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Delayed Ship Handling

Overview

This update introduces a new inventory classification called "Delayed Ship Items", designed for products that require more than six (6) days to ship—potentially taking 14 to 21 days. These items will be flagged in the system and will prompt customer notifications during the shopping and checkout process. Orders containing these items will follow a modified fulfillment and payment flow.

Implementation Details

Inventory Tagging: * A new inventory option: Delayed Ship Items. * Vendors are responsible for notifying the system which SKUs fall under this classification.

Inventory Management: Marking Delayed Ship Items

To support the Delayed Ship Items logic, vendors must identify which products require extended shipping times (typically 14–21 days) by uploading an inventory sheet. This section outlines the step-by-step process for downloading the template, marking delayed items, and re-uploading the file for system processing.

Step-by-Step: Delayed Ship Items Upload Process

✅ Step 1: Download Inventory Template
* Navigate to the Inventory Management section of the admin/store backend. * Click the button labeled "Download Delayed Ship Template". * A CSV or Excel file will download to your device. This file will contain: * SKU * Product Name * Delayed Ship? (Yes/No)
Note: The file is pre-populated with all currently listed items in your inventory.

✅ Step 2: Mark Delayed Items

  • Open the downloaded file in Excel or a spreadsheet editor.
  • In the "Delayed Ship?" column:
  • Enter "Yes" if the item takes more than 6 days to ship.
  • Enter "No" if the item ships within the standard delivery window (6 days or less).
  • Double-check that only valid entries ("Yes" or "No") are present in the column.
    ⚠️ Important: Any blank or incorrect entries (e.g., "Y", "Delay", etc.) will be rejected by the system during upload.

✅ Step 3: Re-upload the File

  • Once the spreadsheet is complete, return to the Inventory Management screen.
  • Click "Upload Updated Template" or "Import Delayed Ship Status".
  • Choose your edited file and click Submit.

Storefront Behavior:

Screen 1 – Cart Notification:

When a Delayed Ship Item is added to the cart, a modal or banner displays the following message: * The item [Item Name] in your cart requires more than 6 days to ship. You can choose to remove it from your cart or continue with your purchase. If you continue, your card will be charged now for all items in this cart, and the item will ship when it's ready.

Screen 2 – Payment & Capture:

  • Payment is captured in full at checkout, even for delayed items.
  • The order will remain open until all items, including those delayed, are shipped.
  • If certain items are not shipped, the system will:
  • Log a note to the support ticket system.
  • Issue an automatic refund for unshipped products.
  • Orders will bypass the Square/Triple Play preauthorization logic and proceed as paid.

Example

Add Delayed Ship Item to Cart

Steps: * Navigate to store. * Add a Delayed Ship Item to cart. * Message: The item [Item Name] in your cart requires more than 6 days to ship.

Benefits of the "Delayed Ship Items" Implementation

Improved Customer Transparency * Clear Expectations: Customers are proactively informed that certain items may take 14 to 21 days to ship, preventing post-purchase frustration or confusion. * Choice Empowerment: The prompt gives users the option to remove the item or continue, putting decision-making in their hands.

Enhanced Order Management * Accurate Status Tracking: Orders with delayed items remain open but marked as paid, allowing fulfillment teams to better manage shipments and ensuring systems accurately reflect real-time status. * Seamless Partial Fulfillment: Orders with a mix of regular and delayed items can be shipped in parts without forcing premature order closure.

Financial Accuracy & Efficiency * Preemptive Payment Handling: Full payment is captured upfront, reducing failed charges and simplifying accounting processes. * Automated Refunds: If an item cannot be shipped, the system automatically issues a refund and logs the incident to the support ticket system—minimizing manual intervention and human error.

** Vendor & Inventory Clarity** * Vendor Accountability: Vendors are responsible for flagging items as delayed, ensuring accurate stock classifications. * Dedicated Inventory Tag: Having a distinct "Delayed Ship Items" inventory tag improves catalog management, internal reporting, and fulfillment filtering.