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.