How Many Times Will Royal Mail Attempt Delivery

Royal Mail makes at least one initial attempt to deliver a parcel to the address provided. If no one is available to take delivery, a card will be left explaining the next steps. That single attempt initiates what follows next in the standard procedure. The process is designed to balance delivery efficiency with opportunity for recipients to retrieve parcels.

What Happens If Delivery Fails

When Royal Mail cannot deliver on the first visit, the parcel is taken back to the local delivery office and held in secure storage. The card left by the postal worker informs the recipient where they can collect the item or how to arrange re‑delivery. In most cases, Royal Mail does not attempt delivery a second time; instead, the recipient must act using the details provided on the card or in tracking notifications.

Collecting or Re‑arranging Delivery

Recipients have up to ten working days from the first attempted delivery to collect the parcel in person or to request a re‑delivery. This allows flexibility for those who may be unavailable at the time of delivery. Once a re‑delivery request is placed, a second attempt can be arranged for a different date. If no action is taken within the retention window, the parcel is returned to the sender automatically.

Exceptions for Certain Services

Certain premium services such as Special Delivery Guaranteed may involve additional delivery attempts if specific circumstances are arranged. However, under standard and tracked services, the single attempt model applies. These premium items may have more managed delivery protocols, including scheduled delivery days and additional follow‑ups, though these depend on service selection and terms at booking.

Why Royal Mail Uses This Approach

Royal Mail aims to balance operational efficiency with customer access. Limiting to one delivery attempt prevents logistical strain from repeated returns or wasted rounds, especially when many addresses are unattended. Leaving clear instructions and allowing recipient action ensures that those available can collect without multiple in‑transit attempts.

What Consumers Should Do

If you receive a card stating delivery was attempted, you should follow the instructions promptly to collect or schedule redelivery. Tracking information often mirrors this status, showing “Delivery Attempted” or “Held at Delivery Office.” Acting within the ten‑working‑day window helps avoid the parcel being returned without retrieval and reduces the chance of automatic return to sender.

Ecommerce and Business Considerations

Sellers should communicate delivery protocol clearly in shipping confirmations. Advising customers that only one delivery attempt is made helps manage expectations and reduce parcel loss. Encouraging collection or re‑delivery requests early avoids returned items and associated costs. For business users handling sensitive or high‑value items, offering courier guarantee services may give greater delivery flexibility.

Summary

Royal Mail typically makes one delivery attempt for standard and tracked parcel services. If that attempt fails, the parcel is held at the local delivery office for up to ten working days. A second attempt occurs only if the recipient requests re‑delivery. Understanding this system empowers recipients to act promptly and helps ecommerce sellers guide customers effectively to avoid delivery issues.