Faster delivery is a core selling advantage on Shopee. With Shopee expanding its Instant Delivery channel and rolling out a limited-time Instant Delivery Incentive Programme, sellers now have a chance to increase visibility, win more orders, and earn rewards of up to RM3,000.

More importantly, Shopee has confirmed that Instant Delivery will become mandatory for Preferred Sellers and Shopee Mall Sellers starting 12 January 2026. If you fall under these categories, early preparation is key.

This article explains how Instant Delivery works, who is eligible, the fulfilment timelines sellers must follow, and how to qualify for the incentive programme.



What Is Shopee Instant Delivery?

Shopee Instant Delivery is a fast shipping option that allows buyers to receive their orders within 4 hours on the same day. This option is available for orders that are paid between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and deliveries are handled by ShopeeFood riders.

Because Instant Delivery follows a much shorter fulfilment window compared to standard couriers, sellers must be ready to pack and arrange shipment quickly once an order is paid.

Who Can Use Instant Delivery?

Instant Delivery is currently available to selected sellers only. Eligible sellers will receive a push notification in the Shopee Seller Centre once the feature is enabled for their shop.

If a seller is unable to fulfil orders during these hours, the Instant Delivery option can be temporarily toggled off to avoid fulfilment issues.

Instant Delivery Shipping Timelines Sellers Must Follow

Instant Delivery has strict fulfilment timelines. Meeting these timelines is essential to avoid late shipments, order cancellations, or performance impact.

First Handling Requirement (FHR)

Sellers must arrange shipment within 1.5 hours from the order paid time. This requirement is known as the First Handling Requirement (FHR).

Rider Pickup and Auto-Cancellation

If there are disruptions such as bad weather or rider shortages, Shopee’s system will automatically retry rider assignments. However, if the parcel is not picked up before ACL 2 (Auto Cancellation Layer), the order may be automatically cancelled by the system. To reduce the risk of cancellation, sellers can submit a pickup rearrangement request by 4:00 PM, allowing ShopeeFood to re-attempt pickup on the same day.

Performance Protection for Sellers

Sellers will not be penalised as long as they comply with the FHR:

• Shipment is arranged within 1.5 hours from order paid time

In such cases, any affected Instant Delivery orders will be automatically excluded from performance metrics, including late shipment and non-fulfilment rates.

Important Terms Sellers Should Understand

• SBD (Ship By Day): Latest deadline for handing over the parcel

• LSR (Late Shipment Rate): Percentage of orders shipped late in the last 7 days

• NFR (Non-Fulfilment Rate): Percentage of orders cancelled, returned, or refunded due to seller fault

• ACL (Auto Cancellation Layer): Shopee’s system-triggered cancellation if fulfilment timelines are missed

Failing to meet these requirements may affect shop performance and visibility.

Instant Delivery Incentive Programme: Earn Up to RM3,000

To encourage sellers to adopt Instant Delivery early, Shopee is running a limited-time incentive programme that rewards eligible sellers with cash incentives.

Programme Period

The programme runs from 15 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.

Registration Deadline

Sellers must register by 11 December 2025. Participation is limited, only the first 3,500 approved sellers will be eligible to earn incentives.

How to Qualify for the Incentives

To receive a reward, sellers must meet all three requirements throughout the programme period.

1. Instant Listing Percentage ≥ 80%

At least 80% of eligible listings must have Instant Delivery enabled. This shows consistent participation rather than selective use.

2. Instant On-Time Handover ≥ 90%

At least 90% of Instant Delivery orders must be arranged for pickup within 1.5 hours from order paid time.
This metric is calculated:

• On weekdays only (Monday to Friday)

• During mandatory operating hours, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

3. Instant Gross Orders ≥ 5

Sellers must complete a minimum of 5 successful Instant Delivery orders during the programme period.

Incentive Tiers and Rewards

The incentive amount depends on the total number of Instant Delivery orders completed.

All incentives are paid as Touch ’n Go eWallet pins within 20 working days after the programme ends.

Why Sellers Should Offer Instant Delivery

Increased Product Exposure

Listings with Instant Delivery are shown in dedicated search filters, helping products gain more daily visibility.

Stronger Competitive Advantage

Same-day delivery improves buyer confidence and makes listings more attractive compared to standard shipping options.

Better Conversion and Buyer Experience

Faster delivery reduces buyer cancellations and encourages repeat purchases, supporting long-term sales growth.

How to Set Up Instant Delivery in Shopee Seller Centre

Enable Instant Delivery for Your Shop

Seller Centre → Shipping Settings → Shipping Channel → Toggle on Instant Delivery

Enable Instant Delivery for Individual Products

My Products → Product Details → Shipping → Toggle on Instant Delivery

Set Operating Hours

Shop Settings → Shipping → Pickup Operating Hours → Edit Instant Operating Hours

Pin Your Pickup Location

Shipping Settings → Address Management → Edit Address → Select Location → Confirm

Arrange Shipment for Instant Delivery Orders

My Orders → Filter Instant Delivery → Arrange Pickup → Print Waybill

Managing Shopee Instant Delivery at Scale

Instant Delivery requires sellers to operate within tight fulfilment windows. As order volume grows, relying solely on manual processes can increase the risk of delays, cancellations, or stock issues.

Using BigSeller can help streamline Instant Delivery operations by syncing Shopee orders in real time, enabling batch waybill printing, supporting barcode-based packing, and keeping inventory updated to prevent overselling. These workflows make it easier to meet Shopee’s fulfilment requirements without adding operational stress.

Try BigSeller for free to manage Instant Delivery orders more efficiently and stay on track with Shopee’s fulfilment requirements.

(All information in this article is based on Shopee Seller Education Hub’s “Introduction to Instant Delivery”.)