Royal Mail Says Delivered But You Didn't Get It: UK Refund Guide
If the tracking shows your parcel was delivered, but you never got it with a Royal Mail delivery, you have rights as a UK consumer. Section 29 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says the retailer is responsible for the goods until they reach the consumer. A 'delivered' scan in the tracking is not enough by itself. If you bought goods online, the retailer is responsible under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Personal Royal Mail claims apply when you posted the parcel yourself. Use this page to check what to do next, the Royal Mail claim window, and when to escalate if the retailer refuses. Compensation figures vary by service, so always verify the current numbers on Royal Mail's website before relying on them.
How to claim a refund
- 1
Open the Royal Mail tracking page and screenshot the "delivered" status, time, and any GPS or photo proof for your records.
- 2
Check the safe place, neighbours and household members. Most "missing" parcels turn up within 24 hours.
- 3
Contact the retailer in writing and quote Section 29 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The retailer must investigate, not pass you to Royal Mail.
- 4
Ask the retailer to file a claim with Royal Mail via Royal Mail's online claim form (proof of posting and contents required). The claim window is 80 days from posting for lost items and 14 days for damaged parcels (verify on the Royal Mail website).
- 5
If 14 days pass with no fix, request a full refund or replacement. Mention that the retailer is liable until you take physical possession.
- 6
If refused, escalate via Section 75 (credit card, items over £100) or chargeback (debit card, within 120 days). For postal escalation, use the Postal Review Panel and then the Postal Redress Service (POSTRS).
Royal Mail compensation and escalation
- Claim window
- 80 days from posting for lost items and 14 days for damaged parcels (verify on the Royal Mail website)
- How to claim
- Royal Mail's online claim form (proof of posting and contents required)
- Escalation
- the Postal Review Panel and then the Postal Redress Service (POSTRS)
Frequently asked questions
Should I claim from Royal Mail or the retailer?
Claim from the retailer. If you bought goods online, the retailer is responsible under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Personal Royal Mail claims apply when you posted the parcel yourself. Asking Royal Mail directly will usually fail because your contract is with the retailer.
What is Royal Mail's claim window for this issue?
80 days from posting for lost items and 14 days for damaged parcels (verify on the Royal Mail website). Always check the current terms on Royal Mail's own website before relying on a deadline.
What if the retailer refuses to refund?
If your order was over £100 and paid by credit card, file a Section 75 claim with your card issuer. For debit card or smaller amounts, request a chargeback within 120 days. You can also escalate via the Postal Review Panel and then the Postal Redress Service (POSTRS).
Royal Mail tracking says delivered — isn't that proof?
No. A tracking scan or photo is not proof you took physical possession. Section 29 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 puts the burden on the retailer until the goods reach you.
How long should I wait before raising a claim?
Most retailers ask you to wait 24–48 hours after a "delivered" scan in case the parcel turns up. After that, contact the retailer in writing and quote the Consumer Rights Act.