Shipping Policy
We want your order to arrive safely and with as few surprises as possible. Here's everything you need to know about how we ship.
Delivery Lead Times
Estimated delivery times are provided as a guide based on the best available information at the time of ordering. If you have any concerns about timing, please reach out before placing your order — we're happy to give you the most up-to-date estimate.
Standard items: 4–8 weeks from dispatch, with most orders dispatched within 5–7 working days.
Made-to-Order items: 14–16 weeks. These are built specifically for you, so they take a little longer. We'll keep you updated along the way.
Please note that our suppliers observe extended closures in August, over Christmas, and during Chinese New Year in February. Orders placed close to these periods may experience additional lead time, which we'll communicate to you in advance.
Delivery Charges
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the size, weight, and destination of your order. Large items naturally carry higher delivery costs — if you'd like a quote before committing, just get in touch and we'll work one out for you.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Deliveries outside the UK are subject to local VAT at the rate applicable in your destination country. You'll be contacted by local customs authorities or the courier for these charges before delivery.
- We ship to most countries but cannot deliver to PO Boxes — please provide a full postal address at checkout.
- If you've ordered multiple items, they may arrive separately, but you'll only be charged one shipping fee per order.
How Standard Items Are Delivered
Standard items ship directly from our suppliers and are delivered to your kerbside. You'll receive tracking information by email once your order has been dispatched.
Please check the packaging for any visible damage when your delivery arrives. If there's an issue, contact the courier directly or reach out to us — we'll help you sort it out.
How Made-to-Order Items Are Delivered
Made-to-Order items are delivered via a freight forwarding service, to street level or the nearest accessible ground-floor location (such as a building lobby). Due to liability constraints, our delivery teams are unable to enter your home or navigate stairs — please plan accordingly.
Deliveries are made in original packaging and do not include unpacking, assembly, or installation. Your courier will provide an estimated delivery date in advance.
On delivery day:
- Someone must be present to sign for the order. If no one is available, the courier will return the item to their facility — please contact them to rearrange.
- Before signing, inspect the outer packaging and photograph any visible damage.
- If the packaging is damaged, note it clearly on the delivery confirmation before signing. Signing without any notation is taken as confirmation that the goods arrived in good condition.
- Keep all original packaging — it's required if a damage claim needs to be made.
Import Duties & Taxes (International Orders)
All international orders are shipped on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis. This means customs import taxes and duties are not included in your order total and are the responsibility of the customer.
We're unable to calculate exact duty amounts in advance, as these vary by country and are set by local authorities. You'll be contacted directly by your customs authority or courier with payment instructions before delivery is attempted.
Failure to pay import duties may result in delays, storage fees, or the return of your order. If goods are returned due to refused customs clearance, we reserve the right to deduct 20% of the total order value from any refund to cover return, storage, and insurance costs.
We recommend checking your country's import policies before placing an order. We're not responsible for any costs incurred through customs offices.
Questions about your delivery? Email us at info@modern-approach.com — we're always happy to help.