Information Guide

How Long Does Standard Shipping Take?

Chose standard shipping and wondering when your order will arrive? Here's what to expect.

4 min readUpdated April 2025

UK standard shipping times

Standard shipping within the UK typically takes 3-5 working days, though many orders arrive within 2-3 days. The exact timeframe depends on the retailer and carrier they use.

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Most UK retailers: 3-5 working days for standard delivery
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Royal Mail 2nd class: 2-3 working days target
Scottish Highlands and islands may take 1-2 extra working days
Peak periods (Christmas, Black Friday) can add 2-5 days to normal times

Quick answer

Standard shipping in the UK takes 3-5 working days. International standard shipping takes 7-21 working days depending on the destination. Working days are Monday to Friday (Saturday for Royal Mail). These are estimates, not guarantees.

International standard shipping times

International standard shipping varies hugely depending on where the parcel is coming from.

Typical international times0 / 5 checked

Europe to UK: 5-10 working days
USA to UK: 10-21 working days
China to UK: 15-30 working days (sometimes longer)
Australia to UK: 10-20 working days
Add 1-5 days for customs processing on all international orders

Want more specific routes? Check US to UK delivery times or China to UK shipping times.

What affects delivery speed

Processing time - some retailers take 1-3 days to pick, pack, and hand over to the carrier before shipping even begins
Carrier choice - Royal Mail, Evri, Yodel, and DPD all have different standard delivery speeds
Your location - remote areas, islands, and Northern Ireland can take longer than mainland UK cities

Tracking standard deliveries

Most retailers email a tracking number once your order ships. Click the link to see live updates on the carrier's website.

The cheapest standard shipping options (like Royal Mail 2nd class) don't include tracking. You'll need to wait for the estimated delivery window to pass before raising a concern.

If tracking seems stuck, try entering your number on 17track.net. It checks multiple carrier databases and often shows updates that individual carrier sites miss.

Wondering about faster options? Find out what express delivery is or check what expedited shipping means.

Faster alternatives to standard shipping

Next day delivery - most major UK retailers offer it for an extra fee (typically £4-7). Order before the cut-off (usually early afternoon) for delivery the next working day.
Click and collect - often faster than home delivery and usually free. Many retailers have items ready for collection within 1-2 days or even same day.
From ProcuraPack

Shipping orders from your store?

Postal boxes, mailing bags, and packaging tape for professional shipping at trade prices.

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Sending parcels yourself? Learn how to send with DPD or find out how long 1st class takes.

Frequently asked questions

3-5 working days for most UK retailers. Royal Mail 2nd class aims for 2-3 working days. Remote areas may take longer.

Not always. Cheaper standard options may not include tracking. Check your order confirmation for a tracking number.

Peak periods, weather, industrial action, and customs (for international orders) can all cause delays. Check tracking if available.

Not exactly. Standard shipping is a retailer's term for their cheapest option. They may use Royal Mail 2nd class, Evri, Yodel, or another carrier.

Usually not. Contact the retailer quickly - some can change the shipping method before the order is dispatched.

Related articles

How Long Does 1st Class Take?What Does Expedited Shipping Mean?What Is Express Delivery?How Long Does International Shipping Take?

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