I. Shipping Date
The shipping date is the date when the package is handed over to the carrier or Courier, usually including only working days. Sellers need to ensure that the package is ready before this date, which is especially crucial for perishable or time-sensitive goods such as medicines. After shipment, the package begins its final journey.
Ii. Delivery Date
The delivery date is the date when the package arrives at the buyer’s doorstep or when the buyer picks it up at the pick-up point. It is different from the shipping date and also distinct from the expected date, involving many factors such as the mode of transportation, transportation time, and geographical location. Nearly 50% of consumers will purchase goods due to a clear delivery date.
Iii. The Difference between the Shipping Date and the Delivery Date
The shipping date is controlled by the seller and is subject to factors such as order processing and packaging time. The delivery date is affected by the mode of transportation, transportation time, destination, etc. Sellers need to pay more attention to the delivery date as there are many factors involved and it is easy to be delayed.
Iv. Common Dates
- Estimated shipping date: The date when the package is expected to arrive at the carrier. It may be delayed due to packaging delays, weather conditions, etc. If the product is out of stock, the buyer will be informed in advance.
- Estimated delivery date: Due to the carrier’s working hours, holidays, etc., the delivery may be delayed. The enterprise will inform the customer in advance.
- Invoice creation date: The date when the seller creates the invoice, which is earlier than the shipping and delivery dates.
- Return date: The date when the package is returned to the seller, and the amount will then be refunded to the buyer.
V. Factors Affecting the Delivery Date
- Inventory availability: Out-of-stock situations may cause shipping delays. Customers should be informed in advance.
- Processing time: Simplifying the order processing procedure can reduce shipping delays.
- Packaging: Customized packaging may prolong the shipping time.
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather may suspend shipments.
- Customs clearance: Incomplete documents or payment issues may cause delays in customs clearance.
- Destination: The distance to the destination affects the delivery speed.
VI. Optimize shipping dates using smartdropping
Why not give up all the trouble of managing these factors and leave it to others? smartdropping has extensive experience, warehouses at key customer locations, a delivery system that can be easily integrated with your system, and many more features that help achieve this. Dear friends from all independent websites who need cross-border shipping, you can leave a message in the comment section or send me a private message! Looking forward to your reply. Contact information: +v: rongexpress, Whatsapp:19129561508