Why Your eCommDirect Purchase or Package Takes Five Days (And What Can Delay It Longer)
If your eCommDirect order feels like it's taking forever, there's a specific starting point for that five-day timeline, plus a few common reasons it can stretch longer.
For TDCJ inmates, eCommDirect is the only approved online package program for sending commissary-style merchandise. If you're trying to use a different vendor, your order won't follow the TDCJ eCommDirect process or timeline.
The "five days" everyone talks about is five business days. The clock starts when TDCJ receives the purchase transaction details, not the moment you click submit. That distinction matters.
If you're ordering with a deadline in mind (an upcoming visit, a holiday, or you just want items to arrive by a certain date), build in extra time. Plan for at least five business days after TDCJ receives the transaction details. Weekends don't count.
Even when you've done everything right, the unit can still fall behind. Security concerns or staffing issues can push delivery past the five-business-day target. These delays happen for reasons you can't control from the outside.
Tip: Past the five-business-day window? Contact the unit directly to check on your order's status. Security or staffing issues can extend delivery beyond the standard timeframe.
Budget for fees when you place an order. Each eCommDirect purchase transaction has a $3.75 fee, separate from the cost of the items you are buying.
Deposits to an inmate's trust fund account also carry fees: $2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount. One more thing: as of September 1, 2020, only senders on the inmate's approved visitor list or approved telephone list can make deposits. Make sure you're approved before you try.
- ✓ January to March: up to $70.00
- ✓ April to June: up to $70.00
- ✓ July to September: up to $70.00
- ✓ October to December: up to $95.00 (holiday spend)
Checklist Before Ordering
- ✓ Confirm you are eligible to send money (you must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list or approved telephone list).
- ✓ Expect a $3.75 fee for each eCommDirect purchase transaction.
- ✓ If you are depositing funds, plan for the deposit fee ($2.50 plus 2.25% of the deposit amount).
- ✓ Give it at least five business days after TDCJ receives the purchase transaction details, and order early if timing matters.
- ✓ If delivery runs longer, contact the unit. Security or staffing issues can delay deliveries beyond the standard timeframe.
Reminder: Keep quarterly spending limits in mind when planning orders, especially the higher October to December holiday window. If a unit delay hits near the end of a quarter, timing can get stressful.
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