Shein is known for affordable fashion and endless choice, but delivery speed is often a point of uncertainty. Since Shein ships most of its items from overseas, delivery times are usually longer than many UK-based retailers. While it’s possible to get your order in just over a week, it often takes longer depending on the items you order, your delivery location, and the shipping method selected.
Typical delivery timeframes
For UK customers, Shein offers two main shipping options: standard delivery and express delivery. Standard delivery generally takes between ten to fourteen days from the date of order, though some customers receive items slightly earlier depending on stock location and customs clearance. Express delivery is faster, with most parcels arriving in around seven to ten days, but this option may not be available on all items or in all areas.
These timelines include order processing, overseas dispatch, customs checks, and final delivery by a local courier. It’s worth noting that Shein starts processing the order shortly after it’s placed, so any changes must be made quickly—usually within a few hours.
Why delivery might take longer
Delivery from Shein isn’t always predictable. Because most orders are shipped from warehouses in China or other international hubs, they rely on global shipping networks. This means delays can happen at several points in the process—during customs inspections, freight transit, or final sorting by UK couriers. National holidays, customs backlogs, and weather conditions can all extend delivery times beyond the estimates shown at checkout.
Shein also runs a large, fast-moving inventory. If one item in your order is out of stock or delayed in the warehouse, it can slow down the dispatch of your entire parcel. In some cases, Shein will split the shipment and send what’s ready first, with the rest to follow later.
Tracking your order
Once your order has been dispatched, Shein provides tracking updates through your account or the app. You’ll be able to see when the parcel leaves the warehouse, when it clears customs, and when it’s handed over to a UK courier. While tracking during the international leg can be a little vague, it becomes more accurate once the parcel enters the UK. At this point, it’s usually passed to a courier like Evri or Yodel, and you’ll receive local tracking and delivery updates.
What to do if your order is late
If your delivery hasn’t arrived within the estimated window, Shein advises waiting a few extra days before contacting customer service. This allows time for possible delays in transit. If the order is still missing after that, you can use Shein’s support chat or email system to request an update, refund or replacement. In most cases, Shein will resolve the issue promptly, especially if the item hasn’t been scanned by a UK courier.
Delivery during peak seasons
During busy shopping periods such as Black Friday, Christmas, or major Shein sales, delivery times often stretch beyond the usual estimates. High demand increases pressure on Shein’s warehouses, as well as global shipping and UK courier networks. If you're ordering during these times, it’s a good idea to place your order early and allow extra time for it to arrive.
Delivery Time Includes More Than Just Shipping
When people ask how long Shein delivery takes, they often forget that shipping is just one part of the process. The total delivery time includes order processing, packaging, customs clearance, and final courier hand-off. Even before your parcel leaves the warehouse, it may take a day or two for Shein to process and confirm the order. This is factored into the estimated delivery window shown at checkout, but many customers expect tracking to start straight away, which it often doesn’t.
No Guaranteed Delivery Dates
One important point to note is that Shein does not offer guaranteed delivery dates. All the timelines provided—whether for standard or express shipping—are estimates. If your parcel is slightly delayed, Shein typically doesn’t consider it “late” until it’s gone several days past the expected delivery window. For this reason, it’s not ideal for urgent purchases, gifts, or time-sensitive outfits unless you’ve ordered well in advance.
Split Shipments Are Common
If your order contains several items, they may not all be sent together. Shein will sometimes split an order into multiple packages if different items are stored in different warehouses or if one part of the order is delayed. This can be confusing when you receive a parcel and assume everything should be inside. You can usually see the breakdown of split shipments in your order details, including separate tracking numbers for each parcel.
Location Can Affect Delivery Times
Your exact location in the UK can affect how quickly you receive your Shein parcel. Customers in major cities tend to get faster delivery because parcels reach local couriers more quickly. In rural or remote areas, delivery can take a couple of extra days once it’s handed over to the UK courier, especially if that courier has limited weekend or evening delivery capacity. Even within express shipping, there are postcode exclusions that might extend the delivery timeline.
Returns and Delivery Delays
If your parcel is delayed and arrives later than expected, this does not affect your ability to return the item. Shein’s returns policy is based on the date you receive the delivery, not the date of the order. So even if your parcel takes longer than promised, you’ll still have the full return window once it arrives. However, it’s always worth double-checking your return deadline in your account, just in case.
Tracking Can Pause Mid-Transit
Another common concern is that Shein tracking sometimes seems to stop for a few days while the parcel is still in transit. This often happens during the international leg of the journey. Your parcel may have left one country but hasn’t yet been scanned in the next, which creates a tracking gap. This is normal with overseas shipping and usually picks up again once it clears UK customs and is assigned to a local courier.
Customer Support and Missing Orders
If your order is more than a few days late, Shein’s customer service is relatively responsive. You can contact them through live chat, app support or email. They may ask you to wait a little longer if the order is still within the maximum estimated delivery window, but if it’s clearly lost or stuck, they usually offer a refund or resend without too much hassle.
Summary
Shein delivery to the UK usually takes between one and two weeks, depending on whether you choose standard or express shipping. While express is faster, neither service guarantees exact dates. Delivery times can vary based on customs processing, shipping delays, stock levels, and seasonal demand. Tracking is available, but updates may be limited during international transit. If time is critical, Shein might not be the best choice—but for low-cost fashion with a bit of patience, it remains a popular option.