# Explain delivery estimates with BuyScout® AI Store Agent BuyScout® automatically estimates timing before shipment from current order context, past fulfillment activity, and available merchant guidance, then uses the latest available carrier timing after shipment. ## Can BuyScout® tell a shopper exactly when an order will arrive? BuyScout® cannot guarantee an exact arrival date, but it automatically produces the best available estimate. Before shipment, BuyScout® uses current order details, past fulfillment activity, and available merchant guidance. After shipment, BuyScout® uses the latest available carrier timing. ## When shoppers ask about timing BuyScout® presents planning windows as estimates and keeps their uncertainty visible. ### Planning around an event A shopper has already ordered and needs the item before a trip. BuyScout® can explain the current fulfillment stage and available delivery window without promising that an external carrier will meet it. ### An order was placed before a weekend A shopper counts calendar days while the merchant processes orders on business days. BuyScout® can apply the documented cutoff and operating schedule so the estimate starts from the right point. ### A cross-border delivery has extra uncertainty A shopper wants a date for an international order. BuyScout® can combine the available processing, destination, shipping method, and carrier timing while making clear that customs may move the estimate. ## How delivery estimates work BuyScout® automatically changes which evidence it uses as an order moves from processing to shipment. ### Estimate before shipment BuyScout® uses the current order, the store's past fulfillment activity, and available shipping information to estimate processing and handoff timing. ### Use carrier timing after shipment Once a shipment has tracking information, BuyScout® uses built-in major-carrier tracking to retrieve the latest available carrier estimate and event. ### State the basis and uncertainty BuyScout® presents a range or source-provided date, explains whether it comes from pre-shipment activity or carrier data, and identifies conditions that may change it. ## Planning for a Friday event Shopper: I need this by Friday. Will it definitely arrive? BuyScout®: Checking fulfillment and carrier timing BuyScout®: The current carrier estimate is Thursday to Friday. That is the latest available window, not a guaranteed delivery date. Shopper: Has the store already shipped it? BuyScout®: Yes. The order was handed to the carrier today, and the estimate is based on that scan and your selected shipping method. Outcome: The shopper gets a useful planning window, its source, and a clear statement of uncertainty. ## Sources BuyScout® uses automatically No manual setup is required. Estimate precision improves as more store-specific information becomes available. ### Past fulfillment activity Before shipment, BuyScout® learns from the store's past processing and fulfillment activity to estimate how long a comparable order may take to reach carrier handoff. ### Current order and shipment data BuyScout® automatically reads relevant Shopify order, shipping-method, fulfillment, and tracking context. After shipment, BuyScout® also uses the latest available carrier timing. ### Optional merchant guidance BuyScout® reads shipping schedules, cutoffs, holidays, destinations, and exceptions published on the store's website. Merchants can add store-specific guidance in BuyScout® Dashboard. ## How Delivery Date Estimates work automatically BuyScout® selects the best available evidence for the order's current stage without requiring manual activation. ### Estimate before shipment BuyScout® combines the current order with past fulfillment activity and available merchant shipping information. ### Update the basis after shipment When tracking becomes available, BuyScout® uses built-in major-carrier tracking for the latest available carrier estimate and event. ### Explain uncertainty BuyScout® identifies the estimate's basis and explains that weather, customs, carrier capacity, and other external conditions may change it, so the date is not guaranteed. ### Optionally add store-specific timing BuyScout® reads unusual delivery timing from the website or BuyScout® Dashboard. Merchants can optionally test representative orders. ## Delivery-estimate boundaries No source can turn an estimate into a guarantee. - **An estimate is not a guarantee**: BuyScout® cannot control carrier capacity, weather, customs, local delivery conditions, or other events after the merchant hands off a package. - **Limited evidence reduces precision**: BuyScout® uses the best available order, fulfillment, historical, website, and carrier context. If the available evidence is still insufficient to answer the request, BuyScout® automatically notifies store support. - **Exceptions need investigation**: BuyScout® sends a missed estimate, conflicting carrier event, or time-sensitive loss to the merchant's support process instead of making a new promise. ## Frequently asked questions **Does BuyScout® guarantee the delivery date it shows?** BuyScout® automatically presents the best available estimate from order context, past fulfillment activity, merchant information, and carrier timing. External conditions can change the result, so BuyScout® cannot guarantee an arrival date. **What happens after an estimated date is missed?** BuyScout® checks for newer evidence and explains the delay process. BuyScout® hands off investigations, replacement decisions, refund reviews, and exceptions. **What if merchant and carrier timing disagree?** BuyScout® identifies conflicting sources instead of combining them into a confident date. If approved rules do not establish which source applies, BuyScout® sends the case to the merchant. **How does BuyScout® estimate delivery before an order ships?** BuyScout® automatically uses current order details, past fulfillment activity, and available merchant guidance such as business days, cutoffs, and holidays published on the website or added in BuyScout® Dashboard. BuyScout® presents a range, not a guarantee. **Does a shipping label mean the package is already in transit?** BuyScout® distinguishes label creation from carrier acceptance only when available carrier tracking data exposes that difference. Without evidence of carrier handoff, BuyScout® does not tell the shopper that the package is in transit. **Why can a delivery estimate change after shipment?** BuyScout® automatically explains a newer estimate when the order stage or latest available carrier timing changes. BuyScout® names the current basis and keeps the result framed as an estimate, not a promise.