What is delivery time?
Delivery time is how long it takes from the moment a customer places an order until the order arrives. For online shops it has two parts: processing time (picking, packing and handing the parcel to the carrier) and transit time (the carrier moving it to the customer).
Delivery time = processing time + transit time
Core principle: Customers judge the total, not the parts. A fast carrier can’t make up for an order that sits in the warehouse for two days.
Delivery time vs lead time vs transit time
| Term | Measures |
|---|---|
| Delivery time | Order placed → order received by the customer |
| Transit time | Parcel handed to the carrier → delivered |
| Processing time | Order placed → parcel handed to the carrier |
| Lead time | Usually the supply side: purchase order → stock available |
Typical delivery times in Europe
- Domestic: next-day delivery is standard in Germany, the Netherlands and much of Western Europe when stock is in the country.
- Cross-border within the EU: usually 2–5 working days by road.
- From outside the EU: often a week or more, plus customs.
- Same-day: available in large cities; see same-day delivery.
EU rules on delivery time
Under the Consumer Rights Directive, a shop must deliver within the time agreed with the customer, or at the latest within 30 days if nothing was agreed. If it doesn’t, the customer can set an extra period and then cancel and get a refund. Show realistic delivery times at checkout.
How to shorten delivery time
- Store stock close to customers, in the countries where you sell
- Ship orders the same day with late cut-off times
- Use carriers with strong networks in each country
- Keep stock levels accurate so orders aren’t delayed by missing items
Example: A brand ships EU orders from one warehouse in Poland, with 3–4 days to France. By adding stock in the Netherlands for Western Europe, it cuts delivery time to 1–2 days for most customers.
See eCommerce fulfilment in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What is delivery time?
The time from placing an order until it arrives: processing time plus transit time.
What is the difference between delivery time and transit time?
Transit time only covers the carrier’s part. Delivery time also includes the time the shop needs to process and ship the order.
What is the maximum delivery time in the EU?
If no time was agreed, the shop must deliver within 30 days.
