Peptides
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about products, storage, ordering, shipping, returns, privacy, and support. Use the topic buttons below to jump to the section you need.
Peptides and Product Information
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Different peptide sequences are studied for different biological mechanisms, including cellular signalling, metabolism, tissue repair, cognition, pigmentation and hormone-related pathways.
Products sold by Tides Peps are supplied as research compounds. The information on our website describes research areas and product characteristics and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a promise of a particular outcome.
What does “for research use only” mean?
Research use only means the product is supplied for laboratory, analytical or research purposes. It is not sold as a medication, dietary supplement, food, cosmetic or treatment.
Tides Peps products are not intended for human or veterinary consumption. Purchasing a product does not create a practitioner-patient relationship, and our team cannot provide personal medical advice.
Can Tides Peps tell me which peptide I should use?
We can help you understand product formats, vial strengths, blends, testing information and the research categories associated with different products. We can also help you locate relevant product documentation or compare products in our catalogue.
We cannot diagnose a condition, prescribe a product or provide personalized medical recommendations. Questions about your health, medications, treatment or possible side effects should be directed to a qualified healthcare professional.
What is the difference between a single peptide and a peptide blend?
A single-peptide product contains one identified peptide compound. This makes it easier to study that compound independently and control its concentration within a research protocol.
A blend combines two or more compounds in one vial or pen. Blends may be convenient when a research project is specifically examining multiple pathways together, but the fixed ingredient ratio provides less flexibility than purchasing each component separately. The product page should always list every component and its amount.
What is the difference between a vial and a prefilled pen?
A vial normally contains a measured amount of lyophilized, or freeze-dried, material. The researcher controls the solvent volume and final concentration during laboratory preparation.
A prefilled pen is prepared in a ready-to-dispense format with a fixed total quantity and concentration. Pens are more convenient, while vials generally provide more flexibility for concentration and experimental design. Always review the exact product format before ordering.
What does “lyophilized” mean?
Lyophilization is a freeze-drying process that removes moisture from a compound. The resulting material may appear as a small cake, powder, film or residue inside the vial.
This format is commonly used because removing water can improve stability during storage and transport. A lyophilized product is not automatically ready for use in a liquid research application.
Why does the vial look almost empty?
The milligram amount printed on a vial can occupy very little physical space. A vial containing 5 mg or 10 mg of material may look almost empty even when the correct amount is present.
The visible size of the powder is not a reliable way to judge quantity or purity. Batch documentation, analytical testing, product weight and the labelled amount are more meaningful than the apparent volume of material in the vial.
What does the milligram amount on the product mean?
The listed milligram amount refers to the total amount of material supplied in the vial, pen or package. It does not describe the final concentration of a reconstituted solution.
Final concentration depends on the product amount and the volume of appropriate solvent used in the research preparation. Those measurements should be verified carefully using suitable laboratory equipment.
Are products ready to use when they arrive?
That depends on the format. Prefilled pens and certain liquid products may arrive in a prepared format, while lyophilized vials require appropriate laboratory preparation before solution-based research.
The product title, description and package contents identify the format being sold. Do not assume that a vial includes solvent, syringes or other supplies unless they are specifically listed.
Is bacteriostatic water included with a vial?
Bacteriostatic water is sold separately unless the product is described as a complete kit that specifically includes it. Standard single-vial and multi-vial listings should be assumed to contain only the listed research compound.
Review the “what is included” information before ordering. If the package contents are unclear, contact us before completing the purchase.
What is included in a 10-vial pack?
A 10-vial pack contains ten vials of the same product and strength shown on the listing. It does not normally include bacteriostatic water, syringes or other supplies unless the product page explicitly says they are included.
Multi-vial packs are intended for researchers who require a larger quantity of the same product. Always confirm the selected strength and pack size before checkout.
Can the colour or appearance vary between products?
Yes. The colour, texture and visible amount can differ depending on the peptide sequence, formulation, concentration and other product characteristics.
A difference in appearance does not automatically mean something is wrong. However, a broken seal, damaged vial, unexpected leakage or a major difference from the product description should be reported to us before the product is handled further.
Storage and Research Handling
How should unopened lyophilized products be stored?
Follow the storage instructions on the product page, label or accompanying documentation. As a general laboratory practice, lyophilized materials are commonly kept cold, dry and protected from direct light and moisture.
Different compounds can have different stability requirements. Product-specific instructions take priority over general guidance.
How should a product be stored after reconstitution?
