InPost tracking status

InPost “Parcel being prepped”: what it means

The short answer

Normal

The sender has usually created an InPost label, but InPost does not have the parcel yet: the seller or retailer is still packing it or has not dropped it off. Tracking moves on once the sender drops it off or hands it to InPost.

When to act: If it still says 'being prepped' after 2 working days, file a complaint and we send it to the retailer or marketplace.

Also shown as: “It's being prepped” · “We're getting it ready” · “Sit tight, your parcel's loading”

What to do now

Check the order date: a day or two of 'being prepped' is normal.
Check the dispatch or delivery date the seller gave when you ordered.
Do not expect InPost updates yet: until the parcel is dropped off, InPost has nothing to track.
Keep a screenshot of your order confirmation and the tracking status, with the dates.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to the seller, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

What does “Parcel being prepped” mean?

InPost does not define the app labels such as 'Parcel being prepped', but they usually match the website stage 'Sit tight, your parcel's loading': the sender or retailer is packing your order. For Vinted and other marketplace sales, it means the seller has the label but has not yet put the parcel in a locker or handed it over at a shop.

Nothing is wrong with InPost at this point, and InPost cannot speed it up. If it stays like this for days, the delay is with the sender. Vinted says tracking can take up to 48 hours after sending to appear on Vinted.

Why does InPost show it?

The retailer is still packing your order
The seller has not dropped the parcel off yet
The seller's locker was full, so they are waiting to drop it off
The label was created but the order is on hold

How long does it last?

Once the parcel is dropped off or handed over, the status changes, often to 'We're on it' or 'Collected by our courier' within a day. For parcels sent from a locker or shop, InPost says delivery to a locker or shop should take up to 3 working days after that.

Other InPost statuses

Off it goesNormal
It's close, stay tunedNormal
It's on the moveNormal
Locker full, we'll be backKeep an eye on it
Contact the retailerTake action
Ready to collectTake action
Parcel was refusedTake action
Tracking not updatingKeep an eye on it

All InPost statuses →

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 “Parcel being prepped”

What does 'Parcel being prepped' mean on InPost?

Usually that a label exists but InPost has not received the parcel yet. The sender is still packing it or has not dropped it off.

How long does 'being prepped' last on InPost?

Until the sender drops the parcel off. A day or two is normal, so longer than 2 working days usually means the sender is running late.

Is 'being prepped' the seller's fault or InPost's?

It is on the sender's side. InPost only starts moving the parcel once the seller drops it at a locker or shop, or the retailer hands it over.

Based on

InPost blog: Track or Treat (what each tracking update means, 48 and 72 hour guidance)
Vinted: InPost shipping (tracking can take up to 48 hours to appear)
InPost help: How long will delivery take? (3 or 4 working days for parcels sent through InPost)
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)