How To Set Up Estimated Delivery Dates In Shopify
Estimated delivery dates show customers when their order should arrive. In Shopify, open Settings, then Shipping and delivery, then Delivery estimates, and choose Automated, Manual or Off. Automated needs at least one fulfilled domestic order before it works. Then set your fulfillment time so the estimate starts from an honest date.
Why Delivery Dates Matter
Customers hesitate when they do not know when an order will arrive. A clear date answers the question before they ask it, and it cuts the number of "where is my order" emails you get.
The risk runs the other way too. A date you cannot keep is worse than no date. Choose the setting that matches how well you can control your own fulfillment.
Where To Find The Setting
- In your Shopify admin, click Settings.
- Click Shipping and delivery.
- Scroll down to the Delivery estimates section.
- Click it to open the delivery estimates window.
The Three Choices
| Setting | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Automated | Shopify calculates the estimate from your fulfillment history and carrier data | Stores with steady, predictable fulfillment |
| Manual | You enter the estimate yourself | New stores, made to order products, or stores that want full control |
| Off | No estimate is shown | Stores that cannot yet promise a date |
Automated needs at least one fulfilled domestic order before it can work. If your store is brand new, you will not be able to use it yet. Start with Manual and switch when you have fulfillment history.
How To Set Your Fulfillment Time
Your fulfillment time is how long you take to pack and hand an order to the carrier. The estimate begins from this point, so an honest number matters more than a generous one.
Choose from:
- Same business day
- Next business day
- 2 business days
- Custom
Pick the one that matches what really happens in your business, including busy weeks. If you ship in the afternoon after a cutoff time, a same-day setting will mislead customers who order after the cutoff.
How To Turn It On
- Open Settings, then Shipping and delivery, then Delivery estimates.
- Choose Automated or Manual.
- Choose your fulfillment time.
- Click Save.
Note: This is different from the shipping estimate; this is how fast you get it out of the door.
Estimates And Your Shipping Options
The transit time you enter inside each shipping option, such as 3 to 5 business days, is separate from this setting. Keep them consistent. If your Standard option says 3 to 5 business days and your estimate says 8 days, customers will notice.
Check The Result
Place a test order and look at the delivery estimate on the checkout page. Do it for each market you sell in. A date that looks right in your home market may be wrong for a distant one.
Key Takeaways
- Find the setting at Settings, Shipping and delivery, Delivery estimates
- Choose Automated, Manual or Off
- Automated needs at least one fulfilled domestic order
- Fulfillment time options are Same business day, Next business day, 2 business days or Custom
- Never promise a date you cannot keep
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show estimated delivery dates in Shopify?
Go to Settings, Shipping and delivery, Delivery estimates, choose Automated or Manual, set your fulfillment time and save.
Why can I not choose Automated delivery estimates?
Automated needs at least one fulfilled domestic order. Use Manual until your store has some fulfillment history.
What fulfillment time should I choose?
Choose the time that matches your real packing and handoff speed, including busy periods. Honest beats optimistic.
Can I turn delivery estimates off?
Yes. Choose Off if you cannot promise a date yet.
Do delivery estimates replace the transit time in my shipping options?
No. They are separate, so keep both consistent.