> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.spicegems.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.spicegems.com/order-delivery-date/calculations-of-blackout-days-cut-off-time-and-delivery-lead-times.md).

# Calculations of Blackout Days, Cut Off Time and Delivery Lead Times

The Blackout Days, Cut-off Time, and Delivery Lead Times work together to determine the final delivery date available to customers. Here’s how they interact:

### 1. Blackout Days

* These are the days when delivery is not available (e.g., weekends, public holidays, or custom blackout dates).
* The system skips these days when calculating the earliest possible delivery date.

### 2. Cut-Off Time

* This is the daily deadline for processing orders.
* Orders placed before the cut-off time are processed on the same day.
* Orders placed after the cut-off time are processed on the next business day (skipping Blackout Days).

### 3. Delivery Lead Time

* This represents the minimum processing and shipping time required before the order can be delivered.
* The lead time is counted in business days (excluding Blackout Days).
* Example: If the lead time is 2 days, the delivery date is calculated by adding 2 business days to the order processing date.

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### 4. How They Work Together

1. **Customer places an order**

* If it’s before the cut-off time, the order is processed the same day.
* If it’s after the cut-off time, the order is processed the next business day.

2. **Blackout Days are skipped**

* If the order falls on a Blackout Day, it is shifted to the next available business day.

3. **Lead Time is applied**

* The system adds the specified lead time in business days (skipping Blackout Days) to determine the earliest possible delivery date.

***

### 5. Example Calculation of Delivery Days

Example Calculation

Scenario:

* Blackout Days: Saturday & Sunday
* Cut-off Time: 2:00 PM
* Delivery Lead Time: 2 business days
* Order placed: Friday at 3:00 PM

Step-by-step calculation:

1. Order placed after cut-off time → Moved to Monday for processing.
2. Monday (Processing Day) + 2 business days (Lead Time) → Delivery Date is Wednesday.