Slot-based delivery: Why it’s becoming the new standard in e-commerce
Customers increasingly want to decide when and how their parcel will arrive. E-shops want fewer complaints and more predictable logistics. Slot-based delivery responds to both needs — and thanks to technological progress, it is no longer reserved only for the largest players.
✅ TL;DR – What is slot-based delivery and why should you want it?
- Customers choose an exact delivery date and time at checkout
- E-shops gain more precise route planning and fewer failed deliveries
- Higher customer satisfaction, lower return rates, fewer support inquiries
🕐 What is slot-based delivery?
Slot-based delivery means that customers select a specific day and time window when placing an order (for example, “Thursday between 5–7 PM”). This brings benefits to both customers and e-shop operations — delivery happens according to plan, not “sometime between 8 AM and 6 PM.”
👨💻 How does it work technically?
- Available delivery time slots are displayed in the e-shop checkout
- After selection, the order is automatically assigned to a specific delivery route
- The carrier’s system optimises routes so the courier delivers within the selected day and time window while remaining operationally efficient
- Slot-based delivery can be integrated via API or an e-shop widget. With DODO, implementation takes only a few hours.
📈 Why do e-shops want slot-based delivery?
| Benefit for the e-shop | What it delivers |
| ✅ Less failed deliveries | Lower costs for repeated delivery attempts |
| ✅ More accurate route planning | More efficient operations and lower delivery costs |
| ✅ Higher cart conversion | Customers value the ability to choose delivery time |
| ✅ Lower load on customer support | Fewer “When will it arrive?” questions |
💬 Why do customers want slot-based delivery?
❌ They don’t want to stay home all day waiting for a courier
✅ They want to plan delivery between meetings or in the evening after work
✅ They have better control over their purchase and less stress
According to our data, slot-based delivery achieves on average a 35% higher first-attempt delivery success rate compared to standard delivery without time selection.
🔁 Slot-based delivery in practice: Dr.Max
The Dr.Max pharmacy network uses slot-based delivery with DODO to deliver e-shop orders directly to customers.
Key benefits in practice from Dr.Max:
Higher NPS compared to other delivery methods
Delivery is the main driver of customer satisfaction — not just speed, but above all reliability and keeping the promised time. With DODO, Dr.Max achieves a higher NPS than with alternative delivery options.
Keeping the customer promise = better experience
Slot-based delivery allows customers to know exactly when their medication will arrive. This predictability has a major impact on satisfaction and repeat purchases.
Delivery quality and temperature control
For pharmaceutical products, delivery quality and temperature compliance are critical. Dr.Max relies on DODO as a trusted partner that consistently meets these requirements.
Choice of delivery time slot, often same-day
Customers can select a specific delivery time, in many cases even a same-day slot, significantly reducing uncertainty and increasing convenience.
Higher average order value (AOV)
Pricing strategies for slots and incentives for larger baskets increase AOV, making economic sense for the Dr.Max e-commerce model.
Weekends as a strong delivery channel
Home delivery on weekends is growing. Thanks to cooperation with DODO, Dr.Max can offer weekend slots that match real customer behaviour.
Gradual scaling based on demand
The partnership with DODO has grown in a controlled way from the start, scaling capacity where the service proves effective and in demand.
👉 For Dr.Max, slot-based delivery is not the cheapest option, but a premium service that makes both commercial and customer sense.
❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to rebuild my entire e-shop?
No. For most standard e-commerce platforms, it is enough to deploy a plugin or integrate via API.
Isn’t it too expensive?
On the contrary — fewer returns, precise delivery and higher customer satisfaction lead to savings and higher conversions.
Isn’t it too complicated for customers?
Experience shows that customers love time slots. They clearly choose when they want their parcel and know it will arrive exactly then.
🚀 Final summary
Slot-based delivery responds to rising customer expectations while helping e-shops run logistics more efficiently. It is no longer a technology only for big players — thanks to partners like DODO, almost any e-shop can afford it. And customers reward it with satisfaction, loyalty and higher order values.
