What is a partial delivery?
A partial delivery, also called a split shipment, is when a customer receives only part of an order, and the remaining items follow later. It usually happens when some items are out of stock or stored in a different warehouse.
Core principle: A partial delivery gets products to the customer faster, but every extra parcel costs money and can confuse the customer.
Why orders are delivered in parts
- Some items are on backorder
- Items are stored in different warehouses or countries
- Large or bulky items ship separately or with a different carrier
- Pre-order items are released later
- In B2B, a large order is delivered in agreed instalments
Partial delivery vs complete delivery
| Partial delivery | Wait and ship complete | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Available items arrive faster | Customer waits for the slowest item |
| Shipping cost | Higher: two or more parcels | One parcel |
| Customer experience | Good, if explained clearly | Good, if the wait is short |
| Effect on KPIs | Lowers order fill rate | Can lengthen delivery time |
Partial deliveries in B2B
Retailers and wholesale customers set rules for partial deliveries in their purchase orders. Some accept them, others refuse incomplete deliveries or charge for them, and many measure suppliers on fill rate and on-time-in-full. Check the terms before splitting a B2B order.
How to reduce partial deliveries
- Use reorder points and safety stock to avoid stock-outs
- Keep fast sellers together in the same warehouse
- Sync stock in real time so shops don’t sell what isn’t there
- Let customers choose: ship available items now or wait for the full order
Example: A customer orders a lamp and two bulbs. The bulbs are out of stock for a week. The shop ships the lamp the same day and the bulbs later, free of charge, and tells the customer in the shipping email.
Frequently asked questions
What is a partial delivery?
When only part of an order is delivered and the rest follows later.
Is a split shipment the same as a partial delivery?
Yes, both describe an order sent in more than one shipment.
Can a retailer refuse a partial delivery?
Yes, if its purchase order terms don’t allow partial deliveries.
