Yodel Return Parcel Lost: How to Get a Refund (UK)
If your return parcel was lost by the courier in transit back to the retailer with a Yodel delivery, you have rights as a UK consumer. If you used the retailer's prepaid return label, start with the retailer, who chose the courier. If you posted at your own cost, keep proof of postage: it supports your refund claim and any claim against the courier you paid. Yodel is now part of InPost and is appointed by the retailer, so refunds for missing or damaged items are owed by the retailer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Yodel windows shown here come from the terms of Yodel's sender service, now run by InPost, and a retailer on its own Yodel contract may be on different terms. InPost's own window for a lost parcel is 7 days after drop-off where the label was bought through its site or app, so tell the retailer straight away. Use this page to check what to do next, the Yodel claim window, and when to escalate if the retailer refuses. Compensation figures vary by service, so always verify the current numbers on Yodel's website before relying on them.
How to claim a refund
- 1
Locate your proof of postage. If you used the retailer's prepaid label, start with the retailer, who chose the courier. If you posted at your own cost, keep proof of postage: it supports your refund claim and any claim against the courier you paid.
- 2
Save the Yodel tracking page screenshot showing the last scan and current status.
- 3
Contact the retailer in writing. State that the return is in transit and ask for the refund you are due. If you are cancelling a distance purchase within the cooling-off period, regulation 34 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 requires it within 14 days of the retailer receiving the goods back or receiving evidence that you sent them, whichever is earlier. For faulty goods or a return under the retailer's own returns policy, cite your Consumer Rights Act remedy or that policy instead.
- 4
If the retailer says they have not received it, ask them to chase Yodel via InPost's online claim form (Yodel is now part of InPost; the sender files). The window is 14 days from delivery for damage or part loss, and 28 days from collection for a parcel that never arrived, under the terms of Yodel's sender service, now run by InPost; a retailer on its own Yodel contract may be on different terms (verify on the InPost Direct website).
- 5
If you posted at your own cost and the courier lost it, file a claim yourself with proof of postage and contents value.
- 6
If the retailer refuses to refund, escalate via Section 75, chargeback, or Citizens Advice for guidance, then a court claim against the retailer in the court that applies where you live.
Yodel compensation and escalation
- Claim window
- 14 days from delivery for damage or part loss, and 28 days from collection for a parcel that never arrived, under the terms of Yodel's sender service, now run by InPost; a retailer on its own Yodel contract may be on different terms (verify on the InPost Direct website)
- How to claim
- InPost's online claim form (Yodel is now part of InPost; the sender files)
- Escalation
- Citizens Advice for guidance, then a court claim against the retailer in the court that applies where you live
Frequently asked questions
Should I claim from Yodel or the retailer?
Claim from the retailer. Yodel is now part of InPost and is appointed by the retailer, so refunds for missing or damaged items are owed by the retailer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Yodel windows shown here come from the terms of Yodel's sender service, now run by InPost, and a retailer on its own Yodel contract may be on different terms. InPost's own window for a lost parcel is 7 days after drop-off where the label was bought through its site or app, so tell the retailer straight away. Your contract is with the retailer, so it is the retailer's job to deal with Yodel.
What is Yodel's claim window for this issue?
14 days from delivery for damage or part loss, and 28 days from collection for a parcel that never arrived, under the terms of Yodel's sender service, now run by InPost; a retailer on its own Yodel contract may be on different terms (verify on the InPost Direct website). Always check the current terms on Yodel's own website before relying on a deadline.
What if the retailer refuses to refund?
If you paid on credit, you may have a Section 75 claim against your card issuer or lender for a single item (or a set sold together) with a cash price over £100 and up to £30,000, paid for wholly or partly on credit, most often a credit card (some point-of-sale loans and store or catalogue credit also qualify; paying through PayPal or some marketplaces can rule it out). If not, or if you paid by debit card, ask your bank about a chargeback; the usual time limit is about 120 days, but check with your bank. You can also escalate via Citizens Advice for guidance, then a court claim against the retailer in the court that applies where you live.
Whose problem is a lost return — mine or the retailer's?
If you used the retailer's prepaid return label, start with the retailer, who chose the courier. If you paid for return postage yourself, keep proof of postage: it supports your refund claim and any claim against the courier you paid.
When is the retailer required to refund?
If you are cancelling a distance purchase within the cooling-off period, regulation 34 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 makes the refund due within 14 days of the retailer receiving the goods or evidence that you sent them, whichever is earlier. For faulty goods, exchanges or a retailer's own returns policy, other rules or the retailer's policy apply.
