The terms “shipping” and “delivery” have become more popular with the rise of e-commerce. Online shoppers often assume these two terms are synonymous when, in reality, their meanings are completely different. Whether you’re an online retailer or a consumer, it’s important to note the difference between shipping and delivery. As a retailer, you should be clear about letting your customers know what their shipping and delivery dates are to avoid complaints and unhappy customers. In addition, online shoppers should make sure that they observe both dates when ordering something online in order to avoid disappointment—especially if their item is time-sensitive. We’ve outlined the definition of shipping vs. delivery, so if you’re unsure of the difference, just keep on reading!
What Is Shipping?
There are two main definitions of shipping when it comes to logistics. The first definition speaks to the size of the package. Smaller objects, such as shoes, clothes, and accessories, can fall under the category of shipping since they can be boxed and sent to the customer using a postal service. The second definition refers to when items are required to be sent to customers. As such, consumers can understand the shipping date to be the day on which the item was dispatched and begin making its way to them.
What Is Delivery?
Delivery often refers to larger objects, like major appliances and furniture, which require installation or a delivery person to fetch it inside your home—items that need to be delivered are usually too big to be shipped. Delivery is also the term used to refer to the date on which the package will arrive at the customer’s doorstep. However, this date is usually a general estimate since it’s uncontrollable by the vendor and can be delayed by unforeseen circumstances.
Shipping vs. Delivery: What’s the Difference?
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. Shipping dates usually refer to when an item leaves the warehouse while the delivery date specifies when it should reach the customer.
If you’re looking for a fulfillment company that’ll make your delivery date almost the same as the shipping date, then choose APS Fulfillment Inc. We serve a variety of industries, so whether you’re looking to ship retail, healthcare or financial items, or commercial furniture, we’ve got the solution for you. One of the main benefits of allowing APS to handle your fulfillment needs is the flexibility it allows your business. You’ll be able to not only save money and time by eliminating the need to set up your own fulfillment system, but you’ll also be able to scale your fulfillment services depending on the growth of your business. Fast and dependable fulfillment services are integral to maintaining a good rapport with customers, which is why you should trust APS—we take extra care to ensure your customers receive their packages on time, and in good condition. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your small business continue to grow.
