How to Add Estimated Delivery Time on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself wondering when an online order would arrive, only to be met with vague shipping estimates that left you frustrated? You’re not alone. Research shows that 60% of customers abandon their carts due to unclear delivery information. As ecommerce merchants, we must address this gap and provide our customers with precise estimated delivery times. This practice not only enhances the shopping experience but also builds trust and encourages purchases.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of estimated delivery times in ecommerce and provide a step-by-step guide on how to add this feature on Shopify. By the end, you’ll understand the methods available to set up estimated delivery times effectively, helping your customers make informed decisions. Additionally, we will introduce how integrating shipping protection through ShipAid can further enhance the customer experience during the post-purchase phase.

We believe that every package matters, and robust shipping protection is key to both customer satisfaction and business revenue. As we delve into the process, we will highlight how our innovative solutions at ShipAid can support your ecommerce journey.

Let’s get started!

Understanding the Importance of Estimated Delivery Times

Enhancing Customer Experience

When customers shop online, they want to know not just what they are buying, but when they can expect to receive it. Providing estimated delivery times creates a sense of predictability and convenience, which can significantly enhance the customer experience.

1. Convenience and Predictability: In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Customers appreciate knowing exactly when to expect their orders, allowing them to plan accordingly. Suppose a customer orders a gift for a friend’s birthday. Knowing that the package will arrive on a specific date can influence their choice of retailer.

2. Building Trust: Transparency fosters trust. When customers can see estimated delivery timings clearly displayed, they are more likely to feel confident in their purchase decision. This trust can lead to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.

3. Reducing Customer Support Inquiries: By providing clear estimated delivery times, businesses can reduce the influx of customer inquiries related to shipping. This not only saves time for the customer service team but also enhances operational efficiency.

The Role of Estimated Delivery Times in Sales

Statistically, providing an estimated delivery date can lead to a significant increase in sales. In fact, stores that display clear delivery times see a notable boost in conversion rates. Customers are more likely to complete their purchases when they have concrete information about when their order will arrive.

Moreover, integrating estimated delivery times can help reduce cart abandonment rates. When customers encounter uncertainty regarding delivery, they may hesitate to finalize their purchase. By offering this information upfront, we can alleviate their concerns and encourage them to follow through with their orders.

At ShipAid, we recognize these challenges and understand that every package matters. Our shipping protection solutions, including our innovative Delivery Guarantee, can convert lost packages into profits, further enhancing the customer experience.

Methods to Add Estimated Delivery Times on Shopify

There are two primary methods to add estimated delivery times on your Shopify store: manually configuring settings within Shopify’s interface or leveraging third-party apps designed for this purpose. Let’s explore both options.

Method 1: Manually Adding Estimated Delivery Time in Shopify

For merchants using Shopify 2.0 themes, adding estimated delivery times can be done directly in the theme settings. Here’s how:

1. Access Theme Settings: From your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Online Store > Themes.

2. Customize Theme: Click the Customize button next to your active theme to enter the theme editor.

3. Select Product Template: Go to the Product section and select the Default product template or your custom product page template if you have one.

4. Add Custom Liquid Section: In the theme editor, add a Custom Liquid section where you want the estimated delivery date to appear on the product page.

5. Insert Liquid Code: Copy and paste the required Liquid code snippet to calculate and display the estimated delivery time based on your processing and shipping times. The code will look something like this:

   {% assign delivery_date = 'now' | date: '%Y-%m-%d' %}
   {% if product.available %}
       Estimated delivery: {{ delivery_date | date_add: shipping_days | date: '%A, %B %d' }}
   {% endif %}
   

6. Save Changes: Once you’ve made your adjustments, save your changes and preview the front end to ensure it displays correctly.

Method 2: Using Shopify Apps for Estimated Delivery Time

If you prefer a more automated solution, numerous apps in the Shopify App Store can help you display estimated delivery times seamlessly. Here are some of our recommended apps:

1. Omega Estimated Delivery Date: This app allows you to display estimated delivery dates across various parts of your store, including product pages, the cart, and checkout, without needing to code.

2. Estimated Delivery Date Shopify Plus: This app addresses common delivery questions from customers by providing clear estimated delivery dates. It offers a free plan for basic features, which can be beneficial for new merchants.

