Shipping policy

Last updated 2 October 2026

Preparing your order

For in-stock books, capes, teddies and other items dispatched by R. M. Rayner, we normally prepare and dispatch orders within 1–2 working days (Monday to Friday, excluding UK bank holidays). During busy periods, dispatch may take up to 5 working days. Signed books are signed to order. Large, personalised or pre-order items may need longer; where that applies, we will explain the timing on the product page or contact you. If there is a significant delay, we will email you.

Delivery services and timing

The available shipping choices and charges appear at checkout. A delivery service's transit time starts after your order has been dispatched and accepted by the carrier. Standard and faster services may be offered for eligible items; a faster postage service does not automatically shorten the preparation time. If we offer a same-day dispatch cut-off or a guaranteed delivery option, we will state its conditions with that option. Delivery estimates can be affected by weekends, bank holidays, the destination and carrier delays.

Made-to-order items

Some clothing and merchandise is made and sent by our print-on-demand fulfilment partner. Its production time is additional to shipping transit time, and its shipping rates and eligible delivery services may differ from items sent by R. M. Rayner. Orders containing both types of item can arrive in separate parcels and may have combined shipping charges at checkout.

Bulk orders

For schools, charities, organisations, events or larger quantities, please contact R. M. Rayner before ordering. Tell us the products, quantities and colours, destination and required date. We will confirm stock, preparation time, the number of parcels, tracked delivery and suitable protection, then give you an individual total quote. Bulk shipping is not offered as a standard website checkout option. Please wait for our quote before placing a bulk order.

Delivery address and problems

Please check your delivery address carefully before placing your order. If you notice a mistake, contact us as soon as possible; we will try to correct it before dispatch, although we cannot always change an address after a parcel has been handed to the carrier. If your order is late, missing, damaged or marked as delivered but you cannot find it, please contact us so we can investigate and help resolve it. Your statutory rights are unaffected.

International orders

We deliver to destinations for which a shipping option is shown at checkout. International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes and customs handling charges in the destination country. These are not included in our shipping charge unless checkout expressly says otherwise. Delivery estimates can be affected by customs clearance.

Contact

For shipping questions, email author.rmrayner@gmail.com.