Many reconstituted peptide solutions require refrigeration, commonly within the 2°C to 8°C range. The suitable storage period depends on the specific compound, solvent, concentration, handling and laboratory conditions.
Do not assume that every reconstituted product has the same shelf life. Follow the product-specific information and avoid unnecessary temperature changes or contamination.
Should a vial be shaken after adding solvent?
Vigorous shaking can create foam and may place unnecessary mechanical stress on the solution. Laboratory preparation commonly involves adding the solvent slowly against the inside wall of the vial and allowing the material to dissolve with gentle swirling or rolling.
Some compounds take longer than others to dissolve. Give the vial time before deciding that the material is not dissolving properly.
Why did the product become cloudy, stringy or gel-like?
Solubility can be affected by the peptide sequence, concentration, solvent, pH, temperature and speed of preparation. Some compounds are more prone to clumping, cloudiness or a gel-like appearance, especially at higher concentrations.
This does not automatically prove that the product is defective, but it should not be ignored either. Keep the vial, record how it was prepared and contact support with clear photos and the product details before taking further action.
Should I freeze and thaw a product repeatedly?
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can affect the stability of some research materials. When frozen storage is appropriate, laboratories often divide materials into smaller portions so the full supply does not have to be repeatedly thawed.
The correct approach depends on the compound and research protocol. Follow the storage information for that specific product.
How should prefilled pens be stored?
Follow the instructions provided with the exact pen. Prefilled products commonly require refrigeration and protection from heat and direct light.
Do not freeze a pen unless the product documentation specifically directs you to do so. Check the package for leakage, damage or signs that the pen mechanism has been compromised before storage.
What should I do if a vial or seal is damaged?
Do not use or further prepare a product with a cracked vial, leaking contents, broken seal or visibly compromised closure. Photograph the shipping box, packing materials, product label and damaged area.
Keep all packaging until support has reviewed the issue. Your order number and clear photos will help us determine what happened and identify the appropriate resolution.
Ordering and Payment
Why does my order still say “on hold” or “pending payment”?
This normally means the payment has not yet been confirmed or matched to the order. Double-check that the payment instructions were completed correctly and that the order number was included where requested.
Payment verification may not be instantaneous. Contact support with the order number if the status does not update after a reasonable processing period.
Can I change my order after it has been submitted?
Contact us as soon as possible with the order number and the requested change. We will try to help if the order has not entered packing or fulfillment.
Changes are not guaranteed once processing has begun. Do not place a second replacement order unless support advises you to do so, since that can result in both orders being processed.
Can I cancel an order?
Contact us immediately if you need to request a cancellation. An unpaid order can generally be stopped more easily than an order that has already been paid, packed or transferred to the carrier.
Cancellation is not guaranteed after fulfillment begins. Products that have already shipped cannot simply be recalled.
Do you offer multi-vial or bulk pricing?
Many vial products are available as both single-vial and multi-vial options. The current pack price and available savings are shown directly on the product page.
For quantities beyond the listed options, research organizations and larger-volume purchasers can contact us with the product, strength and quantity required. Availability and pricing depend on current inventory.
Do you offer Subscribe and Save?
Subscribe and Save may be offered on eligible products. When available, the subscription option will appear on the product page alongside the standard one-time purchase option.
Not every product is eligible, and subscription terms may vary. Review the renewal frequency, price and cancellation options before subscribing.
Shipping and Delivery
Where does Tides Peps ship?
Tides Peps ships to Canadian addresses only. We do not currently offer shipping to the United States or other international destinations.
Domestic fulfillment avoids international customs processing and keeps the order within the Canadian delivery network.
When is shipping free?
Free shipping is available on qualifying Canadian orders over $350. The checkout will confirm whether the order qualifies after discounts and other applicable adjustments have been calculated.
If the free-shipping option does not appear when expected, review the cart total and shipping address before submitting the order.
How quickly will my order arrive?
Delivery time depends on the destination, order processing, carrier service and current network conditions. Tracking information will provide the most useful estimate once the parcel has been accepted by the carrier.
Remote communities, weather, holidays and carrier disruptions can add time. Delivery estimates should not be treated as guaranteed arrival dates.
Is local delivery available in Kelowna?
Next-business-day local delivery may be available for eligible Kelowna orders placed before the posted cutoff. Availability depends on the delivery address, order timing and current local-delivery schedule.
The checkout or order confirmation should identify the available delivery option. Contact support before ordering if the timing is especially important.
