For many online customers, the time frame when a package can be shipped and delivered can be the make-it-or-break factor between a conversion or an abandoned cart. In today's marketplace, online shoppers are increasingly demanding not just affordable shipping rates, but also faster options.

That's exactly why we realize the importance of Estimated Delivery Dates. Not only does it provide the best shipping option for customers to meet this new demand, but also for businesses, in both performance and cost-effective manner, but it also meets the growing expectation of the current and new customers. 

Many online businesses still cannot adjust to the current growth and demand, resulting in customers having to settle for longer and more expensive shipping options. This being the case, eCommerce brands that decide to optimize can win over a percentage of unsatisfied customers by providing enhanced shipping options, like Estimated Delivery Dates. According to eMarketer, consumers say that digital retailers often only meet their delivery speed expectations 50% of the time.

What Exactly Are Estimated Delivery Dates?

Estimated Delivery Dates are the estimated dates when a customer's order will arrive. Typically, Estimated Delivery Dates are displayed on a product page or at checkout. While most brands may have a display of different shipping options and dates, Estimated Delivery Dates give a more precise time of arrival based on both order and warehouse location. 

The shipping date and delivery date are not the same things. While the first one refers to the date when the shipment will depart from a warehouse, the second is the estimated delivery as when you can expect the shipment to arrive at your door. We base the Estimated Delivery Date on multiple factors, ranging from handling time and processing to distance and carrier. 

Why Are Estimated Delivery Dates So Important?

Even with delays in shipment and delivery, it’s still crucial to update customers on the timeframe of their purchase and whereabouts, both at checkout and after. So, why does it matter to an eCommerce brand owner like yourself? 

1. Reliability and Certainty 

Every business owner tries to help a customer in the best way possible, even during the busiest and roughest times of the year. An example could be that a customer would like to order a shirt just before Black Friday or Christmas. During the holiday season, when customer needs to feel confident about their shipping, it is essential to display Estimated Delivery Dates on your website to allow them to choose the best shipping method. 

2. Customer Satisfaction & Brand Loyalty

Build trust with your store visitors by being able to provide accurate Estimated Delivery Dates. As a trusting eCommerce brand owner, we suggest constantly displaying the most accurate Estimated Delivery Dates and making sure you meet these new expectations. With something as simple as optimizing your shipping, you can turn potential customers into loyal fans of your brand. 

3. Precision With Delivery Time Frames

There are still many brands that are not optimizing their shipping capabilities to the best of their abilities. This not only causes delays because of inaccurate carrier and product information but also causes unexpected delays, unhappy customers, and even chargebacks. If brands can take charge and offer Estimated Delivery Dates with real-time tracking data from carriers, you’re able to provide customers with a precise delivery on their packages. 

How To Communicate Estimated Delivery Dates With FenixCommerce 

Depending on the number of shippers, alongside your integration, getting the Estimated Delivery Date provided by carriers and communicating it quickly can be challenging. That’s precisely where FenixCommerce comes in. With the help of AI-Shipping and Estimated Delivery Date solutions, we’re able to help brands convert more online visitors while also providing customers seamless data of where their item is coming from and the date they will receive it under real-time carrier conditions. By utilizing live data given by worldwide delivery carriers, we can easily see real-time updates while calculating your current number of units ready to be sold. It allows up-to-date data for both the business and the customer while prioritizing shipment routes, cost-efficient options, and more. 

Want To Learn More?

If you’re interested in learning more, check out another recent post about how you can stay ahead with Estimated Delivery Dates, or check out some of our other blogs here. In addition, if you would like to speak to one of our members of the FenixCommerce team and learn how AI shipping and delivery can help your brand grow, then please book a free demo with us today! 

About FenixCommerce

FenixCommerce exists to help brands build and maintain personalized, transparent, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. We are working toward this goal by developing and developing solutions that reduce friction in the online purchase experience—increasing conversion, reducing cart abandonment, and radically improving customer experience.