Delivery is a central component of commerce and involves the transportation of inventory between various parties. The delivery process requires precise coordination between all parties involved to ensure a smooth process. The parties involved include at least a seller and a buyer of the goods; in addition, a logistics service provider usually handles the transportation.

In the legal sense, delivery represents the fulfillment of a contractual obligation and is closely related to sales law.

Who is involved in a delivery?

In the context of deliveries, the parties involved have different roles, and their responsibilities are contractually defined.

1. The supplier (seller of the goods) is responsible for the correct and timely provision of the goods, as well as their proper packaging. Depending on the agreement, the supplier bears the risk up to a certain point in the delivery process.
2. The transportation service provider (postal or logistics service provider) is responsible for the physical transportation of the inventory and is liable for any damage that may occur during transportation. They are responsible for ensuring that the agreed delivery times are met and for safe delivery.
3. The customer (purchaser of the goods) agrees to accept the goods and to pay the agreed price. They must inspect the delivered goods for obvious defects and, if necessary, file a complaint.

See also the topic consignment in this context.

Possible delivery constellations

In business between companies and consumers – B2C (Business-to-Consumer) or D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) – special protective regulations apply to the consumer. The entrepreneur bears the transport risk and must pay for any damage or loss during delivery. This strengthens the position of the consumer and creates trust in trade.

In business-to-business (B2B) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) transactions, different rules apply than in the B2C area. The seller’s responsibility typically ends when the goods are handed over to the carrier. This regulation is based on the assumption that both parties are experienced in business or should bear the same risks in a private sale. In the event of damage during transport, the buyer must contact the carrier.

Types of delivery

In the case of direct delivery, the seller hands over the inventory directly to the buyer. This form minimizes potential transport risks and enables personal quality control on site. It is particularly suitable for local stores or bulky goods.

Today, shipping delivery is the most common form of delivery, in which specialized logistics companies take over the transport. It enables trade over long distances and is the basis for modern e-commerce.

Special delivery situations

A short delivery occurs when less than the ordered quantity is delivered. This can have various legal and economic consequences. The buyer has several options, from making a subsequent request to withdrawing from the contract.

If more than the agreed quantity is delivered, this is referred to as an excess delivery or overdelivery. The buyer does not have to accept or pay for the additional quantity. The legal treatment depends on the type of inventory and the circumstances of the individual case.

Logistics process of deliveries

The processing includes all steps from the order to the shipment, so it overlaps in many parts with the order fulfillment or the fulfillment in the warehouse. An efficient organization of this process is crucial for customer satisfaction. Modern storage systems and digital support optimize the process. As described, delivery is usually handled by logistics service providers, e.g. CEP. In some cases, hubs or transshipment points are used.

In the context of logistics communication, deliveries are usually accompanied by notification. Notification enables better planning and preparation for goods receipt. It reduces waiting times and optimizes resource planning. Modern IT systems support data exchange between all parties involved.

Deliveries without notification require more manual work and can lead to delays. With increasing digitalization in the supply chain and detailed tracking systems, there are now only a few cases in which this is not done.

Terms of delivery

Clear delivery conditions are essential for smooth business operations. They regulate all important aspects of the transfer of goods and the bearing of risk. Standardized conditions particularly facilitate international trade.

If agreed delivery terms are not met, there are legal consequences. The buyer has various options for enforcing his rights. The exact consequences depend on the nature and severity of the breach of duty.

The design of delivery costs has become a relevant marketing tool. Free delivery in general or from a certain order value can create incentives to buy. The calculation must take into account both customer expectations and economic aspects.

With regard to delivery options, the growth of online retailing has led to the development of new forms of delivery, from which private end consumers in particular can choose. Two options that are frequently offered in the e-commerce sector are:

• Same-day delivery
• and Click & Collect.

Delivery documentation

Complete and correct documentation is essential for the delivery process. It serves as proof of delivery and contains important information. Digitization and tracking systems contribute to improved transparency in this regard (see section Delivery types from a communicative perspective). For international deliveries, additional documents are required for customs.