Just In Time (JIT) FAQ
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What is JIT?
JIT (Just In Time) is Wineshipping’s streamlined fulfillment program that allows wineries to send us order-specific items, which we will pack and ship on their behalf. This is ideal for unique items not typically stocked at Wineshipping, such as library wines, signed or etched bottles, personalized notes, or other special merchandise.
With JIT, Wineshipping will pick up the necessary, pre-sorted inventory from the winery, pack it (if not pre-packed by the winery), and ship it the next business day using any of Wineshipping’s shipping methods, including temperature-controlled options.
JIT orders benefit from all Wineshipping’s standard tracking and customer service tools, including:
Branded premium tracking
Rerouting options
Ship-to-hold-at-location (HAL) services
Claims portal and customer service support
Order analytics
Order integrations (ShipCompliant, Commerce7, Shopify, and much more...) allowing a streamlined workflow
Additionally, JIT Labels and Pack slips make managing inventory and shipping logistics easy, eliminating the need for spreadsheets, manual labeling, and weight calculations.
Can I send some items through JIT and have Wineshipping add inventory from my stock?
No, JIT orders must include all items provided by the client. Wineshipping cannot combine items from warehouse inventory to supplement JIT orders. However, we can include:
Insulated packaging
Ice packs
Premium, personalized gift cards
If the order is fully pre-packed by the winery, we will ship it as-is, we cannot add ice packs or gift cards[. Clients can have both JIT and standard fulfillment (DTC) orders under the same account, but each order must be entirely JIT or entirely Wineshipping-managed inventory.
How do I submit JIT orders?
You can submit JIT orders through your existing process. Options include:
Allowing an order to go into “needs action” (for insufficient inventory) so that you can fulfill it using the JIT process in ACP Action Center.
(Coming Soon) Using a designated "JIT SKU," which will automatically classify the order as JIT in ACP Action Center. Today if you send us a “JIT SKU” it will create an “invalid item” exception in ACP Action Center so you can flag that order and convert it a JIT order as described in 1. above.
If your JIT orders contain SKUs that are also stocked at Wineshipping, enabling a fulfillment hold –or including a “JIT SKU” in the orders - ensures orders can be updated to JIT before processing. JIT is fully compatible with all existing wine club, POS, and eCommerce systems (and integration), eliminating manual workarounds.
Where is JIT available?
Napa and Sonoma Counties (orders will be shipped from our Napa warehouse)
Willamette Valley, OR (orders will be shipped from our McMinnville warehouse)
California Central Coast (orders will be shipped from our Paso Robles warehouse)
Will Pass-Through Orders still be available?
JIT is designed to improve and fully replace Wineshipping’s Pass-Through and CCD service by July, 2025. Clients currently using these services will be contacted by Wineshipping customer service for an upgrade plan.
Do I need to set up SKUs in ACP?
Existing Clients: No action is required if SKUs are already in our system.
New SKUs: Clients can:
(recommended) Upload multiple SKUs, which we will classify as "JIT."
Using specific SKUs improves claims support and inventory accuracy. For clients using ShipCompliant, our new ShipCompliant Item Sync feature automates SKU management.
Is there a discount if I pre-pack my JIT orders?
Generally, “no”. Wineshipping recommends full-service JIT (not prepacked) so that we can best serve you. However, if you will exclusively be using JIT for processing of pre-packed orders than you may be eligible for a reduced rate card. Please contact your account manager or info@wineshipping.com if you believe you qualify.
How do I schedule JIT pickups?
Each client will receive a scheduled pickup day & time once a week.
Note: we may skip the weekly pickup if there are less than 5 JIT in ACP orders 24 hours prior to the pickup, we ask that clients contact Wineshipping transportation to coordinate pickup (or not) if there are less than 5 orders for the scheduled pickup
Additional pickups for 20+ orders will be coordinated based on JIT order data in ACP.
Clients may also drop off labeled JIT orders at Wineshipping warehouse Will-Call locations.
All JIT orders picked up or dropped off will ship as soon as possible, typically same or next business day depending on time of day and quantity of orders received.
Are there additional fees for pickups outside the usual route?
No additional fees apply for JIT pickups on established routes & schedules or based on order quantities described above.
Will Wineshipping pick and pack my JIT orders, or must they arrive packed?
We accept both:
Full-service orders (aka loose-packed) (individual items in a transfer container, such as a cardboard wine case, with JIT barcodes applied to the container)
Pre-packed orders (fully packed, orders).
If pre-packed, we will not open the box to add or modify contents.
Can JIT orders use temperature-controlled shipping?
Yes, JIT orders can utilize Wineshipping’s temperature-controlled shipping services.
Can JIT orders include ice packs and gift cards?
Yes, for Full-service JIT orders. We cannot insert ice packs or gift cards to pre-packed orders.
Will Wineshipping drivers accept JIT orders during inventory drop-offs?
Yes, as long as the JIT orders are ready for pickup with JIT barcodes/labels applied.
Can I drop off JIT orders at a Wineshipping warehouse?
Yes. Small JIT shipments can be dropped off at our Will-Call area. If dropping off more than 24 packages, clients should schedule an appointment through Open Dock.
Are shipping materials included?
Full-service orders: Wineshipping full-service JIT rates include standard packaging. Optionally, premium upgraded packaging and special packaging for wine in wood boxes is available for an additional per order charge (see rate card).
Standard packaging for winery pre-pack: Wineshipping can provide materials as part of JIT pickups, please work with customer service for a Value-Add Service (VAS) work order quote.
Custom packaging: Clients can pre-purchase custom-branded materials via a Value-add-Service (VAS) work order.
Do I need to split my JIT orders if they are shipping in more than one container?
Yes, you will need to split orders that have more than 12 750ml or more than 6 Magnums. Orders that have both Magnums and 750ml will also need to be split as they cannot ship in the same container. ACP has the ability to split orders. Order splits should follow the following naming convention. Order numbers 12345, 12345.1, 12345.2 for each split you do from the original order number this will help locate all orders and allow you to update your system with the tracking information. Our integrations with ShipCompliant and Commerce7 will update all tracking numbers for the original orders in those systems when using ACP to perform order
When will my JIT order ship?
Your daily orders will ship the same or next business day (or, if Temp Control is used, on the scheduled Temp Control date). Wineshipping will not hold JIT shipments for future ship dates. Club shipment pick up and ship dates should be scheduled directly with our Customer Service Team.