3. EDD: Estimated Delivery Date Pro: Another excellent option that allows you to show precise shipping messages directly below the Add to Cart button, helping to enhance customer confidence and drive sales.

4. Estimated Delivery Date ETA: This app provides animated shipping dates across multiple products and collections, allowing for extensive customization options.

To install any of these apps, simply navigate to the Shopify App Store, search for the app, and follow the installation instructions. Once installed, configure the settings to align with your shipping policies and processing times.

Calculating Estimated Delivery Times

To display accurate estimated delivery times, understanding how they are calculated is crucial. The estimated delivery time is typically the sum of your processing time and the shipping carrier’s transit time. Here’s how to calculate it:

1. Identify Processing Time: This is the time it takes from when the customer places an order to when it is fulfilled and handed over to the shipping carrier. For instance, if your processing time is 2 days and shipping takes 3-5 days, your total estimated delivery time would range from 5 to 7 days.

2. Set Shipping Rates: Ensure that your shipping rates correspond to the calculated transit times. This ensures customers receive estimated delivery dates that reflect the actual shipping capabilities.

3. Update Shipping Settings: In your Shopify admin, navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery. Here, you can manage your processing times and adjust shipping settings as needed.

4. Utilize Shop Promise: Activating Shopify’s Shop Promise can enhance delivery accuracy by automatically generating expected delivery dates based on your store’s specific processing and shipping capabilities.

Enhancing Trust with ShipAid

At ShipAid, we believe that a reliable delivery experience is the foundation of customer trust and business growth. By integrating our shipping protection solutions, not only can you provide estimated delivery times, but you can also safeguard your shipments against loss, theft, or damage.

The Benefits of ShipAid’s Solutions

1. Delivery Guarantee: Our innovative Delivery Guarantee model enables you to turn potential losses into revenue opportunities. If a package is lost or damaged, we work with you to resolve the issue while keeping your customer satisfied.

2. Resolution Portal: Our intuitive Resolution Portal allows customers to easily report issues with their orders, streamlining the resolution process and improving customer satisfaction.

3. Real-Time Notifications: Keep your customers informed with real-time notifications about their orders, enhancing their shopping experience and building trust.

4. Advanced Tracking Solutions: Our advanced tracking solutions provide customers with up-to-date information about their shipments, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

By incorporating ShipAid’s solutions into your ecommerce strategy, you can ensure that every package matters and that your customers feel valued and informed throughout their shopping journey.

Conclusion

Adding estimated delivery times to your Shopify store is a vital step in enhancing customer experience, building trust, and boosting sales. By utilizing either manual settings or third-party apps, we can provide our customers with the clarity they seek when shopping online. Moreover, integrating ShipAid’s shipping protection solutions further enhances this experience by safeguarding packages and maintaining customer satisfaction.

As we move forward in an increasingly competitive ecommerce landscape, it’s essential to prioritize transparency and reliability in our shipping processes. By doing so, we not only meet customer expectations but also create a foundation for long-term growth and success.

Ready to elevate your shipping experience? Explore our interactive demo to see how ShipAid can transform your shipping protection strategy today! Experience ShipAid in action.

FAQ

1. Why should I add estimated delivery times to my Shopify store?
Adding estimated delivery times enhances customer experience by providing clarity and building trust, leading to higher conversion rates and reduced cart abandonment.

2. How do I calculate estimated delivery times?
Estimated delivery times are calculated by combining your processing time with the shipping carrier’s transit time. Ensure that your shipping settings reflect these timelines accurately.

3. Can I use apps to display estimated delivery times?
Yes, Shopify offers various apps that can help you display estimated delivery times seamlessly without the need for coding.

4. How can ShipAid enhance my shipping strategy?
ShipAid provides shipping protection solutions that include a Delivery Guarantee, real-time notifications, and a Resolution Portal, ensuring that your customers are satisfied and informed throughout their shopping journey.

5. What if my estimated delivery time is inaccurate?
It’s crucial to regularly update your processing and shipping settings to reflect accurate delivery times. Using tools like Shop Promise can help provide more precise estimates based on your operational capabilities.

By implementing these strategies and solutions, we can create a robust ecommerce experience that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. Let’s take our shipping journey to the next level together!