How to Fulfill Orders on Shopify (Manual and Automatic Orders)

Running a successful online store involves not only attracting customers but also ensuring their orders are fulfilled seamlessly. Shopify offers various tools and methods to fulfill orders both automatically and manually. In this guide, we’ll talk about the intricacies of fulfilling orders on Shopify and provide you with valuable insight to optimize your fulfillment process.

Automatic Fulfillment

Automatic order fulfillment in Shopify is a feature that streamlines the process of fulfilling customer orders by minimizing manual intervention. This automation enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and ensures a smoother customer experience.For digital products or services, the automatic fulfillment process kicks in. This process is especially handy for items like e-books, software licenses, or online courses. Here’s how it works:

1. Customer payment triggers automatic fulfillment.
2. Digital files or access details are automatically sent to the customer via email or download link.

In the case of physical products, integration with third-party fulfillment services or dropshipping suppliers can simplify your workflow. Here’s how automatic shipping works:

1. Order Placement: When a customer places an order on your Shopify store, the information about the order is automatically captured and recorded in your store’s admin dashboard.
2. Inventory Management: Shopify’s automatic order fulfillment system interacts with your inventory management system to check product availability. If a product is out of stock, the system will prevent orders for that product until it’s restocked.
3. Shipping Label Generation: Automated fulfillment can generate shipping labels based on the customer’s chosen shipping method and carrier. Shopify integrates with various shipping carriers, allowing you to select the most suitable option for each order.
4. Tracking Information: Once the shipping label is generated, the system can automatically send tracking information to the customer. This notification includes the tracking number and a link to the carrier’s website for real-time tracking updates.
5. Order Status Updates: As the order progresses through each stage of fulfillment, the order status is automatically updated in Shopify’s system.
6. Communication with Customers: Automated emails can be sent to customers at various points during the fulfillment process to provide them with important updates. These notifications can include order confirmation, shipping confirmation, and delivery confirmation.
7. Exception Handling: Shopify’s automated systems can also handle exceptions, such as order cancellations or changes to shipping addresses. They can automatically trigger the appropriate actions, such as issuing refunds or updating the shipping information.
8. Integration with Third-Party Services: Many third-party fulfillment services and dropshipping suppliers integrate with Shopify. These services can receive orders automatically and manage the entire fulfillment process, including picking, packing, and shipping, without your direct involvement.
9. Customization and Control: Shopify allows you to customize and configure the automation rules to match your business’s specific needs. You can set up rules based on order value, location, product type, and other parameters.

Manual Fulfillment

For products you manage directly in your inventory, manual fulfillment comes into play. Here’s how it works

Order Placement

1. Go to Shopify.com and log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Go to the “Orders” section to view incoming orders.
3. After locating an order that requires manual fulfillment, review its details, including the shipping address and payment status.
4. Check whether the ordered items are in stock. If they’re not available, communicate with the customer about any potential delays and provide alternative solutions.

Packing

1. Gather the ordered items from your inventory.
2. Ensure each item is in pristine condition.
3. Choose appropriate packaging materials to keep the items safe during transit.

Generating Shipping Label

1. Select a suitable shipping service based on the customer's shipping address.
2. Generate a shipping label with a unique tracking number. You can use carrier websites or third-party shipping platforms to generate labels.
3. Attach the label to the package.

Updating Order Status

In your Shopify admin dashboard, mark the order as “Fulfilled” and input the tracking number along with the chosen shipping carrier. This action prompts Shopify to send an automated email to the customer containing their tracking details.

Shipping

Hand over the package to the designated shipping carrier, which will take care of delivering the package to the customer’s doorstep. You can either call the carrier directly to schedule a pickup or, if you have many orders to fulfill, set up automatic pickups to have a driver come to your door on a set schedule.

Customer Communication

1. Communicate with the customer to offer solutions like partial refunds, substitutions, or waiting options.
2. Monitor the delivery progress of each package and address any delivery issues that may arise. Encourage customers to provide feedback and reviews on their shopping experience.
3. Adhere to your store’s return policy.
4. Update your inventory accordingly and issue refunds upon receiving returned items.

Best Practices for Efficient Order Fulfillment

• Organized Inventory Management: Keep a well-organized inventory to easily locate and pick products for orders. Implement a system for tracking stock and restocking when necessary.
• Automate Processes: Utilize Shopify’s automation tools to streamline order processing and shipping label generation. This reduces the risk of manual errors and speeds up the overall process.
• Offer Multiple Shipping Options: Provide customers with a range of shipping options, including standard and expedited services, to cater to different needs.
• Quality Packaging: Make sure that your products are packaged securely to prevent damage during transit. Quality packaging reflects positively on your brand and contributes to customer satisfaction.
• Efficient Returns Process: Have a well-defined process for handling returns and exchanges. Clear return policies and easy-to-follow instructions demonstrate your commitment to customer service.

Conclusion

Efficient order fulfillment is a critical aspect of running a successful online store on Shopify. A seamless fulfillment process not only boosts customer satisfaction but also contributes to a positive brand image and encourages repeat business. Whether you choose automatic or manual fulfillment methods, focusing on efficiency and communication will contribute to a seamless shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.