Quick Facts
European shoppers seeking fashion deals and sellers wanting to expand across EU markets
- Return policy shortened from 100 days to 30 days in Germany, Netherlands, and Italy as of January 2025
- Pre-owned category offers quality-checked second-hand items integrated into main store
- Free delivery threshold is €29.90 in Germany and £35.00 in UK
- Zalando ships to 26 European markets only - no global shipping available
Zalando remains Europe's dominant fashion marketplace, but shoppers should note the significantly reduced return window and use the Pre-owned section for best value on jackets and accessories.
If you live in Europe, avoiding Zalando is nearly impossible. Since its launch in Berlin in 2008, it has grown into the continent’s defining fashion marketplace, often described as the “Amazon of clothing.” But if you haven’t shopped there recently, you might be operating on outdated information.
By late 2025, Zalando expanded its reach to 26 active marketsrecently adding Portugal to the list. However, scale comes with stricter policies. The platform has significantly shifted its famous “customer first” return rules this year, catching many long time shoppers off guard.
The Ecosystem: More Than Just New Shoes
While Zalando still moves massive volumes of new inventorygenerating nearly €11.6 billion in revenue this yearits smartest feature is the integration of the Pre owned category. Unlike other platforms where second-hand feels like a garage sale, Zalando integrates these items directly into the main store.
Why this matters: Items sold under “Pre owned” are quality checked by Zalando (or their “Zalando Recommerce” arm). You aren’t haggling with a stranger; you are buying a verified item with standard shipping protections. For savvy shoppers, this is often where the best value lies, especially for jackets and accessories.
The “Hidden” Policy Shift: Returns in 2025
For over a decade, Zalando was famous for its 100-day return policy. As of January 2025, this has changed in key markets.
If you are shopping in Germany, the Netherlands, or Italy, the return window has been shortened to 30 days to align with policies in France and Spain. While returns remain free of charge, the days of keeping a box in your hallway for three months are over. Refunds are typically processed within 14 days after you hand over the parcel.
Smart Shopping: Free Delivery Thresholds
Zalando is not a unified store; it operates legally distinct entities in each country. This means shipping rules change depending on your URL.
- In Germany (Zalando.de): Standard delivery is free for orders over €29.90. Below this, you pay €4.90.
- In the UK (Zalando.co.uk): Free delivery kicks in at £35.00. Orders under this amount incur a £3.99 fee.
Practitioner Tip: If you are just under the threshold, add a pair of basic socks or a small accessory to the cart to trigger free shipping, then keep the item. It is often cheaper than paying the delivery fee.
If you are looking for alternatives with different shipping dynamics, you might want to check our guide on Top 10 Cheap Clothes Shopping Sites in Germany.
Selling on Zalando: The Partner Program
For brands and retailers, Zalando has moved away from simple email applications to a centralized portal called zDirect. This is the control tower for the “Partner Program.”
To join, you must have an existing online presence and registered business. The benefit is access to Zalando’s massive logistics network (Zalando Fulfillment Solutions), which allows you to sell across Europe without setting up warehouses in every country.
Note for Sellers: While consumer return windows have shortened to 30 days, partners in specific regions (DE, NL, BE, IT) are required to honor transitional 100-day policies until the end of 2025. Be sure to read the fine print in the Partner University.
If you are exploring other ways to sell in Europe, Amazon FBA Germany remains the primary competitor to Zalando’s logistics network.
Where Does Zalando Ship?
A common misconception is that Zalando ships globally. It does not. It is strictly a pan European operation. As of late 2025, they ship to 26 markets including:
Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, Luxembourg, and Portugal.
If you live outside these zones, Zalando will not ship to you directly. You would need to use a package forwarding service, though this often complicates returns.
Mobile Experience
The majority of Zalando’s 16,000+ employees focus on tech, and it shows. The mobile app uses AI to assist with sizinga feature that has become surprisingly accurate this year. We highly recommend using the app over the desktop site for the “Size Advice” features alone.
You can download the official app for Android here and for iOS here.
Contacting Zalando in 2025
Direct email support (like the old [email protected]) has largely been retired in favor of automated systems. For the fastest response:
- Customers: Use the chat function in the App or the Help Center on the website. Emailing [email protected] often results in an auto reply directing you back to the chatbot.
- Partners: Use the support form inside the Zalando Partner University (ZPU) portal.
More on Shopping in Germany
Germany sets the standard for consumer protection and logistics in Europe. If you are looking to source products in bulk rather than retail, check out our guide on Wholesale products from Germany. For a broader view of the e-commerce landscape, read our full breakdown of Online Shopping in Germany.
Does Zalando ship to the USA?
No, Zalando does not ship directly to the USA. They operate exclusively within 26 European markets. Shoppers outside Europe must use third-party freight forwarders.
Is Zalando shipping free?
It depends on the order value. In Germany, shipping is free for orders over €29.90. In the UK, the threshold is £35.00. Orders below these amounts incur a small delivery fee.
Has Zalando changed its return policy?
Yes. Effective January 2025, Zalando reduced its return window from 100 days to 30 days in major markets like Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Returns remain free.
