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What Depost is can be explained simply. If you have ordered something and see this information in the shipment tracking, it is an abbreviation that has a special meaning.
What is Depost? A simple explanation
The term Depost stands for “Deutsche Post Standard” (also abbreviated as DPSTD). It refers to a special shipping method that is often used for orders placed in online shops such as Amazon. These are so-called mailings, i.e., shipments that are not delivered as parcels but as normal letters. Typical contents are small items such as books, CDs, etc., that fit in an envelope. Important features of Depost shipments are:
- The shipment is delivered directly to your mailbox – so you don’t have to be at home to receive the delivery in person.
- Traditional shipment tracking is not possible with Depost/DPSTD. The numbers displayed are usually only used internally by the retailer and cannot be used by customers for actual tracking.
- This shipping method is primarily intended for smaller items and is a cost-effective alternative to parcel shipping.
- Delivery is handled by Deutsche Post and not by another parcel service provider such as DHL, Hermes, or DPD.
- Delivery to packing stations is usually not possible, as the shipment is intended for the mailbox.
- Delivery is often very fast, sometimes as early as the next business day, but is not guaranteed.
- Note: If you see the shipping method Depost, please do not expect package tracking or delivery to a packing station. You will receive your order as a simple letter directly in your private mailbox.
Why DEPOST is sometimes confused with DHL
DEPOST is often confused with DHL or other parcel services because both brands belong to the Deutsche Post DHL Group and the terms are used similarly in the shipping process.
- In addition, the presentation in online shops such as Amazon, where “DEPOST” appears in the order status alongside well-known logistics companies such as DHL, Hermes, or DPD, leads to misunderstandings.
- Many customers therefore expect classic parcel delivery including shipment tracking and consider it a “mistake” when they only receive a letter instead.
- Other reasons for the confusion are: The term “DEPOST” sounds like a separate service provider, but is only an internal abbreviation for “Deutsche Post Standard” and describes a shipping method – not a company.
- The user interface of online shops shows “Shipping with DEPOST,” often alongside parcel providers, even though DEPOST shipments such as letters cannot be tracked. Customers therefore assume that it is a parcel delivery service.
- DHL is responsible for parcels, while Deutsche Post is used for letters and light goods shipments – both belong to the same group. This often blurs the lines of responsibility in the public perception.
- An important distinguishing feature: DEPOST always stands for letter delivery via Deutsche Post – DHL is exclusively responsible for parcel and express services. With a DEPOST shipment, your goods are placed directly in the mailbox as a letter and are not delivered to the door or packing station as a parcel.
- The confusion is therefore due to organizational and technical reasons as well as historical overlaps in brand identity.
How DEPOST differs from regular shipment tracking
DEPOST differs from regular shipment tracking (e.g., for parcels) primarily in that DEPOST shipments do not usually offer real shipment tracking. With parcels, you receive a real tracking number that allows you to track the exact progress of your shipment online, from dispatch to delivery. DEPOST/DPSTD shipments do not offer this kind of seamless tracking.
- DEPOST shipments (mostly merchandise mail, books, and merchandise shipments) are placed directly in the mailbox and treated like normal letter mail. There is no online tracking function. The “shipment number” displayed for orders is for internal purposes only and does not allow customers to track their shipments.
- Regular shipment tracking is standard for packages: Here you will receive a proper tracking number. This allows you to track the location of the package online and in real time (e.g., at the shipping center, in delivery, or already delivered).
- Status displays at DEPOST (“delivered” or “in delivery”) at online shops such as Amazon are not real tracking data, but only internal status messages from the retailer.
- Investigations are possible for parcels based on the tracking number, but generally not for DEPOST shipments, as there is no postal registration of individual shipments.
The DEPOST service offers the following advantages for online shopping
The DEPOST service offers the following advantages for online shopping in particular:
- Low shipping costs: DEPOST is usually cheaper than parcel services, which is directly reflected in the retailers’ shipping costs. This makes orders particularly attractive for smaller items.
- Direct delivery to your mailbox: Your order is delivered like a letter. This means you don’t have to be at home or arrange for collection; instead, you receive the goods conveniently in your mailbox.
- Wide availability: The service is available throughout Germany and often internationally, so that almost any address can be reached.
- Reliable delivery: Deutsche Post’s logistics are tried and tested and reliable; even small shipments arrive quickly and reliably.
- Efficient delivery for small parcels: The DEPOST service is particularly suitable for books, CDs, or other compact items, as it does not require complex parcel logistics.
- Simple shipping process for retailers: Shipping is straightforward, saving online shops time and resources.
