How do I set different processing times?

The most common way to use processing rules is to set different lead times based on the specific product or variant being viewed. You can easily set a standard processing time for your whole store and create exceptions for specific types of products.

Why we separate processing and transit times

We separate these to ensure a better separation of concerns in your logistics chain:

• Processing time (Product-based): This is for your internal operations. You usually use this with product-based conditions (e.g., tags or collections) to define how long it takes you to pack and ship an order.
• Transit time (Location-based): This is for the carrier's journey. You usually use this with country-based conditions to define how long it takes the package to reach the customer.

Setting processing times by product or category

To create a processing rule for specific items:

1. Go to the Processing section in the app and select Processing time.
2. Click Create rule and enter your desired duration (e.g., 5–7 days for custom items).
3. Add a Condition to target specific products.
4. Save your rule.

Common ways to target products

Using these conditions allows you to keep your workflow inside Shopify. Once the rules are set in Delm, you only need to manage your products in your Shopify admin.

• Product tags and collections: This is the most efficient method. You can set a rule for products with a specific tag like custom-build or those in a "Handmade" collection.
• Inventory locations: Set different processing times based on which warehouse is fulfilling the order.
• Vendors: Useful if specific suppliers or brands take longer to ship than others.
• Stock levels: You can set longer processing times for items that are currently out of stock. For example, use the Stock condition to apply a 5-day processing time when stock is less than 1. This is perfect if you continue to sell items while waiting for a restock.

Using variant-based conditions

If you need to apply a rule to specific versions of a product, you can use variant-level patterns:

• SKU and variant title: You can use text patterns to match multiple variants at once. For example, matching a variant title that contains "Engraved" will apply the rule to all engraved options without you having to select them one by one.

Best practices for processing rules

To ensure your delivery dates are always accurate, we recommend the following setup:

Use Shopify for management

By using conditions like Tags or Collections, you don't have to return to the Delm app every time you add a new product. Simply tag the product in Shopify, and Delm will automatically apply the correct processing time.

Always include a default rule

A default rule is a rule with no conditions. It acts as a safety net for any product that isn't specifically mentioned in your other rules.

• Why it matters: If a product is not covered by a specific rule and there is no default rule, the system will apply 0 days processing time.
• Priority: Ensure your default rule has the lowest priority (the highest number, e.g., 100) so it stays at the very bottom of your list. This allows your specific exceptions to be checked first.

Updated on: 18/02/2026