Items on time

We measure the 'Items on time' service standard in different ways, depending on the shipping method you use:

1. Logistics via bol
   With the Logistics via bol service, bol is responsible for shipping the order to the customer. For this reason, these shipments are not included in this service standard.
2. Shipping via bol
   With the Shipping via bol service, you are responsible for handing over orders to the delivery service on time. This looks at the scan time, which is the moment the package is scanned by the delivery service.
   Please note: Make sure you drop off your Shipping via bol shipments before the cut-off time of the drop-off point and have them scanned. This cut-off time may differ on weekends compared to weekdays.
   You can find more information about the drop-off points and cut-off times here.
3. Other bol or own shipping labels
   For all orders you do not send with the above shipping methods, you are responsible for timely delivery of the order to the customer.

If you score below 93% with a minimum of 3 items receiving a ‘late’ score, you will receive a warning – also known as a strike. If applicable, you will be informed about this weekly on Wednesdays by email. Read more information about strikes here.

1. Mark your orders as 'Shipped' as soon as you've shipped them.
   This way, the customer immediately receives a Track & Trace code. In your seller account, you will see this as ‘Deliver before...’ for your own shipment. For Shipping via bol, you mark it as ‘Shipped’ when the package has been handed over to the carrier. In the Retailer API, this is the Latesthandoverdatetime field.
2. Analyse orders that weren't on time.
   Download the overview under ‘Items on time’ in your seller account and see where you went wrong.
3. Check your delivery promise.
   Can you really keep it?
   A. The customer's order time is the determining factor. For example, if a customer orders before 4.00 PM with the promise ‘ordered before 4.00 PM, delivered tomorrow’, they expect delivery the next day. This applies even if you don't receive the order until after 4.00 PM.
   B. Check the ‘Change delivery time via your seller account’ page. Customers see delivery times as weekdays, you enter them as business days.
   C. On the ‘Performance’ page in your seller account, you gain more insight into your delivery performance for your own shipping. Click the eye icon under ‘Delivered on time’ to identify areas for improvement, such as your carrier.
4. Keep your inventory up to date.
   This prevents shipping delays.
5. Create 2 accounts: 1 for the Netherlands and 1 for Belgium.
   This allows you to determine the product range, price, and return address per country. Keep in mind that you'll also need twice as much inventory management in this case.
6. Reconsider your carrier or parcel point.
   Do things often go wrong? Consider a different option. For example, use a service point instead of a parcel locker.
7. Consider outsourcing your logistics or inventory management.
   You can do so via bol or a third party.
8. Use warehouse-management software or a shipping platform.
   This makes your logistics more efficient and reduces the risk of errors.