This article is a part of a serie:
Ignite Loyalty: Post purchase customer journey explained
📦 Retailers guide to “Out for delivery“.
What does “out for delivery” mean?
When customers’ package status updates to “Out for Delivery,” it indicates that it has been loaded onto a local delivery vehicle and is on its way to customer’s address. This is the final stage before delivery is completed.
Interestingly, at this stage, customer engagement drops to 21%, according to a study by WISMOlabs. This phase is rapid, hence the window of engagement is shorter, leading to fewer clicks, although the anticipation is the highest at this stage. Retailers can send real-time updates to build anticipation, making the most out of this crucial stage of delivery.
🚀 Quick Tip: Get real-time tracking and keep your customers in the know about what’s happening during the entire post-purchase journey through WISMOlabs features.
But what occurs behind the scenes? Let’s explore further.
What is the process once an item is marked as “out for delivery”?
Once that status flickers to “Out for Delivery,” the package containing the order is sorted at a local distribution center and handed off to the delivery driver. This driver has a planned route, usually optimized for efficiency, making multiple stops along the way to final destination.
Out for Delivery process
- Sorting: Package sorted based on delivery zones.
- Scanning: Barcode scanned to update status.
- Loading: Package loaded onto the delivery truck.
- Route Optimization: Driver’s route planned for maximum efficiency.
It is critical for retailer to understand your customers behavior during the order transit and keeping them informed during this phase as it can be crucial for brand loyalty.
What are the typical delivery times for items that are “out for delivery”?
Generally, when a package attains the “Out for Delivery” status, it’s on its final leg of the journey, slated for delivery on that very day. The typical delivery window usually stretches from the early morning hours at 8 a.m., extending through the end of the day. However, the broadness of this time frame often leaves recipients in a state of anticipation.
Typical Delivery time of larger carriers
| Carrier | Delivery time |
|---|---|
| USPS | All deliveries should be made by 5:00 PM[3] |
| UPS | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM[4] |
| FedEx | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (occasionally later) [5] |
| DHL | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM[6] |
What factors may affect the exact delivery times?
Several gremlins can mess with delivery times – weather, traffic, and even the total number of packages on the truck that day.
Factors affecting delivery times or even preventing successful delivery
| Factor/Reason | Effect on delivery time |
|---|---|
| Weather | Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or hail can significantly impact delivery times. |
| Traffic | Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can extend the delivery time significantly. Peak hours mean longer wait times. The unpredictability of traffic conditions means that even with well-optimized routes, delivery times can vary. |
| Volume | The volume of parcels to be delivered can notably affect delivery times, especially during high-demand periods like the holiday season. Increased parcel volume can strain the resources of the delivery and add delays. |
| Recipient Availability | Sometimes, the recipient needs to be present to receive the delivery, and if they are not available, this can cause delays. Some delivery services may attempt re-delivery, while others might drop off the package at a nearby pickup point or return it to the local depot for later collection by the recipient. |
| Animal on Premises | The presence of animals, especially dogs or other potentially aggressive animals, on a recipient’s premises can pose a challenge for delivery personnel. They might need to exercise additional caution, wait for the owner to secure the animal, or in some cases, they might be unable to complete the delivery at all if it’s unsafe to enter the premises. This can cause delays and potentially require rescheduling of the delivery, impacting the overall delivery time. |
It is crucial to set expectations appropriately with your customers to reduce WISMO (Where Is My Order?) queries.
How might the size of the delivery area affect the delivery process?
Size matters! In larger areas, drivers need more time to complete their routes due to longer distances between stops, especially in rural settings. Conversely, urban areas have more stops with shorter distances between them, leading to a different set of logistical challenges. Each scenario has its own post-purchase logistics challenges. Urban, rural, or combined, impacts the efficiency and timing of deliveries differently, thereby influencing the post-purchase experience for customers. Understanding the delivery area’s size and nature can help set realistic expectations regarding the delivery process.
What are the differences between “Out for Delivery” and “Delivered”?
“Out for Delivery” signifies the final stage of the shipping process, building anticipation, while the status “Delivered” confirms the completion of the journey as the package arrives at its destination, safely in customer’s possession or placed at their doorstep.
Each status plays a vital role in keeping consumers informed about the progress of their package, with one building the excitement for what’s coming next and the other signifying the satisfying conclusion of the shipping process.
What is the difference between “Last mile delivery” and “Shipped”?
“Last mile delivery” is the home stretch — the package is nearly at customer’s doorsteps. “Shipped” means the journey has just begun. It could be crossing states, countries, or even continents. A comprehensive post-purchase experience involves tracking through entire order journey including these stages.
What’s the difference between “In Transit” and “Out for delivery”?
“In Transit” and “Out for Delivery” are two crucial statuses customers encounter while tracking their orders. When the package is marked as “In Transit,” it means that it is currently being transported between different facilities or hubs, making its way closer to recipient’s location. On the other hand, when package status changes to “Out for Delivery,” it indicates that the package has left the local distribution center and is now on its way to final delivery address. Understanding these distinct stages helps in accurately estimating the delivery time, which enhances the customers’ post-purchase experience and can contribute to building brand loyalty.
