Estimated time of arrival (ETA) is the predicted date or time a shipment is expected to reach its destination. In B2B commerce, an ETA is usually attached to a quoted order so the buyer knows when goods will land, not just what they cost. It is an estimate, so it can shift based on carrier performance, customs, stock availability, and route conditions.
How it works
An ETA is calculated from the ship date plus expected transit time for the chosen service level. Carriers and freight forwarders generate it from historical lane data, distance, and current conditions. For orders that ship in stages, each shipment can carry its own ETA. As tracking events come in (picked up, in transit, out for delivery), the ETA is refined and the buyer sees a tighter window.
Why it matters in B2B quoting
B2B buyers often purchase against a project deadline, a production run, or a resale commitment. A price alone is not enough to say yes. They need to know the goods arrive in time. Including a realistic ETA or lead time in a quote reduces back-and-forth and prevents disputes when a delivery runs long. It also protects your credibility: an ETA you consistently hit builds trust for repeat orders.
Example
A distributor requests a quote for 500 units. You reply with pricing plus an ETA of 10 to 14 business days from order confirmation, based on your supplier lead time and freight transit. The buyer accepts because the window fits their restock schedule.
On Shopify, you can surface this directly on a quote. When you convert a request into a draft order and send a Live Quote page, add the lead time or ETA as a line note or in the quote message so the buyer sees delivery expectations before they accept and pay. Setting an accurate ETA up front keeps quoted delivery windows and actual fulfillment aligned.