Delivery date is the time that an item will be delivered to the recipient. It depends on various factors, like the shipping option – standard or express, distance between shipping and receiving locations, and other potential factors that delay the delivery.
But based on big data, an estimated delivery date is possible. The carrier’s transit time is transparent, adding the processing time, then you will get the estimated delivery time.
Why is an estimated delivery date important especially for eCommerce? A survey shows that 22% of cart abandonment is caused by long shipping time. By informing customers about the delivery time while they are viewing the product, rather than only at checkout, sellers can reduce disappointment and lower the rate of cart abandonment.
What is the Estimated Delivery Date?
The Estimated Delivery Date, also called EDD, indicates when your order is likely to arrive and is crucial for time-sensitive purchases. For example, consider a customer buying Christmas gifts for their children. The delivery date of the product is a primary concern, as they need the gifts to arrive before Christmas, not after.
Even in ordinary situations, providing an estimated delivery date can minimize customer frustration during the wait for their packages, enhancing their overall post-purchase experience.
Importance of EDD in eCommerce and Logistics
A survey from Australia Post shows that delayed deliveries that arrive on the estimated delivery date provided have 76% fewer contacts than delayed deliveries with no EDD provided. This can decrease the workload of the customer support team and lower the operational costs for eCommerce merchants.
From a logistics perspective, the EDD is essential for planning and resource allocation. It allows logistics companies to optimize their delivery routes, manage inventory more effectively, and plan their staffing needs according to the volume of goods that need to be delivered.
Every Customer looks for the tracking Page when they Order something. Especially, when they order something Expensive or maybe for someone special. So, in that case, they usually Send You Inbox Messages or Keeps Calling You.
Giving them an exact delivery date can reduce those “Where Is My Order?” questions.
Remember One thing: when you put the Delivery Date on Top of your Tracking Page, it keeps the Customer in check.
How to Calculate the Estimated Date of Delivery
Businesses like E-Commerce use this feature in the stores to calculate Estimated Delivery Date in this way their customers know their Order’s Location.
The estimated delivery date depends on how long it takes to process the order and ship it and the customer’s location. It’s when the order should arrive.
Providing a reliable and precise estimated delivery date is essential for online stores. It helps customers plan when to expect delivery and helps businesses manage inventory and supply chains for on-time delivery.
Factors That Affect the Estimated Delivery Date
• Shipping Methods
Firstly, the shipping method affects the estimated delivery date, which results in shipping delays. Usually, there are many options like Standard Ground, Expedited, or Overnight Shipping, and as you know, they all have different speeds.
• Product Availability
Shipping delays happen when the product is out of stock. So, it delays the processing time, and in the end, customers get their orders late.
• Transit Time by Carrier
This is how long it takes for the carrier to deliver the package from the seller to the buyer. It depends on distance, shipping method, and carrier service level.
• Volume of Orders
Shipping delays occur during busy times like holidays or big sales. Also, lots of orders can slow down how quickly things get processed and shipped.
• Shipping to Other Countries
Sometimes, you see shipping delays. International shipping takes longer than local shipping.
• Processing Time
It usually means how long it will take for the seller to prepare the order. Additionally, it includes tasks like choosing products, packaging, and labeling. However, all these tasks need some time.
• Destination
Shipment delays also happen due to the customer’s location because it is hard to reach a wide range of consumers, especially if that customer lives in a faraway place.
• Distance
The distance between the seller and the buyer affects how long it takes for the shipment to arrive. Shipping to nearby places is usually faster than shipping to faraway locations.
The Role of Estimated Delivery Dates in eCommerce
When you show your consumers the estimated delivery date, it gives them the best shopping experience. Also, it builds trust in your service, and when they finally receive the order after tracking each step, they become happy. That’s why smart brands always prefer to make their customers happy.
• Customer Expectations
More than 60% of customers aim to be home by the estimated delivery date. If given the option, 10% would prefer to reschedule beforehand if they’re unavailable, improving delivery success.
• Conversion Rates
The Times of India reports that 46% of online shoppers like to know when their package will arrive before buying.
Seeing the correct delivery date really pushes customers to make a purchase. Especially during the holidays, timing is critical. Knowing when to expect their order makes them less likely to abandon their carts. Customers get excited, especially with faster shipping options. They can’t wait to get their order!
• Cart Abandonment
Most online stores show their delivery time after checkout, which depends on the customer’s location, especially for international shipping. So, customers now usually expect quick delivery.
However, one of the surveys says, “Most Customers Expect Their Orders Within 4.5 Days.” While perishable items or furniture deliveries are more flexible,.
• Customer Loyalty
The main aim of setting an estimated delivery date is to earn trust and credibility for the brand. When customers get their products on time, it creates a positive experience. This not only gives accurate information but also shows professionalism.
Meeting satisfaction with the product and timely delivery encourages customers to come back.
