How To Choose The Right Wording For Lead Time

Three months ago, Barn2 released a unique extension for WooCommerce. Whilst the plugin is called WooCommerce Lead Time, this does not mean that you have to use the words ‘lead time’ on your online shop.

The purpose of the plugin is to let customers know how long they would wait before the product is finally shipped. Depending on the types of products you are selling, there are quite a few options. Let’s check out the top six alternative wordings.

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WooCommerce Lead Time

The following are examples of popular alternatives to “lead time”, along with advice on when to use them:

Available On – Use this for non-stock products, e.g. when waiting for an order from the supplier. Use this option for products that are usually in stock, where you have only displayed the delivery time text for out of stock or backorders. If the product is out of stock, you can specify the date when it will be available again. As a result, customers know when to come back and place their order, boosting your sales!

Ready For Despatch In – This phrase is popular with websites that sell handmade or custom-made products and is good for products that need some manual work to make them ready for despatch.

Handling Time – This formulation is appropriate for products that require some handling or processing to make them ready for shipment. For instance, you can use this for custom hampers or gift packaging that you assemble according to the customer’s wishes.

Processing Time – Although this text has a similar meaning to “processing time”, it is more formal in that it removes the human element implied by “processing time”.

Made to Order – As it says on the tin, this is good for custom-made products. It gives the reason for waiting, which helps the customer to understand and assures him that waiting for the product pays off. You can also use “handmade” or “built to order”.

Delivery Time – You can also use the lead time extension for WooCommerce to indicate the estimated delivery times on the product page. For example, you can add a note saying “Standard delivery times” or “Delivery time: 3 weeks”. Customers may be disappointed that they need to add products to their shopping cart just to find out the delivery time, so the display in the lead time field provides just the ideal solution.

Lead Time – Well, sometimes “Lead Time” is simply the best wording. You can use it for out of stock products where there is a waiting time before it becomes available for shipping, such as made to order products.

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