How Long Does Shipping Really Take? An Honest Guide

“How long will it take to arrive?” is the first question most people ask before ordering from an online store that ships internationally. Here is an honest answer for BuyFreeFree orders, including what happens at each stage and what can slow a parcel down.

The short answer

Orders are processed within 1 to 3 business days, and delivery typically takes 15 to 30 days depending on your location and the item ordered. You receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships. Shipping is free on our catalogue. The full terms are in our Shipping & Returns Policy.

Why it is not 2-day delivery

We do not keep every item in a local warehouse. Products are sourced from a global network of verified suppliers and shipped directly to you, which is what keeps prices low and lets us offer a wide range of sneakers, watches and everyday objects. The trade-off is transit time: your parcel travels a long way, often by international post, before it reaches you. You can read more about how we choose products in our sourcing story.

The journey, step by step

1. Order placed. You pay and get a confirmation email.
2. Processing (1 to 3 business days). Your order is checked and prepared for dispatch. Orders can be cancelled free of charge during this stage, before they ship.
3. Shipped. You receive a tracking number by email.
4. In transit. This is the longest part. Tracking updates can be irregular during international transit, and it is normal for a parcel to show no new scan for several days.
5. Local delivery. The parcel is handed to the postal or courier service in your country for the last leg.

What can make delivery slower

• Your location. Remote areas and some countries take longer than major cities.
• Customs checks. International parcels can be held for inspection, and this can add days.
• Busy periods. Holidays and sales seasons put pressure on postal networks worldwide.
• The item itself. Different products can ship from different places, so two items ordered together may arrive separately.

How to make the wait easier

• Order early. If you need something for an event or a trip, order at least six weeks ahead.
• Double-check your address and phone number. Errors are a common cause of delays and failed deliveries.
• Use the tracking number from your shipping email to follow the parcel, and keep in mind that some gaps between updates are normal.
• Know your options. If your item arrives damaged, defective, not as described, or never arrives, you have 15 days from the delivery date to contact us for a refund or replacement, as set out in the policy.

For any online purchase, our 7-step guide to checking a budget product is a useful companion, and our checklist for judging sneaker quality will help you inspect your pair when it arrives.

Is the wait worth it?

That depends on what you need. If you want something tomorrow, a local shop is the better option. If you are happy to plan ahead in exchange for lower prices and a wider choice, a few weeks of patience is a fair deal. Have a look at our sneakers and watches, and order with the timeline in mind.