Shipping Policy
Last updated: 27 June 2026
1. Overview
The Sign Dept. sells made-to-order signage products. Because most orders are custom-made, delivery time includes both the design/proof stage and the production stage.
If your order requires a design proof, production normally begins after you have approved the proof, not immediately after checkout.
2. Design proof time
For custom orders, we aim to prepare and send your first design proof within 1-2 business days after receiving the information needed for your order.
This may take longer if:
- We need extra vehicle details, measurements or photographs.
- The artwork supplied is low quality or incomplete.
- The order is complex.
- We are waiting for you to reply to a question.
- There are busy periods, weekends or bank holidays.
3. Production time
After you approve your design proof, we aim to produce and dispatch most orders within 3-7 business days.
Production times are estimates and may vary depending on order size, material availability, supplier capacity, quality checks and other factors.
4. Delivery time
After dispatch, UK orders are usually sent using a tracked courier service. Typical delivery is 1-3 business days after dispatch, depending on your location and the courier service used.
Delivery times are estimates only and are not guaranteed unless we clearly state otherwise in writing.
5. Total estimated turnaround
As a guide, the total turnaround for a custom order is usually:
Design proof time + customer approval time + production time + courier delivery time.
Delays in approving your design proof will delay production and delivery.
6. Delivery areas
We currently focus on UK delivery. At launch, delivery options may be limited while we are setting up our production and courier process.
UK mainland delivery will usually be available where shown at checkout. Deliveries to Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or other remote areas may take longer, cost more or be unavailable depending on the order and courier.
If you are unsure whether we can deliver to your area, contact us before ordering at orders@thesigndept.com.
7. Delivery costs
Delivery costs are calculated at checkout unless clearly stated otherwise.
Free delivery may be offered from time to time or above a certain order value. Any free delivery offer will be subject to the conditions shown on our website at the time.
8. Tracking
Where tracking is available, we will send tracking information by email or through the order update system after dispatch.
Please allow time for tracking links to update after the courier receives the parcel.
9. Delivery address
You are responsible for providing a complete and accurate delivery address. We are not responsible for delays, failed deliveries or losses caused by incorrect or incomplete address details supplied by the customer.
If you notice an address mistake after ordering, contact us immediately at orders@thesigndept.com. We can only change the address if the order has not already been dispatched or passed to our fulfilment partner.
10. Missed deliveries
If a courier attempts delivery and you are not available, they may leave a card, send an update, attempt redelivery, leave the parcel in a safe place, deliver to a neighbour or take it to a collection point, depending on the courier’s process.
It is your responsibility to follow the courier’s instructions and collect or rearrange delivery where needed.
11. Delays
We do our best to meet estimated timeframes, but delays can happen. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers, weather, strikes, supplier issues, incorrect customer information, missed deliveries, payment checks, proof approval delays or events outside our control.
If your order is delayed, contact us and we will do our best to help.
12. Damaged parcels
If your parcel arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery at orders@thesigndept.com.
Please include:
- Your order number.
- Photos of the packaging.
- Photos of the damaged product.
- A short description of the damage.
Please keep the packaging and product while we review the issue, as the courier may need evidence.
13. Missing or lost parcels
If tracking says your order has been delivered but you have not received it, please check around the delivery address, with neighbours, in safe places and with anyone else at the property.
If you still cannot find it, contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate with the courier.
Courier investigations can take time. If the parcel is confirmed as lost, we will discuss the next steps with you.
14. Split deliveries
Some orders may be sent in more than one parcel or from more than one location. If this applies, you may receive separate tracking details.
15. Collection and returns address
We do not currently offer walk-in collection or a public returns address.
Collection is only available if we have clearly agreed this with you in writing. Please do not visit any address for collection unless we have confirmed an appointment or collection arrangement.
If a return or inspection is needed, contact us first and we will provide the correct instructions by email.
16. Contact
For delivery questions, contact:
The Sign Dept.
Orders email: orders@thesigndept.com
General enquiries: hello@thesigndept.com
Location: Hull, United Kingdom
Website: https://thesigndept.com
Please include your order number where possible.