5 Great Shipping Delay Email Templates To Copy & Paste

Let's be real: shipping delays happen. While you can't always control logistics, you can control the customer experience with a clear and thoughtful email. We've got five shipping delay email templates to help you do just that.

Starting with a template means you don't have to stare at a blank page. It ensures you cover all the important details with grace, turning a hiccup into a chance to strengthen your customer relationship.

Tips for Writing Shipping Delay Emails

• Be proactive, not reactive. Send the email as soon as you know there's a delay. Don't wait for the customer to reach out wondering where their order is. Getting ahead of the problem shows you're on top of it.
• Give a clear, new ETA. Vague promises are frustrating. Provide a specific, updated delivery window. If you don't have one yet, tell them exactly when you'll follow up with more information.
• Keep it on-brand. Even an apology email is a brand touchpoint. Use a clean, simple design that's easy to read and aligns with your aesthetic. It shows professionalism, even when things go wrong.
• Offer a genuine "sorry." A small gesture goes a long way. Consider including a discount code for a future purchase to thank them for their patience and show you value their business.
• Make it easy to get help. Include a direct link to the order tracking page and clear contact information for your support team. Don't make a frustrated customer dig for answers.

Types of Shipping Delay Email Templates We Will Cover

1. Apology for Delay Email Template
2. Order Update Email Template
3. New Delivery Date Email Template
4. Compensation Offer Email Template
5. Unexpected Delay Email Template

5 Shipping Delay Email Templates

1) Apology for Delay Email Template

<template>

Subject: We're sorry—an update on your order [Order Number]

Hi [Customer Name],

We're writing to sincerely apologize. There's been an unexpected delay in shipping your recent order, [Order Number], and it will not be arriving on the original estimated date.

We know this is not ideal, and we're very sorry for the inconvenience this has caused. The delay is due to [briefly and honestly explain the reason, e.g., an issue with our supplier, a high volume of orders].

We're working to get your order out as quickly as possible and now expect it to ship by [New Shipping Date]. You'll receive a confirmation email with your tracking number as soon as it's on its way.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reply to this email.

Sincerely,

The [Your Company Name] Team

</template>

2) Order Update Email Template

<template>

Subject: A quick update on your order [Order Number]

Hi [Customer Name],

We wanted to let you know the latest on your order, [Order Number].

It’s currently [status of the order, e.g., being prepared by our team, has just been shipped]. We’re on track and expect it to be delivered around the original estimated date of [Original Delivery Date].

You can view your order details here: [Link to Order Page]. We’ll send another email with your tracking information as soon as it ships.

We appreciate your business and are here if you have any questions. Just reply to this email, and we’ll get right back to you.

All the best,

The [Your Company Name] Team

</template>

3) New Delivery Date Email Template

<template>

Subject: Good news! A new delivery date for your order [Order Number]

Hi [Customer Name],

We have an update on your order, [Order Number]. Thank you for your patience while we sorted things out.

Your order is now scheduled to arrive between [New Start Date] and [New End Date]. We've resolved the issue that caused the delay, and your package is back on track.

You can follow its journey right to your door using your tracking link: [Link to Tracking Page].

We appreciate your understanding and can't wait for you to receive your items. If you have any questions in the meantime, just reply to this email, and we'll be happy to help.

Best,

The [Your Company Name] Team

</template>

4) Compensation Offer Email Template

<template>

Subject: A thank you for your patience with order [Order Number]

Hi [Customer Name],

We’re writing to follow up on your order, [Order Number]. We sincerely apologize again for the shipping delay and the frustration it has caused.

We appreciate your patience as we work to get your order to you. As a thank you, we'd like to offer you [e.g., a 20% discount code] for your next purchase. You can use the code [Discount Code] at checkout.

Your order is now expected to arrive by [New Delivery Date]. We will send a final confirmation with tracking information as soon as it ships.

Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions, please reply to this email, and our team will be happy to assist.

Sincerely,

The [Your Company Name] Team

</template>

5) Unexpected Delay Email Template

<template>

Subject: An unexpected delay affecting your order [Order Number]

Hi [Customer Name],

We’re writing to inform you about an unforeseen issue affecting your order, [Order Number].

Your package has been held up due to [briefly explain the external issue, e.g., a severe weather event, a disruption with our shipping carrier]. This is a developing situation, and we are working with our partners to get more information.

At this moment, we don’t have a new estimated delivery date, but we are actively monitoring your shipment. We will send you a follow-up email with a revised delivery window as soon as we have one.

We sincerely apologize for this unexpected disruption and appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, please feel free to reply to this email.

Thank you,

The [Your Company Name] Team

</template>

What About Using Flodesk?

Now that you have the right words, you need a way to send them. Flodesk provides an intuitive email builder so you can customize and send on-brand updates like these without any technical skills.

Our platform helps you manage customer communications and maintain a professional look, turning a shipping delay into a chance to build trust. See how simple it is to create and automate your emails by starting with Flodesk.

Wrapping Up

Clear communication during a shipping delay protects your customer relationships. Our templates provide the right words, so you can handle any situation with confidence.

When you're ready to send your message, use a platform that keeps your emails as on-brand as your products. Get started with Flodesk to design and send emails that look good and are easy to build.