FAQ - Delivery Info
When should I order ?
You can place your order as early as you like – simply choose your preferred delivery date from the calendar at checkout.This is the day we will deliver your order. We do recommend you order two weeks before your preferred delivery date. If you have any specific instructions (for example a safe place, or “no blue cheese”), add these in the special instructions box at checkout.
You’ll always receive an order confirmation by email, so please check that it arrives and have a look in your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it.
How does delivery and tracking work?
We offer nationwide delivery and can send your order to your home, workplace, caterer or chosen venue.
For wedding cheese cakes, we like to deliver at least two days before the event. For weekend weddings, we deliver on the Thursday at the latest, but can deliver earlier if you prefer. We do not deliver cakes on Fridays, to reduce the risk of courier delays affecting your big day.
For general orders, we deliver Tuesday to Friday using an overnight next‑day courier service. Timed deliveries (for example, before midday) are available for an additional charge. All parcels are trackable, and if you provide a mobile number you’ll receive a text message on the day of delivery with an hour‑long time window.
We can also deliver to many Highlands and Islands addresses. Some of these require a two‑day service, so we’ll quote individually for those deliveries.
At Christmas we usually send orders on a “safe place” service, which means the parcel can be left without a signature if you’re out. If you have a preferred safe place – or if you would rather the parcel was not left unattended – please tell us in the special instructions box at checkout.
If you have any problems with tracking or delivery, you can contact DPD directly quoting your tracking number, delivery postcode and the recipient’s contact details, or get in touch with us and we’ll help.
What if I don’t like a cheese in one of the selections?
We’re always happy to offer alternatives where we can. At Christmas, when things are very busy, we don’t have time to discuss every individual change, but we still try to accommodate preferences.
If you like one of our cheese boxes but don’t want a particular cheese (for example, no goat’s cheese or no blue), simply tell us in the special instructions box at checkout. If you have a specific substitute in mind we’ll do our best to include it; otherwise, if you just write something like “no blue”, we’ll choose a suitable replacement for you.
How will my order arrive?
All orders are packed in sturdy brown outer boxes with ice packs (in warm weather) to keep the cheese cool for up to 48 hours, so don’t worry if the parcel takes a little longer in transit. Your order will either be in one of our branded boxes or carry our branded sticker together with a clear “please refrigerate upon arrival” message, so if it’s going to another address they’ll know it’s from West Country Cheese.
We use bubble wrap for larger orders and wood shred for extra protection. If you’ve chosen a gift box or bought a product that states it comes in a gift box, it will be presented as described and then placed inside a plain outer box for delivery.
What should I do when my cheese arrives?
As soon as your parcel arrives, please put all cheeses into the fridge (or a consistently cool part of the house, such as a cellar). Before serving, bring them up to room temperature so the flavours and textures are at their best.
How long will my cheese last?
As a general guide, softer cheeses will usually have around two weeks of shelf life from the time you receive them. Harder cheeses and cheddars often last significantly longer – sometimes up to three months – provided they remain whole.
If your box includes cut cheese (cheese cut from a larger wheel), we recommend enjoying it within about two weeks for the best flavour and texture, even for harder styles. Once a cheese has been cut and exposed to air, you may notice slightly drier edges when it’s been open for a while; simply wrap any unused cheese tightly in cling film (or similar wrap) and return it to the fridge.
How does delivery work for the Cheese Subscription Box?
When you order a Cheese Subscription Box, choose a delivery date at checkout – this will be the date your firstsubscription box is delivered. Inside the first box you’ll find an introductory letter explaining the dates of the remaining deliveries and how to change them if needed. The recipient can adjust future dates at any time to suit their plans.
If you’d prefer to send a gift subscription letter first, still choose a delivery date at checkout, but clearly state in the special instructions box that you’d like a subscription letter for the first delivery. We’ll send the gift letter on that date, and the recipient can then use the details to schedule their subsequent boxes whenever it suits them.
When should I order for Christmas??
You can place your order as early as you like – simply choose your preferred delivery date from the calendar at checkout. This is the day we will deliver your order. If you have any specific instructions (for example a safe place, or “no blue cheese”), add these in the special instructions box at checkout.
You’ll always receive an order confirmation by email, so please check that it arrives and have a look in your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it.
For Christmas, last orders for pre‑Christmas delivery must reach us by Monday 14th December at midday. Please remember that delivery slots book up quickly and we can only send a certain number of parcels per day, so it’s best to order early to avoid disappointment.
Our final despatch before Christmas will be Tuesday 22nd December for delivery on Wednesday 23rd December. Because couriers are very busy at this time of year, we can’t absolutely guarantee next‑day delivery, so please allow an extra day where possible.
After Christmas, our next despatch date is Monday 28th December for delivery on Tuesday 29th December, and we’ll then return to our normal schedule into the New Year. All cheeses and pies sent for Christmas will have suitable best‑before dates for the festive period and beyond, but they will be at their best if you choose a delivery date just a few days before you plan to serve them.