Will I receive tracking?
Tracked shipping is provided for shipped orders. The tracking email is normally sent after the label is created or the parcel is processed for dispatch.
It can take some time for the first carrier scan to appear. Check your spam folder before contacting support about a missing tracking email.
Is the packaging discreet?
Yes. Orders are packaged in plain, unbranded shipping boxes or mailers with no exterior wording that identifies the contents as peptides or research compounds.
Product branding remains inside the parcel. The goal is to protect privacy while still packing the order securely for Canadian delivery.
Can I change the shipping address?
Contact support immediately if the address needs to be changed. An address may be corrected only before the order has been packed, labelled or transferred to the carrier.
Once tracking has been created, Tides Peps may not be able to redirect the parcel. Customers are responsible for reviewing the complete address, unit number and postal code before submitting the order.
What should I do if tracking has not updated?
A delay between label creation and the first carrier scan is not unusual. Allow time for the parcel to enter the carrier network, particularly after weekends or holidays.
If tracking remains unchanged beyond the expected processing period, contact support with the order number. We can review the shipment details and determine whether a carrier inquiry is appropriate.
What should I do if tracking says delivered but I cannot find the parcel?
Check the mailbox, parcel locker, front and side entrances, building reception and anyone else at the delivery address who may have accepted it. Also review the tracking page for delivery notes or a pickup location.
If the parcel still cannot be located, contact the carrier and Tides Peps promptly. A delivery investigation may require confirmation of the shipping address and tracking number.
Returns, Refunds and Order Problems
Can I return a product?
Because research products require controlled storage and handling, we cannot verify the condition of an item after it has left our custody. For that reason, products generally cannot be returned or placed back into inventory after dispatch.
Do not mail a product back without first receiving written instructions from Tides Peps. An unauthorized return may not be accepted or refunded.
Can I receive a refund because I changed my mind or selected the wrong product?
Orders are generally final once they have entered processing. Review the product name, strength, format and quantity carefully before completing checkout.
Contact us immediately if you notice a mistake. We will try to help before fulfillment begins, but we cannot guarantee a cancellation, substitution or refund once the order is being packed or has shipped.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Contact support promptly and keep the complete shipment. Include the order number and photos of the outside shipping box, shipping label, internal packing, product label and damaged area.
Do not discard the product or packaging while the claim is being reviewed. Once the issue is verified, Tides Peps can determine whether replacement, store credit or a refund is the appropriate resolution.
What if I receive the wrong product or something is missing?
Compare the contents with the packing information and order confirmation. If the product, strength, format or quantity is incorrect, contact us with the order number and a clear photo of everything received.
We will compare the claim with the fulfillment record and work to correct verified packing errors. Keep the products and packaging together until support provides instructions.
What if I have a quality concern?
Keep the product, vial, label and original packaging. Send support the product name, strength, batch or lot information, order number, photos and a clear description of the concern.
Do not discard or return the item without instructions. Quality concerns may require comparison with the batch documentation and preparation details before a conclusion can be reached.
What happens if a shipment is lost?
Start by reviewing the tracking history and confirming that the shipping address on the order is correct. Carrier delays and missed scans do not always mean the parcel is lost.
Contact support if tracking has stopped updating beyond the normal delivery window. We can review the available information and determine whether a carrier investigation or other resolution is appropriate.
How long does an approved refund take?
Processing time depends on the payment method and the financial institution involved. Once an approved refund has been issued, additional time may be required before it appears in the account.
Support will confirm the method and status of the refund. Shipping or transaction costs may be treated differently depending on the reason for the refund.
Privacy and Customer Support
How is my privacy protected when ordering?
Tides Peps uses discreet, unbranded exterior packaging so the contents are not identified on the outside of the parcel. Order information is used to process payment, prepare the shipment, provide tracking and assist with customer service.
Further details about the collection and handling of personal information should be explained in the website Privacy Policy.
How can I find out when a product will be restocked?
Check the product page for the current stock status and use any available restock notification option. Product availability can change as new batches arrive and testing or inventory is completed.
For a specific product, contact support with the exact product name and strength. Estimated restock dates may change and should not be treated as guaranteed.
Do you work with laboratories or bulk purchasers?
Multi-vial options are available for many products, and larger requests can be reviewed separately. Contact us with the exact products, strengths, quantities and expected ordering frequency.
Bulk availability is subject to inventory, batch supply and current pricing. A custom request does not guarantee that every product or quantity can be supplied immediately.