When a parcel is marked as "dispatched," it means the seller or retailer has handed your order over to the courier or delivery service. The item is no longer sitting in a warehouse or store awaiting packaging. Instead, it’s now en route to the delivery network, where it will begin its journey to your address. This is a key stage in the order process, as it signals the transition from preparation to movement.
How Dispatch Fits into the Delivery Timeline
The dispatch stage usually comes after payment confirmation and order processing. Once the item is picked, packed and labelled, it is prepared for handover to a courier. At that point, the retailer marks the order as dispatched. From here, the parcel may go through sorting hubs, regional depots or transport centres before it reaches its final destination. Delivery times after dispatch depend on the courier’s service level and your location.
Does Dispatched Mean It’s Out for Delivery
Not quite. When a parcel is dispatched, it doesn't mean it's already on the van heading to your home. It means it has left the seller and is now in the courier's system. It may still be in transit between warehouses, sorting centres or hubs. Only when the courier marks it as “out for delivery” does it mean the parcel is on its final leg to your doorstep. The time between dispatch and final delivery can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the service used.
How Soon After Dispatch Will I Receive My Parcel
Delivery speed depends on the type of service selected at checkout. If you’ve paid for next-day delivery, your parcel should arrive the day after it’s dispatched. Standard delivery services usually take two to five working days. Some retailers dispatch items quickly but use slower courier services, so checking both the estimated delivery date and tracking updates is important for managing expectations.
Can a Parcel Be Delayed After Dispatch
Yes, delays can still happen after an item is dispatched. Once it’s in the courier’s hands, delays caused by weather, traffic, strikes or backlog at sorting centres can affect how quickly it moves. Tracking updates may stall or skip stages, especially during busy periods. If a parcel remains in the “dispatched” status for more than a few days without further movement, it’s worth contacting the courier or the seller to investigate.
How to Track a Parcel After It’s Dispatched
After dispatch, you’ll usually receive a tracking number that allows you to follow the parcel’s progress. You can enter this number on the courier’s website or app to see its location, estimated arrival and any movement through depots. The frequency and accuracy of updates depend on the courier. Some services offer real-time tracking with time windows, while others may only update at key stages.
Summary
Dispatched means your parcel has left the seller and entered the courier’s system, but it’s not yet out for delivery. It marks the point where your order is on its way, with delivery expected shortly after depending on the service chosen. Keeping an eye on tracking updates is the best way to follow your parcel’s journey and know when to expect it at your door.