How to Change Product Delivery Time in Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Managing Processing Time in Shopify
3. Setting Up Processing Time in Shopify
4. Utilizing Shopify Apps to Manage Delivery Dates
5. Advanced Customization for Handling Diverse Lead Times
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your customers are frustrated by unclear or inaccurate delivery times? Imagine you're running an online store, managing handmade items with varied processing times, or handling drop shipping products with long lead times. Customers appreciate transparency and accurate delivery estimations. Fortunately, Shopify provides tools to help you manage and display these times effectively. This blog post will guide you through the process of how to change product delivery time in Shopify, ensuring that your customers are well-informed, and your store operations run smoothly.

By the end of this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to adjust processing times, manage different shipping rates, and use relevant apps to further improve your store's delivery communication. Let's dive in.

Managing Processing Time in Shopify

What is Processing Time?

Processing time refers to the duration between when an order is placed and when it is fulfilled. It’s a crucial metric for sellers, especially those dealing with handmade items or drop shipping, where immediate shipping isn't always possible.

Why Adjusting Processing Time is Important

Adjusting the processing time allows businesses to set realistic customer expectations, reduce complaints, and improve overall customer satisfaction. For instance, custom-made products often require more time before they are ready to ship compared to in-stock items.

Setting Up Processing Time in Shopify

Steps to Adjust Processing Time

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin: Navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery.

2. Show Delivery Dates at Checkout: Under the Expected delivery dates section, click Show delivery dates at checkout. This enables you to display estimated delivery dates based on your processing time to your customers.

3. Select the Appropriate Processing Time: In the Order processing time drop-down menu, choose the time frame that aligns with your business operations. Options typically range from same-day processing to several business days. Click Save.

4. Removing Processing Time: If you decide not to show processing times anymore, go back to the Expected delivery dates section and uncheck Show expected delivery dates at checkout. Click Save to confirm changes.

When to Use Custom Processing Times

For businesses handling products with varied production times, setting a blanket processing time might not suit every item. For these instances, Shopify's Custom Processing Time feature allows you to specify different processing times for different products or collections.

Utilizing Shopify Apps to Manage Delivery Dates

While Shopify’s built-in features cover basic needs, you might require more customized solutions, especially if you're dealing with complex shipping logistics.

Suggested Apps for Custom Shipping Times

1. Estimated Delivery Date – Plus: This app helps display estimated delivery dates on product pages and adjusts dynamically based on individual product processing times. The app supports extensive customization and integrates smoothly with various themes.

2. Custom Order Status: Ideal for businesses looking to keep customers updated at every step of the order fulfillment process. Notify customers when their order is in production, being prepped for shipment, or out for delivery with automated email updates.

How to Install and Configure an App

1. Find the App: Visit the Shopify App Store and search for the desired app, such as "Estimated Delivery Date – Plus".

2. Install the App: Click on “Add app”, then follow the prompts to install.

3. Configuration: After installation, access the app through your Shopify Admin. Customize settings to display processing times, adjust delivery estimates for different products, and set up email notifications to keep customers informed.

Advanced Customization for Handling Diverse Lead Times

Using Metafields to Indicate Processing Times

Metafields enable you to add custom fields to your products. You can use metafields to store specific processing times for each product.

1. Define Metafields: Go to Settings > Metafields, then select the product resource.

2. Add Metafields: Create a new metafield definition (e.g., processing_time). This field can then be filled for each product, specifying its processing time.

3. Display Metafields on the Storefront: Customize your theme to display these metafields. For instance, include a snippet in your product templates to show processing times on product pages.

Setting Different Shipping Profiles

You can also set up different shipping profiles to manage varying processing times more efficiently.

1. Create Shipping Profiles: Navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery, and click Create new profile.

2. Assign Products to Profiles: Group products with similar processing times into the same profile.

3. Customize Processing Times: Adjust processing times within each profile as needed.

Conclusion

Effectively managing and displaying product delivery times in Shopify is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. By utilizing Shopify's built-in features and apps, you can ensure clarity and transparency in your shipping processes. Whether you’re dealing with handmade items, drop shipping goods, or have a mix of products with varying lead times, the steps outlined in this guide should help you tailor the delivery information to your specific needs.

FAQ

Can I set different processing times for different products?

Yes, you can use Shopify’s Custom Processing Time feature or apps to set different processing times for individual products.

How do I ensure customers see the correct delivery estimates during checkout?

Ensure that you enable and configure delivery date settings in Settings > Shipping and delivery. Apps like Estimated Delivery Date – Plus can also help display accurate estimates.

What if I need longer than two days for processing time?

Using apps or metafields, you can extend processing times beyond the default options provided by Shopify.

Can I update the delivery dates displayed to customers after the purchase?

Yes, you can use apps like Custom Order Status to keep customers informed throughout the order fulfillment process via email notifications.

By implementing these strategies, your Shopify store can provide accurate delivery information, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction.