How Long Does Shipping Take?

How Long Does Shipping Take?

This page explains how long your order takes from start to finish.

Your total wait time has two parts:

  • Making time
  • Shipping time

These always happen in this order.

What Happens First: Making Time

All items are handmade to order.

  • We do not keep ready-made stock
  • Every order must be made before it is shipped

Making time changes during the year:

  • Busy times = longer wait
  • Quiet times = shorter wait

You can see the current making time here:
https://odyssey-toys.com/pages/how-long-orders-take

  • This page is updated regularly
  • Your order is shipped only after it is fully made

What Happens Next: Shipping Time

Once your order is finished:

  • It is packed
  • It is sent using the shipping service you chose

Shipping time starts:

  • After your order leaves us
  • Not on the day you place your order

UK Shipping

All UK orders are sent using Royal Mail Tracked 48.

UK Tracked 48 includes:

  • Delivery in 2 to 3 working days
  • Full tracking
  • Delivery confirmation

Important to know:

  • Shipping time starts after dispatch
  • It does not include making time

International Shipping (Outside the UK)

All international orders are sent using DHL.

DHL Express

DHL Express includes:

  • Delivery in 2 to 5 working days
  • Full tracking
  • Faster and more reliable service

This option:

  • Costs more
  • Is best for faster delivery
  • Is best for higher value orders

DHL Global Mail

DHL Global Mail includes:

  • Delivery in 7 to 21 working days or longer
  • Limited tracking
  • Slower delivery

Important notes:

  • Tracking may stop once the parcel reaches your country
  • Customs checks can cause delays

This option is best for:

  • Cheaper shipping
  • Non-urgent orders

Important Information

Please note:

  • Shipping speed does not change making time
  • Faster shipping only affects delivery after your item is made
  • Sales, holidays, and busy periods can increase wait times

For international orders:

  • Customs checks can cause delays
  • We do not control customs processing

Example Order Timeline

Example for a UK order:

  • Making time: 5 working days
  • Shipping time: 2 to 3 working days

Total estimated time:

  • 7 to 8 working days

This is an example only.

  • Always check the making time page for the latest information

Simple Summary

In short:

  • Your order is handmade
  • Making time comes first
  • Shipping comes after
  • Faster shipping does not mean faster making

We always aim to complete and ship orders as quickly as possible.