by Tom K / Friday, 28 April 2017 / Published in Blog
In the terms and conditions section on web sites that sell products, the terms “shipping” and “delivery” are often seen. Most customers assume the terms are interchangeable and synonymous; however, despite their similarities, there are important differences to recognize between the two. The terms have risen in popularity with the rise of e-commerce, and online shoppers assume they mean the same thing. Retailers and business owners should clearly make the differences known to customers to prevent complaints.
Customers who are excited about a short shipping timeline may be frustrated with your business if their items arrive weeks later. Making sure they understand the difference between shipping and delivery will go a long way. If you’re unsure of the specific differences, keep on reading.
What Is Shipping?
The term “shipment” or “shipping” refers to the packaging and dispatching of small items that can be sent using the local postal service. Often when shoppers place an order, there is a shipping timeline displayed. For example: “Dispatched within four business days.”
The shipping timeline represents the number of working days it will take the warehouse staff to dispatch the product from the company’s end and shipping charges may vary. It also refers to the date on which the shipment will leave the warehouse of the retailer or supplier.
What Is Delivery?
Delivery refers to the estimated date larger items are sent to the customer from the distribution centre. These items may include major appliances and furniture or products that require installation by personnel.
Delivery also refers to the date the package will arrive to the customer. Delivery charges may range depending on the distance required to get from the warehouse to the customer.
Comparison between Shipping and Delivery
To put it as simply as possible: shipping is the date the product will leave the supplier’s warehouse while delivery is the date the package will make it to the customer’s doorstep. The terms are often confusing for customers; however, you can avoid this by providing two dates: the shipping date and delivery date.
This way, customers will have a clearer understanding of what each term means and how long it will take for their product to arrive. Companies can make this process simpler by e-mailing shipping and delivery tracking information to the customer. The shipping date would let customers know the product has left the warehouse, and the delivery date would give them clarity as to when they should expect their order. Shipping was originally referred to as “dispatching” and delivery is still sometimes known as “distribution.” These previously-used terms give customers a better understanding of their meaning and the process involved.
Get Logistics and Warehouse Management Support with LSS
Lean Supply Solutions’ order fulfillment services in Toronto, ON, and Vancouver, BC, can help your warehouse management goals work better than ever before. Our third-party logistics, packaging, and supply chain management can streamline your processes for better success. We live by the Lean Methodology, a proven philosophy focused on eliminating any operations, equipment, or resources that are not capable of adding value to clients’ supply chains. By striving to ensure that the right products are provided to the right customers at the right time, Lean Supply Solutions is able to offer consistent, accurate, and quality results. To learn more about outsourcing to our 3PL distribution team, or to ask any questions, contact us at905-482-2590.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Last Mile Delivery
FAQs
To put it as simply as possible: shipping is the date the product will leave the supplier's warehouse while delivery is the date the package will make it to the customer's doorstep. The terms are often confusing for customers; however, you can avoid this by providing two dates: the shipping date and delivery date.
Is shipping and delivery the same thing? ›
So, what is the difference between shipping and delivery? In short, shipping refers to getting a package from one location to another, while delivery refers to getting the package into the hands of the recipient. While these terms are often used interchangeably, it's essential to understand the difference between them.
Is shipped the same as delivered? ›
Does shipped mean delivered? No, “shipped” doesn't mean “delivered.” When you get a notification indicating that your package has been shipped, it means your package is making its way to your destination. The package is between the seller's location and the final delivery location (you).
What is the difference between shipping terms and delivery terms? ›
Shipping refers to sending an item from one point to another, while delivery refers to when the customer expects to receive the item. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Shipping generally takes places after an order has been placed and before the order is shipped.
Are shipping and delivery address the same? ›
Yes. In most cases shipping address and delivery address is the same, i.e., the place the parcel has to be delivered. It's up to the logistics company on which term they prefer to use.
How does shipping and delivery work? ›
Shipping is one of many logistics processes. It typically refers to when an item has left the warehouse of the supplier and ready for the next stage, which is delivery to the customer. This process involves loading goods onto vehicles or ships, transporting them to a distribution center, and then unloading them.
What is the difference between shipping and same day delivery? ›
Same-day shipping means that a customer's order will ship out on the same day the order is placed. This can cut a day or two off delivery time versus retailers that wait to ship orders. Same-day delivery means the customer will receive their order on the same day it's placed.
How long after shipping is delivery? ›
Domestic USPS Delivery Times Per Service
| Mail Class | Estimated Delivery Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|
| First class Package Service | 1 – 3 business days | $3.80 |
| Parcel Select | 2 – 8 business days | N/A |
| USPS Retail Ground | 2 – 8 business days | $7.50 |
| First-Class Mail – Letters | 1 – 3 business days | $0.55 |
5 more rowsDelivery comes from your local store, if available. Shipping is from thier warehouse locations, using FedEx or ups. That's why shipping only has non perishable items.
What does shipping now mean? ›
"Shipping now" indicates that the item is packed and enroute to you. Your order is processed, payment is charged, and likely on its way. You can expect an estimated delivery date once shipped.
The Bottom Line
FOB shipping point holds the seller liable for the goods until the goods begin their transport to the customer, while FOB destination holds the seller liable for the goods until they have reached the customer. International Chamber of Commerce. "Incoterms 2020."
What is the difference between freight delivery and standard shipping? ›
Generally, any shipment that weighs more than 150 pounds is considered freight. If it weighs a lot, comes in a large package, needs to go on a pallet, or takes up some or all of the space in a large semi-truck, chances are you're dealing with freight.
What do delivery terms include? ›
Product delivery terms refer to the agreements and conditions established between the seller and the buyer regarding the delivery of purchased products. These terms can include the delivery date, delivery location, responsibility for shipping and insurance costs, and any other logistics-related details.
What is the delivery address for shipping? ›
In simple terms, the shipping address is where the customer wants his parcel delivered. When you order a product from an online store and want to have it shipped, you must enter a delivery location to help the seller and courier get the goods across to you. That, in clear terms, is your shipping location.
What is a shipping order? ›
What is a Shipping Order (SO)? A Shipping Order (SO) is a document issued by the carrier that confirms a shipment's booking on a vessel. An SO will contain the location of the empty container for pickup, and may also contain booking details like the vessel number and sailing time.
What is the correct address for shipping? ›
Use correct placement.
Write the recipient's address prominently on the largest side, and be sure to include the return address in the upper left corner. If you are using a shipping label, place it on the largest side.
What it means by shipping? ›
Shipping, in the traditional sense, is the movement of merchandise from one point to another – from the warehouse to the customer's destination. eCommerce shipping differs because of the additional value-added services that need to be included.
What's the difference between shipping and delivery at Sam's Club? ›
Overall, there are two main differences between shipping and delivery. The first is the size: Smaller items are shipped while larger items are delivered. The second difference is the date on which each takes place.
What's the difference between shipping and delivery in Walmart? ›
Delivery comes from your local store, if available. Shipping is from thier warehouse locations, using FedEx or ups. That's why shipping only has non perishable items.
