InPost tracking
InPost tracking statuses explained
InPost runs a large UK network of parcel lockers, most of them open 24/7, plus InPost Shops, and also delivers to homes, including parcels from the former Yodel network. A courier collects parcels from lockers and shops, takes them through a sorting hub and a local depot, and delivers them to the locker, shop or address you chose. Tracking in the InPost app uses friendly labels such as 'Off it goes' and 'It's close, stay tuned' instead of standard courier terms.
Every InPost tracking status explained
| Status | What it means | Should you worry? |
|---|---|---|
| Off it goes | Your parcel is usually on its way through InPost's network, just after drop-off or collection, or between a warehouse… | Normal |
| It's close, stay tuned | Your parcel is usually at your local delivery centre or on the courier's round to your locker, shop or home, and often… | Normal |
| It's on the move | Your parcel is usually travelling through InPost's network, from the sender's local depot to a sorting centre and on… | Normal |
| Locker full, we'll be back | The courier could not put your parcel in your locker, usually because it was full, faulty or could not be reached, so… | Keep an eye on it |
| Contact the retailer | Your parcel is usually going back, or has gone back, to the sender, because InPost could not complete the delivery or… | Take action |
| Ready to collect | Your parcel is in the InPost Locker or Shop and ready to pick up. | Take action |
| Parcel was refused | Usually the person at the delivery address turned the parcel down, though it may also mean InPost would not carry it… | Take action |
| Tracking not updating | Your parcel has had no new scan, usually because of a backlog, a full or faulty locker or a missed scan, and… | Keep an eye on it |
| Parcel being prepped | The sender has usually created an InPost label, but InPost does not have the parcel yet: the seller or retailer is… | Normal |
InPost delays
Couriers visit each locker at least once a day, usually early in the morning, so a missed run often adds a day. Full or broken lockers, roadworks, peak weeks such as Black Friday and the run-up to Christmas, and IT problems cause most delays; InPost says most stalled parcels move again within 24 hours.
Is your parcel from InPost late or missing?
Who is responsible for a late or missing parcel from InPost?
If you bought online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the parcel reaches you. Under UK consumer law (the Consumer Rights Act), the goods stay at the seller's risk until you have them, unless you chose and booked the courier yourself. If you bought from a private seller on a marketplace such as Vinted, the platform's own rules decide refunds.
If you sent the parcel yourself, your contract is with InPost, under its terms. For labels bought in the InPost app or on its website, standard cover is the lower of the item's cost value or £50, and InPost Direct (formerly Yodel Direct) bookings include £50 cover.
Questions about InPost tracking
What does 'Off it goes' mean on InPost?
InPost does not define it, but it usually appears once a parcel has been dropped off or collected and is moving on to the next InPost site. It is a normal in-transit step.
What does 'It's close, stay tuned' mean on InPost?
InPost does not define it, but it usually means your parcel is at your local delivery centre or on its way to your locker, shop or home, often for delivery that day or the next morning.
What does 'parcel on the move' mean on InPost?
InPost does not define it, but it usually means your parcel is in transit between InPost sites, such as a depot and the sorting hub. It is a normal step and can appear more than once.
What does 'Locker full, we'll be back' mean?
Usually that the locker had no space for your parcel, so the courier took it back. InPost will try again or redirect it to a nearby locker or shop within 750 metres.
What does 'Contact the retailer' mean on InPost?
InPost does not define it, but it usually means the delivery could not be completed or the parcel was not collected in time, so it is going back to the sender. The retailer or marketplace must arrange a refund or redelivery.
Based on
- legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Rights Act, section 29 (goods stay at the seller's risk until they reach you)
- Vinted: Refund Policy (2 days to report an issue, lost parcel after 25 business days)
- InPost: Terms of Service (compensation, 72-hour collection, refusing parcels)
- InPost Direct (formerly Yodel Direct): Terms and Conditions (£50 cover)