• Operational Planning
Aligning business operations with strategic goals is important while making Operational Plans. Because it gives you a clear view of your responsibilities and other activities. Making plans in a way that perfectly defines your Goals, Resources, and Plan helps you get success.
This framework ensures everyone stays on track and pursues the same objectives.
• Risk Mitigation
Yes, package theft is a real thing and is becoming a bigger issue these days. One out of every two Americans experiences this problem.
In some states, it’s considered a felony. Giving customers precise delivery dates and times helps them plan when to collect their packages, saving them money and avoiding disappointment.
4 Strategies for Improving the Estimated Delivery Date
Customers want their online orders to arrive quickly and smoothly. Retailers who meet these expectations are more likely to keep customers coming back.
When you have an eCommerce business, it includes managing multiple tasks at a time and working with shipping partners.
Luckily, there are many tools and techniques to help your business grow. You can use an outsourcing partner to automate your business in various ways. However, I have collected four different methods to improve the estimated delivery date.
Leveraging data-driven forecasting
For a data-driven Forecasting logistics companies use traffic management systems to give accurate delivery. These systems usually track traffic and use past data to find the quickest routes for drivers. This helps them prevent shipping delays. It improves the estimated delivery time when drivers don’t face any problems reaching the destination.
However, it isn’t easy to track performance measures such as on-time delivery, average duration, and customer satisfaction ratings. Analyze routes and perfect timing, and optimize vehicle usage to enhance estimated delivery times. Streamline operations and deliver superior service to consumers.
Optimizing inventory management
When your business starts you feel happy and you want your business to grow longer. But to keep your sales consistent you have to Manage Everything on Time. Like most people when their products start selling they forget to maintain their Inventory. As a result, they get out of stock and they lose customers.
To solve this problem, you should always have a solid Plan B. It means that if you see your products running out, you had better keep your stock ready. This way, you never run out of Inventory and never lose the customer, too.
Enhancing Logistics Operations
eCommerce logistics handles the movement of products in stores. However, covering tasks like managing stock, fulfilling orders, and shipping items. All this is just for the customer’s satisfaction and ease. So, you need to make a plan and then follow it passionately, whether using some tech or a carrier’s help.
The purpose is basically to improve the supply chain and do quick deliveries with less money spent. An understanding of these logistics and delivery methods is very important for any seller who has an online store.
Implementing advanced technology
When you work with technology, it puts you ten steps ahead of your competitors. While using technology in e-commerce can make you ten times richer and smarter, you can also use software to automatically create shipping labels, track packages, and even sort returns. As you know, technology is helping to improve your shipping routes and reduce delivery times and costs.
For instance, retailers can use TrackingMore to automate tracking of online sales through their point-of-sale system via e-commerce integration.
So, for an effective business, you always need good strategies to follow and to get more sales. It would help if you implemented all these techniques in your online business, and I know you will see the results.
Wrapping Up
Most e-commerce business owners don’t pay much attention to this little value addition and lose their money. However, if you integrate the estimated delivery date into your business and, after some days, notice the results, that will make you happy.
We always remember that if you want your online store to boost sales, you must consider the estimated delivery date first because no one likes shipping delays when they order something.
FAQs
There are always Frequently Asked Questions when we talk about Order’s Delivery. Because people can’t wait to see what they see in an ad. So, this makes them excited and curious, and this curiosity makes them ask Questions. So, here are some of their Questions which I answered wisely.
What Does It Mean When UPS Says The Estimated Delivery Date?
It means they will give you the delivery date ASAP. Once UPS has your package, they will prepare it for flight. The website will update when it’s on its way.
Does USPS Give An Estimated Delivery Date?
You can find the estimated delivery date on the BATCHES page next to the ship date. It’s also shown in the service options list when USPS is selected as the carrier.
Are DHL’s Estimated Delivery Dates Accurate?
Honestly, this can be the end of DHL’s Services, but I am here to tell you the truth. So, the truth is they never really promise you a date or time for delivery. It can take them two days or maybe 20. There is no exact time.
Does FedEx Hold Packages Until The Estimated Delivery Date?
They usually need 1 to 5 days to deliver the order in the US. While for Alaska and Hawaii’s Addresses, they may take 3 to 7 Days sometimes. It all depends on the Delivery Location and Order Size.
What Should I Do If My Amazon Order Still Needs To Be Received By The Estimated Delivery Date?
In case of shipping delays, Amazon usually refunds your money in the morning, on the same day, or even after two days of delivery. If you pay on delivery, you can get a refund after paying for the order.
How Can I Track The Progress of My Package?
You can use TrackingMore to keep track of your parcel’s location.
• TrackingMore imports tracking numbers from many different sources like Backend, API, CSV, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon.
• Moreover, They collaborate with over 1000 carriers and also automatically update tracking details every 4–6 hours