CALCURATES BLOG

The Importance of Showing Accurate Delivery Dates For Any E-commerce

Dec 2020
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Image of Nikolay Pasholok
Nikolay Pasholok
Product Owner, Calcurates
The most important information your customers are expecting to see at the checkout alongside the price are the estimated delivery dates. Delivery dates are a crucial factor for customers while ordering online, and oftentimes it is a deciding factor for them. Using estimated shipping is not that difficult to apply with the right feature.
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What Are the Estimated Delivery Dates?

Estimated delivery dates allow your e-commerce to display and manage the approximate delivery date when the mail or shipment will reach your customer. This enables to schedule deliveries and set a custom delivery period for various shipping methods.

What does expected or estimated delivery mean? Estimated delivery is the date you can expect the shipment or mail to arrive on your doorstep. The delivery date is based on a combination of multiple factors such as the time needed to process the order, transit time, distance, and the preferred shipping method.

What Causes Disturbance in the Delivery?

Shipping is very complex and involves many parties within, such as carriers, manufacturers, distributors, and the actual customer. There are certain circumstances that may cause a disturbance in the delivery.
  • External Factors
    Weather conditions, holidays, or weekends.
  • Internal Factors
    Difficulties within the organization itself such as order processing, faulty tracking, communication issues, or delays in transportation.

The Importance of Displaying Estimated Delivery Dates to Your Customers at the Checkout

Even if there are any delays in delivery, it is still important to give customers a clear picture of the delivery process of their orders at checkout. Why should you as an e-commerce owner care?
  • Convenience and Predictability
    Go the extra mile and show your customers your willingness to fit their busy schedules. Imagine the following scenario, a customer goes on a holiday and needs new equipment to be shipped before the weekend starts. Accurate delivery dates help your customer choose the best shipping method. Also, this option is very convenient when the holiday season approaches, during Christmas or Black Friday when shipping needs to be extra predictable.
  • Customer Trust and Satisfaction
    Build trust with your customer by being a reliable and trustworthy retailer. Always display the most accurate estimated delivery dates and make sure you meet them. At the end of the day, a satisfied customer is also a loyal customer.

  • Security and Efficiency
    Delivery dates add an extra layer of security for your customers. With the delivery dates feature, a customer can indicate when he is available to sign the order directly from the courier. Thus, avoid the option of leaving the parcel at the doorstep which is less secure.
  • Strict Delivery Time Frame
    In case your business is in the food industry, your customers will appreciate the punctuality of the delivery. Perishable products must be delivered as soon as possible, this is the case when having a set estimated delivery date is perfect for you and your customers.
Calcurates Related Features

Is Estimated Delivery Date Accurate?

Estimated Delivery Date is a time range when your shipment is expected to arrive. The majority of the carriers display very accurate estimated delivery dates.
There are other similar terms used with deliveries.

Ship Day is the date when your package is shipped from the retailer or warehouse.

Delivery Day is the day when your package is scheduled to arrive at your doorstep.
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How Accurate Is UPS Estimated Delivery Time?

UPS provides its customers with accurate delivery dates. E-commerce stores can connect their UPS account to Calcurates and display the UPS estimated delivery dates at store's checkout. You can restrict deliveries during weekends, restrict peak-off deliveries, ship only during certain times, and more.

Is USPS expected delivery accurate enough?

USPS also provides its customers with estimated delivery dates. E-commerce stores can connect their USPS account to Calcurates and display the USPS estimated delivery time at store's checkout. You can restrict deliveries during weekends, restrict peak-off deliveries, ship only during certain times, and more.

Are FedEx delivery times accurate enough?

FedEx is known for its reliable estimated mail delivery times, offering various service levels for different needs. While they strive for accuracy, occasional delays due to weather or high volumes may occur. FedEx provides tracking information to keep customers informed. For time-critical shipments, consider faster service options to ensure greater accuracy in delivery times. Stores may connect FedEx account to Calcurates and display the FedEx estimated delivery time at store's checkout.

DHL Estimated Delivery Date Accuracy

Many people ask if DHL displays accurate delivery dates for their customers. In general, DHL is a reliable carrier. E-commerce businesses can ensure more predictable shipping with the Estimated Delivery Dates feature and DHL Account. Display accurate delivery dates, schedule off-peak deliveries, restrict deliveries on Sundays, and more.
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Are Amazon delivery times accurate?

Amazon's delivery times are generally accurate, thanks to their advanced logistics and tracking systems. However, factors like weather and unexpected delays can occasionally affect delivery estimates. Amazon Prime members often enjoy more precise delivery windows. For added assurance, consider tracking your package for real-time updates.

Is Etsy estimated delivery accurate?

Etsy's estimated delivery times can vary depending on the seller and location. While many sellers provide accurate estimates, it's advisable to check each listing's shipping details for clarity. Additionally, factors like international shipping or custom-made items may affect delivery times. Reading reviews and communicating with the seller can help ensure a more accurate delivery estimate.

How to Use the Delivery Dates Feature?

With the estimated delivery dates feature you enhance the shipping preview at the checkout. By doing so you can exclude shipping on weekends and holidays. Display the next-day delivery date for orders made before a certain time of the day or display an approximate number of days as the time in transit for a shipping method.

Is There Any Magento 2 Delivery Date Extension?

There are many shipping extensions available on Magento 2. Calcurates seamlessly integrates with the Magento 2 e-commerce platform and brings estimated delivery dates to your Magento store. The process is very easy to follow, but in case of questions just get in touch with us.

Does WooCommerce Shipping Offer Delivery Dates?

WooCommerce Shipping has very limited functionality when it comes to the Delivery Dates feature. WooCommerce only offers an option to schedule a pickup. If you want to schedule a pickup you will be redirected to the carriers page where you can do so. The option is currently available only for USPS and DHL. So, DHL estimated delivery date accuracy is not dependent on WooCommerce Shipping and vice versa.

How to Configure Estimated Delivery Dates in Calcurates?

Calcurates is a shipping solution for Magento, Shopify and WooCommerce
Estimated Delivery Dates is an advanced feature that is included within Calcurates shipping software. To manage your estimated delivery dates, you can follow this simple, step-by-step guide on how to set delivery dates.
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