Key takeaways
- Handling time is a promise; base it on real data.
- Monitor orders approaching ship-by dates daily.
- Confirm shipment with valid tracking promptly.
- Plan for peak periods and absences.
What a shipping template does
A shipping template defines the shipping options, regions and rates shown to customers for your products. Templates can be assigned to products, so different weights, sizes or destinations can use different rules. Accurate templates reduce customer complaints and avoid shipping at a loss.
Handling time versus transit time
Handling time is how long it takes you to get an order ready and with the carrier. Transit time is the carrier's journey. Customers see a combined delivery estimate, so errors in either create broken promises. Measure both using your own data.
Set realistic handling times
Use actual performance rather than aspirations. If your team ships most orders in one day but occasionally takes two, consider your peak periods and cut-off times. A slightly longer promise that you consistently meet is better than a short one you frequently miss.
Late shipment risk
Late shipments occur when orders are not confirmed as shipped within the promised time. They affect performance metrics and customer experience. Monitor orders approaching their ship-by date each day and prioritize those first.
- Daily list of orders due to ship
- Cut-off time for same-day dispatch
- Backup staff for absences
- Alerts for orders near deadlines
Tracking and confirmation
Confirm shipment promptly with valid tracking. Delays in confirmation can count as late even if the parcel left on time. If you use a label tool that uploads tracking automatically, check that it works for all your carriers.
Plan for peaks and absences
During high-volume periods or when staff are away, workloads rise. Adjust handling times temporarily if allowed, add temporary capacity or reduce offers on slow products. Decide in advance rather than reacting once late shipments appear.
Review performance and update
Review shipping performance by product and carrier monthly. Update templates when carriers, warehouses or rates change, and check that rates cover your costs.
A worked example
A seller sets a one-day handling time, but their warehouse closes early on Fridays. Weekend orders regularly ship on Monday, causing late shipments. They change the template for affected products to two days and the late shipment rate falls within a few weeks.
Common mistakes
Common errors include copying handling times from a competitor, never updating templates, uploading tracking late and failing to cover absences. Write down your cut-off times and make them visible to the team.
Your next three steps
Protect your performance with three checks.
- Measure how long orders really take to leave your warehouse.
- Set handling times from that data and your cut-off times.
- Review orders due to ship at the start of every working day.
Key terms
A few terms used above, in plain language.
- Transit time: how long the carrier takes to deliver.
- Cut-off time: the latest time an order can ship the same day.
- Late shipment rate: the share of orders confirmed after the promised date.
Frequently asked questions
What if I cannot ship on time?
Check current Seller Central guidance for options such as contacting the buyer or adjusting. Act before the deadline passes.
Should I set handling time to zero days?
Only if you reliably ship the same day; otherwise a longer promise is safer.
This guide is general information. Amazon's fees, policies and program rules change and vary by marketplace, so confirm current details in Seller Central and, for tax or legal questions, with a qualified adviser.