(Shipping & Delivery for Sellers)

Delivery times shape customer expectations and satisfaction.
As a seller on Kingston Express, it’s important to understand estimated (not guaranteed) delivery windows — and how they differ based on dispatchment vs seller-managed shipping, local vs international, and customs processing.

This guide explains:

• Typical delivery timelines
• What affects delivery speed
• How Dispatched by Kingston Express handles estimates
• Best practices for communicating with customers

---

First: “Estimated” Means What? #

Estimated delivery time is a forecast — not a promise.
It depends on:

• Shipping method
• Destination
• Order volume
• Customs (international)

📌 Delays can occur even when everything is done correctly.

---

Delivery Times With Dispatched by Kingston Express #

When an order is Dispatched by Kingston Express, Kingston Express manages packing, routing, and delivery, both locally and internationally.

Local / Islandwide (Dispatchment) #

• Typical estimate: Short, predictable window
• Best for: Everyday products, fast movers

✔ Centralized routing
✔ Automatic tracking
✔ Fewer seller actions

---

International (Dispatchment) #

• Typical estimate: Longer, variable window
• Includes:
  • Export handling
  • International transit
  • Customs clearance
  • Final delivery

🌍 Customs processing can add time beyond transit.

---

Delivery Times for Seller-Managed Shipping #

---

Seller-Managed Local Delivery #

• Typical estimate: Same day to a few days
• Depends on:
  • Seller availability
  • Distance
  • Customer coordination

⚠️ Speed depends entirely on the seller.

---

Seller-Managed Courier Shipping (Local / International) #

• Local courier: A few days (varies by courier)
• International courier: Several days to weeks

📌 Couriers provide estimates, not guarantees.

---

What Can Cause Delivery Times to Change? #

Common factors include:

• High order volume
• Weather or traffic
• Incorrect address
• Customer unavailability
• Customs inspections (international)
• Public holidays

📦 International orders are the most variable.

---

Dispatchment vs Seller-Managed (Time Reliability) #

Factor	Dispatchment	Seller-Managed
Local delivery consistency	✅ High	⚠️ Varies
International handling	✅ Managed	❌ Seller
Tracking updates	Automatic	Manual / courier
Delay resolution	Centralized	Seller-led

📌 Dispatchment offers more predictable timelines overall.

---

How Sellers Should Communicate Delivery Times #

Best Practices #

✔ Use ranges, not exact dates
✔ Say “estimated,” not “guaranteed”
✔ Mention customs for international orders
✔ Reassure during delays without promising dates

Good example:

“Estimated delivery is within the listed timeframe. International orders may take longer due to customs processing.”

❌ Avoid:

• “Guaranteed delivery by Friday”
• “No customs delays”

---

What Sellers Should NOT Do #

❌ Change delivery estimates manually for dispatchment orders
❌ Promise faster delivery than shown
❌ Refund before a delay is confirmed
❌ Blame couriers or customs publicly

⚠️ Overpromising causes disputes.

---

When to Escalate a Delayed Order #

Contact Kingston Express Support if:

• A dispatchment order exceeds the estimate by an unusual margin
• Tracking shows no movement for an extended period
• An international order is stuck in customs without updates

📧 Include order ID and destination.

---

How to Reduce Delivery Time Issues #

✔ Use Dispatched by Kingston Express for eligible products
✔ Ensure accurate product listings
✔ Encourage complete addresses & phone numbers
✔ Avoid restricted items internationally

---

Final Tip #

Delivery times guide expectations — they don’t control reality.
Sellers who communicate clearly and rely on Dispatched by Kingston Express for local and international orders enjoy fewer complaints and stronger customer trust 🚚🌍📦