Set Up Same-Day Delivery in 6 Decisions

Start With a Simple Policy

Same-day delivery within 5 miles. Order by 2 PM. $40 minimum. $5 delivery fee. Choose a 2–4 PM or 4–6 PM window.

That example is specific enough to sell and simple enough to operate. Adjust the numbers to your business.

1. Choose the Zone

Start with one area your team can serve reliably. Expand after the first zone consistently hits its promise.

2. Set the Cutoff and Windows

Decide when same-day ordering closes and when drivers leave. “Same day” does not need to mean “immediately.”

3. Price the Service

Set a minimum and fee using driver time, distance, average order value, and failed-delivery risk—not a competitor's price.

4. Estimate Capacity

Use a planning estimate: drivers × stops per route × routes per day. Leave room for traffic, customer delays, and failed attempts.

5. Group and Route Orders

Batch orders with compatible zones and windows, then optimize their stop order. Do not add an urgent order if it breaks every other promise.

6. Send Useful Updates

Notify customers when the order is confirmed, assigned, out for delivery, delayed, and completed. Show a current ETA once the route is active.

Hand-Off connects these rules to on-demand delivery software, routes, and drivers.