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Shipping Statuses Explained (Seller Guide)

1 min read

(Including Dispatched by Kingston Express)

Understanding shipping statuses helps sellers know what stage an order is in, what action is required, and who is responsible at each step — especially when using Dispatched by Kingston Express.

This guide explains every common shipping status, what it means, and what you should (or should not) do as a seller.


Why Shipping Statuses Matter #

https://help.hcl-software.com/commerce/9.0.0/developer/images/locale/orderstatusflow.gif
https://storage.googleapis.com/bigcommerce-production-dev-center/Knowledge%20Base/Orders/OrderStatuses/OrderStatusINtro.png

Shipping statuses help:

  • Prevent missed actions
  • Reduce customer messages
  • Avoid accidental cancellations
  • Keep delivery smooth and predictable

📌 Each status tells you something important.


Common Shipping Statuses (Overview) #

StatusWhat It MeansSeller Action
ProcessingOrder receivedPrepare / wait
Ready for DispatchOrder is being preparedNone (dispatchment)
DispatchedPackage has leftNone
In TransitOn the way to customerNone
Out for DeliveryDelivery scheduledBe available if needed
DeliveredOrder completedDone
Failed DeliveryDelivery attempt failedReview & respond
ReturnedItem sent backReview outcome

1. Processing #

https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/668026bd6ba918352b4b09d2/66870f8a558fde06d1c59531_65bcce4df13370d744d1cec3_Order%2520Processing%2520in%2520E-commerce%25C2%25A0.png
https://www.sostocked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Orders-30-Days-Dashboard-SoStocked-1.jpg

What it means: #

  • Customer has placed and paid for the order
  • Order is confirmed

Seller responsibility: #

  • Dispatchment: No action needed
  • Seller delivery: Prepare the order

📦 This is the starting point for all orders.


2. Ready for Dispatch #

https://spherewms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_1844724151-packing-optimized-768x512-1.webp
https://revenuegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/amazon-order-preparing-for-shipment.png

What it means: #

  • Order is being picked and packed

Seller responsibility: #

  • Dispatched by Kingston Express: None
  • Seller delivery: Ensure order is packed

📌 This stage is handled internally for dispatchment orders.


3. Dispatched #

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G9P75pBXwAAyd7Z.jpg
https://ilsportal.io/blog-adm/article/OrderDispatched_17527530940.png

What it means: #

  • Order has left the dispatchment center or seller

Seller responsibility: #

  • None

🚚 Tracking begins here.


4. In Transit #

https://static6.depositphotos.com/1003559/644/i/450/depositphotos_6440330-stock-photo-white-truck.jpg
https://www.usglobalmail.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/USPS-Tracking-101-576x1024.jpg

What it means: #

  • Package is moving toward the customer

Seller responsibility: #

  • None

📌 Delays here are usually logistics-related.


5. Out for Delivery #

https://wesupplylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/out-for-delivery-vs-package-shipped.webp
https://assets.aboutamazon.com/dims4/default/bd471c4/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2000x1125%2B0%2B0/resize/1200x675%21/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famazon-blogs-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F81%2Fdc%2F3fafcebc428cb612dbf9cf8e2663%2Fabout-amazon-hero-amazon-delivery-drivers.jpg

What it means: #

  • Delivery attempt is scheduled for that day

Seller responsibility: #

  • Be reachable if customer or support contacts you

📞 Most deliveries complete at this stage.


6. Delivered #

https://www.bhg.com/thmb/vVRrfH0UI1qlmnzTIgkBgw8kLUU%3D/7599x0/filters%3Ano_upscale%28%29%3Astrip_icc%28%29/packages-left-on-the-porch-of-a-house-1643299978-4a0321bb79a643289c8147c791b842ef.jpg
https://www.shipbob.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/9beada603335de952e109efae7aa0898-700x906.jpg

What it means: #

  • Customer has received the order

Seller responsibility: #

  • None
  • Order may move to completed

Funds proceed through normal settlement.


7. Failed Delivery #

https://www.appjetty.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ooops-Delivery-Attempt-was-Unsuccessful.png
https://www.usps.com/c360/images/redelivery/Front_PS_Form_3849_Sept22_v2.jpg

What it means: #

  • Delivery could not be completed

Common reasons: #

  • Customer unavailable
  • Incorrect address
  • Access issues

Seller responsibility: #

  • Dispatchment: Support handles follow-up
  • Seller delivery: Contact customer and retry

⚠️ Failed deliveries need attention.


8. Returned #

https://i.insider.com/63acad79a51b3d00185b17d2?width=700
https://www.netsuite.com/portal/assets/img/business-articles/inventory-management/infographic-bsa-reverse-logistics-supply-chain.png

What it means: #

  • Item has been returned

Seller responsibility: #

  • Review return outcome
  • Monitor inventory adjustment

📦 Returns are processed according to policy.


How Dispatchment Changes Seller Responsibility #

https://gtmnow.com/wp-content/uploads/sales-service-handoff-image-1024x541.jpg
https://www.netsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/order-fulfillment-net-solutions-order-fulfillment-process.webp

With Dispatched by Kingston Express:

  • Kingston Express updates statuses automatically
  • Sellers do not manage delivery steps
  • Most statuses are informational only

📌 Less work, fewer mistakes.


Common Seller Mistakes With Statuses #

❌ Taking action when none is needed
❌ Ignoring failed delivery notices
❌ Messaging customers unnecessarily
❌ Confusing processing vs dispatched

⚠️ Statuses are guidance — not panic signals.


When Sellers Should Take Action #

You should act if:

  • A failed delivery repeats
  • A return affects your stock
  • Support requests clarification
  • Status seems stuck unusually long

📧 When unsure, contact support — don’t guess.


Final Tip #

If you’re using Dispatched by Kingston Express, shipping statuses are mostly for visibility, not action.
Trust the system, monitor key changes, and step in only when needed 🚚📦

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