> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.omegatheme.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Date & time

This guide explains how to configure the **Date & Time** settings to ensure accurate order preparation and delivery date calculations.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_ojiqi8.png)

## Delivery date calculation method

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_n6v925.png)

This setting allows merchants to control how estimated delivery dates are calculated and displayed to customers.
Note:
* This setting does NOT change preparation time calculations - only delivery date calculations. Preparation time is calculated from order date.
* All estimated delivery date rules will follow the selected method globally.
* Switching between methods updates all existing delivery estimates on the storefront.
Merchants can choose between two methods:
* **Order Date Method** (Default) – The delivery date is calculated directly from the order date.
    * Formula: Delivery Date = Order Date + Min/Max Delivery Days
    * Best For: Merchants who want the delivery date to be estimated directly from when the order is placed.
    * Example Setup:
        * Order Date: March 1
Minimum Delivery Days: 3
Maximum Delivery Days: 5
        * Result: Estimated Delivery Date Range: March 4 – March 6
(*March 1 + 3 delivery days = March 4*)
(*March 1 + 5 delivery days = March 6*)
* **Max Preparation Date Method** – The delivery date is calculated from the latest preparation date before shipping.
    * Formula: Delivery Date = Order Date + Max Preparation Days + Min/Max Delivery Days
    * Best For:
        * Merchants who want the estimated delivery date to start after the max preparation period.
        * Businesses that need to align delivery expectations with fulfillment processes that include lead time.
    * Example Setup:
        * Order Date: March 1
Max Preparation Days: 2
Minimum Delivery Days: 3
Maximum Delivery Days: 5
        * Result: Estimated Delivery Date Range: March 6 – March 8
(*March 1 + 2 max prep days* + *3 delivery days = March 6*)
(*March 1 + 2 max prep days* + *5 delivery days = March 8*)

## Working day & cut-off time

Define working days and cut-off times to calculate estimated dates accurately, excluding non-working days and times.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_1mbw9z.png)


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_133uc4m.png)

**Key functionalities:**
* **Orders After Cut-off Time**: Orders placed after the cut-off time will be considered as orders for the next working day.
* **24-hour Format**: All times must be entered in the 24-hour clock format (e.g., 18:00 for 6 PM).
* **Disabled Days**: Non-working days will not be included in date estimations.
**Options:**
* **Apply the Same Time to Preparation and Delivery:** Select this option if preparation and delivery share the same working days and cut-off times.
* **Set Separate Times for Preparation and Delivery:** Choose this to define unique working schedules for preparation and delivery.
**Time Settings**
* **Workday Selection**: Tick the box for each day that is a working day for preparation.
* **Cut-off Time**: Enter the cut-off time for orders on each working day. Orders received after this time will shift to the next working day.

## Timezone settings

Ensure date and time calculations are accurate based on the customer’s timezone or a fixed timezone.
**Options:**
* **Default Buyer Timezone**: Automatically calculate date and time based on the customer’s local timezone.
* **Fixed Timezone**: Select a specific timezone for all calculations (useful for businesses operating in a single region).

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_ip1vsj.png)

## Blackout Dates (Holiday)

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_ijgp16.png)

**These blackout dates apply to all estimate rules.**
This means any blackout date you set will be applied **globally** across all your shipping estimate rules.

**Options:**

### ${color}[#3974c0](Apply same time to preparation and delivery)

Use the same blackout dates for both order preparation and delivery time.
* When to use: Use this when **your business is completely inactive** on certain days (e.g., national holidays, weekends, etc.), meaning **no prep and no delivery** happens.
* How it works: You’ll select blackout dates once, and those will be **excluded from both prep and delivery time calculations**.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_sbl2xq.png)

### ${color}[#317fd3](Set separate times for preparation and delivery)

Set different blackout dates for  preparation and delivery time.
* When to use**: When your business only stops one type of activity **on certain days.
* For example: 
    * Your warehouse is closed on Sundays (no prep)
    * But your shipping carrier still delivers on Sundays
* How it works: The interface splits into two sections:
    * **Preparation time**: choose blackout dates when you can’t prepare orders
    * **Delivery time**: choose blackout dates when carriers don’t deliver

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_1tshi1q.png)

### ${color}[#3178c4](Add dates manually)

Add custom blackout dates by selecting specific dates on calendar${color}[#3287e2](.)
By carefully configuring these settings, you can ensure a smooth order management experience while maintaining transparency with your customers.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_4k52la.png)

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/3/8/3/8383e5404a31c000/image_j5zrcx.png)

> 🚚 **After showing ETA, let customers track delivery status live**  
> 👉 [Click Free Install](https://apps.shopify.com/omega-order-tracking?utm_campaign=crs&utm_source=estimated&utm_medium=docdatetime)
