Some restaurants let you place an order now and have it delivered or ready for pickup at a time you choose, later today or on a coming day. This is handy for office lunches, parties, tiffin and festival orders. Whether scheduling is available, and how far ahead you can book, depends on the store.
Scheduling an order
- Add your items as usual, on the store page or in the WhatsApp chat.
- At checkout, look for the delivery time option. If the store offers scheduling, you can switch from "as soon as possible" to a later time.
- Pick a date. Stores that take pre-orders often open slots for several days ahead; others only allow later today.
- Pick a time slot. Slots are usually windows such as 12:00 to 1:00 pm, not exact minutes. The store will aim to deliver within the window.
- Complete the address and payment steps and confirm. Your confirmation message shows the chosen date and slot. Check it carefully.
Depending on the store, scheduled orders may require online payment, because the kitchen prepares the food in advance and wants to be sure the order is firm.
Cut-off times and what they mean
A cut-off is the last time you can book a slot. For example, a store might need all lunch orders by 10:30 am, or all orders for tomorrow by 9 pm tonight. If a slot is greyed out or missing, you have passed its cut-off. Pick the next available one or message the store; they may still be able to fit you in.
Some slots also have a limit on the number of orders. Popular slots fill up, so book early for weekends and festivals.
Changing or cancelling a scheduled order
Reply in the same WhatsApp chat with your order number and the new date or time you want. Because the kitchen has not started yet, changes to scheduled orders are usually easy, as long as you ask before the cut-off for the new slot.
Close to the slot, the kitchen may already be cooking, and the usual rules apply. See how to change or cancel an order.
Common questions
Will I get a reminder before my scheduled order?
You get the normal status updates on WhatsApp as the order moves: preparing, out for delivery and delivered, timed around your slot. Whether the store sends a separate reminder the day before depends on the store.
Can I schedule a pickup instead of a delivery?
Yes, if the store offers both. Choose pickup, then pick your collection time. See how to pick up your order.
What happens if I am not home during the slot?
The rider will call you. If they cannot reach you, the order may be returned to the restaurant and the store's cancellation rules apply. If you know you will be late, message the store before the slot starts.
Can I place a big order for a party a week ahead?
Often yes. Pick the date and slot as usual, and add a note about the occasion if the checkout has one. For very large orders it is worth messaging the restaurant first, so they can confirm they have the capacity on that day.