALOG? Back to top

No, I am sorry we do not anymore. The minute you print them, they are out of date with the constant changes in prices on imported items, cheese, meat etc. Our best catalog is our web site. If you have a loved one or friend who does not have a computer, they can always go to a library or you can help them. They may also call us at 1-800-733-6695,, 1-800-733-6695 or and we will be happy to help them make an order over the phone.

DO YOU OFFER LIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE? Back to top

Yes, we will be happy to help you if you have questions. We are available Monday- Friday 9-5 and Saturdays 8-1. You can also email us and we do check these and will email you back or call you. If you get a recording during normal business hours, please try calling back in a few minutes, this just means we are extremely busy helping other people.

DO YOU HAVE A RETAIL STORE, & WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? Back to top

Yes! we have a really nice German Chalet retail store, stocked with thousand of items. We have a full deli and fresh Wisconsin cheese curds! When you are in the Madison, Wisconsin area, make it a point to stop in and don’t forget to bring your cooler. On Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 2 pm We have a Bratwurst cook-out in our parking lot from May - October weather permitting.

ARE YOU JUST ANOTHER ONLINE WAREHOUSE? Back to top

NO, we are not a online warehouse. We are a USDA Federal Inspected sausage plant. We make our authentic German products right here in Madison, Wisconsin. We can sell in bulk and you save money! and Retail Store in Madison, Wisconsin and have been in business here in Madison since 1961. We do not believe in "stockpiling" or "warehousing" our products as other sausage manufacturers and online 'virtual' stores & deli's may prefer to do.

We want to ensure quality and freshness in every product we offer and with that standard in mind, stockpiling and warehousing goes against this tradition. We firmly believe that applying smaller batch quantities and proper attention to product turn-around & rotation helps ensure that every customer gets a quality fresh product. You will not see our freezers or refrigeration units "stock-piled" with any of our items. . .we do not believe in it.

DO YOU SELL WHOLESALE? Back to top

Yes, we do provide wholesale prices to restaurants, Country Clubs, Bars, Pubs, Breweries, Churches, Deli’s, Small private stores, Fundraisers, Food Carts, Campgrounds, and many more. BUT, we will never sell to Big Box Stores, Or Large grocery stores. Please contact Judy if you are interested in wholesale.

WHAT MAKES BAVARIA SAUSAGE DIFFERENT THAN OTHER COMPANIES? Back to top

All we can say is that we strive to make authentic very high quality very robust products using lean cuts of meat, natural spices and natural hickory smoke. We try to stay away from chemicals, additives, gluten, liquid smoke, fillers, skins, & MSG.

The real art of German sausage making is a dying art. Across the USA there really are only a few Master Sausage makers left that learned the trade in the “Old Country” We are all special in our own way. We all come from different areas of Germany and we all have our own unique recipes!