A merchandise shipment is the first choice for many senders when it comes to sending small goods or books at a low cost. BOXXCO offers suitable packaging that is tailored precisely to Deutsche Post’s requirements. But the key question often arises: How long does a merchandise shipment actually take – and when will it arrive?
The answer isn’t entirely clear-cut: there is a standard delivery time, but actual delivery depends on several factors. In the following article, we explain the rules, how to realistically assess delivery time, and which alternatives to consider if you need faster shipping.
Merchandise shipment: definition, rules, and limits
A merchandise shipment is a Deutsche Post service designed specifically for the low-cost shipping of goods and books. It is suitable for merchants as well as private individuals who want to send smaller items securely and affordably.
To ensure your item is delivered correctly, certain rules and requirements apply:
- Contents: Only goods are permitted – including books, textiles, electronic accessories, spare parts, or data carriers. Personal messages are not allowed. An invoice or delivery note may be enclosed.
- Dimensions & weight: Length 10 to 35.3 cm, width 7 to 25 cm, height up to 5 cm. The base weight is up to 1,000 g (postage €2.70). With a surcharge of €0.85, you can send up to 2,000 g.
- Labeling: The word “Warensendung” (merchandise shipment) must be clearly visible above the recipient’s address. Only then will the item be processed correctly.
- Packaging: The item may be sealed. However, Deutsche Post reserves the right to open shipments at random for inspection. Sturdy packaging that fixes the goods in place and prevents damage is important.
- Posting: You may either drop it in a mailbox or hand it in at a branch. A posting list is not required.
- Delivery: Delivery usually takes place directly into the mailbox. If the item is too large (e.g., height over 4 cm), the post will leave a notification or deliver the merchandise shipment to a neighbor.
Practical tip: For merchandise shipments you’ll find suitable format-compliant packaging solutions in our shop, such as flat folding boxes or telescopic cartons precisely matched to Deutsche Post’s specifications.
Books via merchandise shipment: what applies when shipping books?
For books in particular, merchandise shipment is one of the most popular options. That’s mainly due to the low price and the fact that books are usually compact and flat – making them a perfect fit for Deutsche Post’s requirements.
The following special points apply:
- Permitted enclosures: Invoices or delivery notes may be enclosed; personal messages are not allowed.
- Keep an eye on dimensions: Because books often approach the maximum allowed height of 5 cm, precisely fitting packaging is important. Boxes that are too tall can quickly disqualify the shipment as a merchandise shipment.
- Fixation: Books should be packed so they do not slide around in the box. Otherwise, corners and edges can be damaged in transit.
- Labeling: Even for book shipments, the package must be clearly marked with “Warensendung” above the address.
Our tip: Particularly flat cartons such as the 225 × 115 × 30 mm folding box are ideal. It’s sturdy, meets the size requirements, and ensures your book arrives safely.
Everyday transit time: how long does a merchandise shipment really take?
The crucial question is: How long does a merchandise shipment take to reach the recipient?
Deutsche Post specifies a standard delivery time of around 4 working days. This means that in many cases your item arrives within this period – however, there is no delivery guarantee. Unlike standard letters or Maxibriefs, merchandise shipments are treated with lower priority.
This means:
- In quiet periods, delivery is often faster, sometimes after just 2–3 days.
- In peak seasons – such as before Christmas – transit times can be significantly longer.
- The time of posting also matters: if you drop your item after the last mailbox collection, you should expect a one-day delay.
Important for planning: If you rely on fast delivery or your customers expect fixed delivery dates, merchandise shipment isn’t always the best choice. In such cases, alternatives like the Maxibrief or a DHL small parcel are more suitable because these products are prioritized.
How long does a BÜWA take? (as of 2025)
The term BÜWA (books and merchandise shipment) is still used frequently. In fact, this product was discontinued on July 1, 2024 and merged into the merchandise shipment. So anyone asking about BÜWA transit time today will find the answer under the current product, merchandise shipment: it is around 4 working days, and longer depending on workload.
How to pack a merchandise shipment: step-by-step guide
To ensure your item arrives safely and in compliance, proper packaging is crucial. Use the following checklist to pack your merchandise shipment reliably:
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Choose the right packaging
Observe Deutsche Post’s size limits (max. 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm). Ideally, use sturdy cartons or mailers that fit the format exactly.
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Secure the contents
Your goods should not be able to move. Use padding materials such as paper, bubble wrap, or cardboard inserts. This prevents transport damage and keeps the item flat.
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Check the height
Make sure the packaging is no higher than 5 cm. Many mail slots are only about 4 cm high – flatter packaging increases the chance of direct delivery into the mailbox.
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Apply the label
The note “Warensendung” must be clearly legible above the recipient’s address. Without this label, the item may not be accepted as a merchandise shipment.
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Seal the item
Unlike in the past, merchandise shipments may now be sealed. However, the postal service reserves the right to open shipments at random for inspection.
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Apply postage
You can frank the merchandise shipment with a stamp, online postage, or other franking methods offered by Deutsche Post. Ensure the correct postage (base price up to 1,000 g; surcharge for up to 2,000 g).
Practical tip: It’s best to use boxes that match the merchandise shipment dimensions exactly. This helps avoid unnecessary complaints or delays.
Posting, franking & delivery
To ensure your merchandise shipment gets underway smoothly, keep the following points in mind:
- Posting: You can either drop your item directly into a mailbox or hand it in at a post office. A special posting list is not required.
- Franking: All common options are available – from a classic stamp to online postage and other Deutsche Post methods. It’s important that the postage matches the weight: up to 1,000 g = €2.70, with surcharge up to 2,000 g = €3.55.
- Additional services: Unlike Maxibrief, you cannot add services such as registered mail or cash on delivery to a merchandise shipment.
- Delivery: In most cases, merchandise shipments are delivered directly to the mailbox. If the item exceeds the slot height of around 4 cm, recipients receive a notification card or delivery is attempted via neighbors.
- Packstation: Delivery to a Packstation is also possible – provided the recipient is registered with DHL.
Conclusion: With proper franking and labeling, posting is straightforward. Just be sure to observe the specifics of merchandise shipments to avoid delays.
If delivery takes longer: sensible steps
Because merchandise shipments are low priority, they may take longer than the usual 4 working days. This is especially common during peak seasons like the run-up to Christmas or when the item is posted late.
If your shipment takes longer, it’s advisable to be patient at first. Inform your recipients about the typical transit times to avoid unrealistic expectations. As a retailer, you can also offer alternative shipping methods such as Maxibrief or DHL Parcel if faster delivery or tracking is required.
Quick decision aid: which option fits your shipping goal?
To conclude, here’s a brief overview to make your choice easier:
- Merchandise shipment: inexpensive; for goods and books; transit time approx. 4 working days; no tracking.
- Maxibrief: slightly more expensive; faster (approx. 2 working days); with basic tracking; also for documents.
- DHL Parcel/Small Parcel: for larger or heavier contents; full tracking and liability.
Our tip: Decide based on your priorities. If price matters most, merchandise shipment is ideal. If speed and transparency are more important, choose Maxibrief or DHL Parcel.
Still looking for the right box for your merchandise shipment? Then check out our format-compliant packaging – from the 225 × 115 × 30 mm folding box to the A4 telescopic carton 305 × 215 × 50 mm. With these, you’re perfectly equipped for every shipping method.