The expected delivery date shown on your listings is based on the time it takes you to pack and post items (your handling time), and the postage or courier services you offer.
Tip
Always make sure to send your items on time or your late shipment rate may be affected. Learn more about monitoring and improving your seller performance.
Handling times
We define handling time as the time it takes you to hand over the item to the carrier after the buyer has paid.
Your buyer wants to receive their item quickly and reliably, so make sure your handling time is as short as possible, but realistic.
Same-day handling
If you offer same-day (0-day) handling, make sure you choose an appropriate order cut-off time. If the order is confirmed after the cut-off time, you have until the end of the following business day to handle and send it.
The default cut-off time is 2:00 pm, but you can set your own cut-off times for each day, as well as specify your working days. To manage your preferences, use the button below.
Manage postage settings - opens in new window or tab1-day handling
If you specify "1 business day" as your handling time, there's no order cut-off time.
Once an order is confirmed, you have until 11:59 pm on the following business to hand over the order to the carrier. Weekends and holidays are not counted as business days.
For example, if an order is confirmed on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it needs to be sent on the following Monday.
Weekend and public holiday deliveries
Weekends and public holidays aren't included in expected delivery dates, even though some carriers deliver on Saturdays.
A buyer may contact you if they specifically need a weekend delivery, or want a faster postage option. If they're happy to pay any difference in cost, it's up to you whether to accept their request.
Express postage on eBay
To appeal to buyers who need items quickly, consider adding express postage services to your listing, such as overnight, next-day or same-day delivery. Offering an express postage option can also help your listing qualify for an eBay Plus badge.
To offer express postage, simply go to the Add postage details section when creating a listing, and choose your preferred carrier(s) from the Services drop-down menu.
Free delivery message
The free delivery message lets buyers know when they can expect to receive their item and that they won't have to pay for delivery. We'll automatically add a free delivery message to your listings whenever you meet these requirements:
- Both your item and your buyer are located in Australia
- We can estimate the item's delivery date as 4 business days or less based on your handling time, the postage service you've offered, the item location and the buyer's delivery address
- You offer free postage as your first (default) postage option
- You don't offer local pickup or freight as your first (default) postage option
- The listing isn't in Classified Ad format
How to qualify for a free delivery message:
- Offer free delivery using a service that will arrive in 4 days or less
- Offer same-day or 1-day handling
- Upload your item's tracking details when using tracked delivery
If eBay determines that your listing qualifies and you meet your handling time, we will remove any negative or neutral Feedback left by the buyer regarding late delivery.
This late delivery coverage does not protect your late shipment defects, and your listings can be deactivated from the program if they fall below the performance requirements.
Tip
On eBay Motors, the free delivery message is only shown in listings in the Parts & Accessories category.