Delivery Promise uses two main timing values when calculating delivery estimates:
- Processing time
- Transit time
Understanding the difference is important because they control different parts of the delivery estimate.
Processing time
Processing time is the time before the order is dispatched.
This includes the time your store needs to:
- prepare the order
- pick and pack products
- create labels
- wait for stock
- handle made-to-order products
- prepare bulky or custom items
Example:
If processing time is 1–2 working days, the order is expected to dispatch after 1 to 2 working days.
Transit time
Transit time is the time after dispatch.
This is the estimated time the shipping method needs to deliver the package to the customer.
Example:
If transit time is 2–3 working days, the order is expected to arrive 2 to 3 working days after dispatch.
Example calculation
Assume:
Processing time: 1–2 working days
Transit time: 2–3 working days
Working days: Monday–Friday
Order placed: Monday before cutoff
The plugin may calculate:
Dispatch estimate: Tuesday – Wednesday
Delivery estimate: Thursday – Monday
Weekends and holidays are skipped when calculating working days.
Product-level lead times
If a product has a custom lead time, that product’s processing time can override the default processing time.
Example:
Default processing time: 0–1 days
Made-to-order product processing time: 5–10 days
When the made-to-order product is in the cart, the plugin uses the longer product lead time.
Shipping method rules
Shipping method rules usually affect transit time.
Example:
Standard shipping: 3–5 days
Express shipping: 1–2 days
This lets customers see a different estimate when they choose a faster shipping method.