How long does “Out for Delivery” take before the delivery truck arrives?
How long does it typically take for the delivery truck to arrive once the package status changes to “Out for Delivery”? The duration can vary, but usually, the delivery is completed within a few hours after the status update. This is where the utility of real-time tracking becomes apparent, as it removes the guesswork, providing consumers and retailer’s support teams with a more accurate estimate of the arrival time, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience.
What if the delivery process says “Out for Delivery” but you don’t receive it?
Experiencing a delay or a no-show when the package status reads “Out for Delivery” can be concerning. It’s important to understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may cause a delay in delivery even after it’s been marked as “Out for Delivery.” There might be situations where the delivery rolls over to the next day due to various reasons.
What is “Failed Delivery Attempt”?
At times, you might come across a status that reads “Failed Delivery Attempt.” It means that the delivery driver tried to deliver customer’s package but couldn’t. Either way, the package is going back to the depot, not to your customer.
Why Does This Happen?
- Restricted Access: There might be barriers such as gates or security personnel preventing the driver from accessing recepient location.
- Signature Required: If a signature is required and no one is available to sign for the package, the delivery cannot be completed.
- Weather: Severe weather conditions can hinder the delivery process.
- Bad Address: Providing accurate and complete address information is crucial for timely delivery.
What should retailers do?
- Send Notification: Send a notification to your customer explaining what Failed Delivery Attempt is and usual causes. Include the link to your branded tracking page.
What should recepients do?
- Check notification: Check email or SMS notification from the retailer and/or carrier. Check the door tag. Carriers usually leave the tag on the door or in the mail box.
- Check the tracking page: Use a branded tracking page to view the most up-to-date information about the shipment.
- Reschedule: If possible, contact carrier to reschedule the delivery to a time that works for you.
- Pick-Up: Sometimes, you can get it from a nearby location. Explore the option to pick up the package as designated by the carrier.
- Contact the Seller: If other steps fail, reaching out to the seller for assistance might help in resolving the delivery issue.
Always remember, communication is key. The more you increase revenue, the more you need a reliable post-purchase process to back it up.
What to do if your package is stolen?
Package pirates—everyone’s worst enemy! If you’re unfortunate enough to face this situation, act swiftly.
- File a Police Report: Get a record of the theft.
- Notify the Retailer: They might send a replacement.
- Claim Insurance: If you purchased package insurance, claim it.
It’s also a great reason for retailers to consider offering insured shipping or lockboxes to reduce churn.
What if customer gets “Out for Delivery” and later “Exception” notification?
An “Exception” is the plot twist in the package’s journey. It could be due to a wrong address, failed delivery attempt, or a natural disaster.
- Check Details: The tracking info usually mentions why there’s an exception.
- Contact Carrier: Sometimes they can resolve it quickly.
- Update Information: If it’s an address error, update it ASAP.
Exception handling is a crucial part of post-purchase logistics, and communication is key here.
Is expedited delivery options available during Out for delivery stage?
Now, you might wonder, is speeding up the delivery process an option even after the package status changes to “Out for Delivery”? Once the package has reached this stage, expedited options become unavailable. Firstly, the “Out for Delivery” status indicates that your package has already been sorted, loaded onto a delivery vehicle, and is en route to the recipient address. At this juncture, altering the delivery speed becomes logistically challenging. Secondly, the “Out for Delivery” status in most cases signifies that the delivery will be completed within the day, making the notion of expediting the process not only logistically challenging but also impractical.
It is always better to clearly inform consumers and provide choice for expedited delivery options during order placement, ensuring that that the customer’s expectations are managed early on.
How to track shipments during the out for delivery stage?
As package transitions to the “Out for Delivery” stage, being able to track its journey becomes crucial for consumers. Most carriers provide tracking tools on their websites or apps, allowing consumers to monitor the delivery progress. However, a common scenario is that the carrier’s brand is predominantly featured, while the retailer’s branding often takes a backseat. This setup might miss the mark in providing a consistent brand experience throughout the delivery process.
On the other hand, many e-commerce platforms extend basic tracking solutions for consumers. Despite this provision, a noticeable gap exists as most platforms do not offer the flexibility to customize the post-purchase journey. This lack of customization can be a significant oversight for brand-centric e-commerce retailers who aim to provide a seamless branded experience from purchase to delivery.
Methods to Track Your Package
- Carrier’s Website: Standard yet carrier-branded, often sidelining the retailer’s branding.
- E-commerce Platform’s Tracking Page: Provides tracking but may lack customization for a brand-centric post-purchase journey.
- Third-Party Apps: These apps aggregate tracking information from different carriers, providing a consolidated view of tracking details. However, they lack emphasis on retailer branding and, in some instances, may come with privacy compromises as they require access to shipment and personal information.
