Set preparation time

Preparation time helps determine when an order can be ready for delivery or pickup.

How does it work?

An item uses its own preparation time first, then its category's time, then its type's default. If none is set, the order uses the built-in default.

A blank field follows the next available default. 0 means no preparation is needed. These choices are different.

Types and categories also have Extra minutes per additional unit. This accounts for more units that need preparation. Items whose preparation time is zero do not add preparation units. This is separate from delivery fees, travel time and booking duration.

How do I set it?

1. Open the Catalog item, category or type settings and choose the delivery settings.
2. Find Preparation time.
3. Enter whole minutes, or leave the field blank to inherit. Preparation can be from 0 to 1,440 minutes; extra time can be from 0 to 120 minutes.
4. Choose Save preparation time. This changes the setting immediately; it does not wait for delivery setup publication.

To remove your own values, clear the fields and save. The item or category then uses the next available default. An item needs Commerce enabled before it can have its own preparation time.

Why has the time not changed?

• Your settings: A closer item or category setting takes precedence. Clear that value if it should follow the default you changed.
• The order: Preparation time does not make an unavailable delivery slot available or change an accepted order's promise. Other delivery and scheduling rules still apply.
• A save could not complete: Your input remains visible. Choose Reload, review the latest values and enter your change again. Someone else may have changed the setting since you opened it.