A notable solution to this gap is the WISMOlabs platform. Retailers have the capability to access real-time shipment visibility through the WISMOlabs portal, where all shipments can be tracked in real time. This platform not only facilitates tracking but also allows for a customizable post-purchase journey, aligning with the retailer’s brand identity. Consumers are kept informed throughout the entire shipment process via timely email and SMS notifications. Additionally, WISMOlabs offers webhook and API functionality, ensuring seamless communication among customers, support teams, and the retailer’s technical infrastructure regarding the ongoing delivery progress. This comprehensive and customizable tracking ecosystem by WISMOlabs significantly enhances the post-purchase experience, ensuring a smooth, informed, and branded delivery journey for all parties involved.
Can consumer change the delivery address while the package is out for delivery?
Short answer? It’s complicated. Most carriers have strict policies against it due to fraud concerns. But if there’s a genuine reason, calling the carrier’s customer service ASAP is the best bet.
Changing delivery details last-minute is a complex part of post-purchase logistics, and not all systems and carriers are equipped to handle it seamlessly.
What happens if recepient is not available to receive the package when it’s out for delivery?
If customer is not present when the package is out for delivery, the carrier typically takes additional steps to ensure the package’s safe delivery. In such cases, the package status may update to “Failed Delivery Attempt.” Here are the options you might have:
- Redelivery: Customer may have an option to schedule redelivery for a day based on availabity to receive the package.
- Safe Drop: Carriers can leave the package in a location they deem secure.
- Pickup: Carriers often provide the option to collect your package from a local carrier facility.
If redelivery attempts remain unsuccessful, or if the package is not retrieved from the safe location within a given time frame, the carrier will often return the package to the sender. The course of action in these scenarios will largely be guided by the carrier’s policies and the preferences you’ve set for delivery.
Can a specific delivery time be requested when my package is out for delivery?
Generally, no. Most carriers operate within broad time windows. However, some premium services allow for scheduled deliveries, albeit at an additional cost.
Will the recipient be notified once the package is delivered?
A status change to “Delivered,” an email notification, or even a text—these are common ways retailers notify the buyer.
🚀 Quick Tip: Boost your customer’s post-purchase experience with real-time shipment and delivery notifications.
Is there a way to contact the delivery driver while package is out for delivery?
Direct contact is generally a no-go for security reasons. However, some delivery services offer real-time GPS tracking, allowing recipients to see where the truck is on a map.
Conclusion: Package’s Odyssey Unveiled 📦✨
“Out for Delivery” status — like the drumroll before the grand finale or the last pop of a popcorn bag. We’ve zigzagged through tracking terms, dodged stolen packages, and even dabbled in the dark arts of delivery exceptions.
So, whether you’re an eager customer practically glued to the tracking page, or an eCommerce retailer on a mission to build brand loyalty, this guide has hopefully shed some light on this thrilling stage of the shipping saga.
Quick Recap for the Skimmers
- Out for Delivery: Package is on the move.
- Timing: Varies, but today’s usually the day.
- Exceptions: The delivery of a package is temporarily halted due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances
- Tracking: Helps to stay updated, and avoid WISMO calls.
This article is a part of a serie:
Ignite Loyalty: Post purchase customer journey explained
FAQ
Short answers to most frequent retailers and consumers questions related to out for delivery order or shipment status.
What does out for delivery mean?
“Out for Delivery” means the recipient’s package has been loaded onto a local delivery vehicle, marking the final stretch before it’s delivered. It’s a rapid phase with a shorter engagement window, yet high anticipation. Retailers, seize this stage by sharing real-time updates to build anticipation and foster brand loyalty!
Does out for delivery mean I’ll get it today?
When a package is “Out for Delivery,” it’s on its final leg of the journey, typically reaching its destination anytime from the early bird hours at 8 a.m. all the way until 8 p.m.
How long does it take after out for delivery?
Once marked “Out for Delivery,” the package is usually slated to arrive on the same day, anytime from the early morning at 8 a.m. to the evening till 8 p.m. The exact timing may jive with factors like weather, traffic, and the volume of parcels aboard the delivery truck.
What comes after out for delivery?
After “Out for Delivery,” the next status is typically “Delivered,” indicating the package has reached the recipient. However, if delivery hurdles arise, the status may switch to “Failed Delivery Attempt,” or “Exception”. The carrier may attempt to redeliver or leave a not to pick up the package in designated location.
Why is my package out for delivery but not delivered?
After “Out for Delivery,” the status usually changes to “Delivered” upon successful arrival. If issues occur, it may switch to “Failed Delivery Attempt” or “Exception,” leading to a redelivery attempt or a note for pickup at a designated location.
Where do packages go after failed delivery?
After a failed delivery, packages may retreat to a local distribution center. The carrier might attempt redelivery or leave a note for the recipient regarding pickup from a designated location. If not collected or if delivery fails multiple times, the package status usually changes to “Returned to Sender.”
