Mastering Order Fulfillment: How to Manually Fulfill Orders on Shopify

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 30% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to shipping issues? The fulfillment process is a crucial element of e-commerce, acting as the bridge between a customer’s order and their doorsteps. For Shopify merchants, understanding how to manually fulfill orders can significantly enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and protect revenue.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of manual order fulfillment on Shopify, offering you a step-by-step guide that covers everything from setting up your fulfillment options to managing tracking information. We’ll also explore the implications of fulfillment on your overall business operations and how leveraging effective shipping protection solutions, like those offered by ShipAid, can empower your e-commerce success.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to manually fulfill orders on Shopify, including best practices and strategic insights to optimize your fulfillment process. So, let’s embark on this journey to refine your order fulfillment skills and discover how it can bolster your business.

The Importance of Order Fulfillment in E-commerce

Order fulfillment is more than just a technical process; it’s the backbone of e-commerce that directly impacts customer experience. When customers place an order, they expect timely delivery and clear communication regarding their purchase. Fulfilling orders manually allows merchants to maintain control over this critical aspect of the customer journey.

Key Components of Order Fulfillment

• Inventory Management: Keeping track of stock levels and ensuring that products are available for shipment.
• Packaging and Shipping: Selecting appropriate materials and methods for shipping that protect items during transit.
• Tracking and Notifications: Providing customers with real-time updates and tracking information to foster transparency and trust.

At ShipAid, we recognize that every package matters, and robust shipping protection is vital for customer satisfaction and business revenue. Our innovative solutions empower merchants to turn potential shipping challenges into revenue opportunities through features like our Delivery Guarantee and real-time notifications.

Setting Up Manual Fulfillment in Shopify

Before we get into the steps on how to fulfill orders manually, it’s essential to ensure that your Shopify store is configured correctly for manual fulfillment. Here’s how to set up manual order processing:

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

1. Log in to your Shopify account.
2. Navigate to Settings located at the bottom left corner of your admin page.
3. Click on Checkout.

Step 2: Configure Order Processing Settings

1. Scroll down to the Order Processing section.
2. Select the option that allows you to manually fulfill orders. This ensures that every order you receive will require your intervention before being marked as fulfilled.
3. Click Save to apply the changes.

By setting your store to manual fulfillment, you retain control over when and how orders are shipped, which is crucial for maintaining inventory accuracy and customer satisfaction.

How to Manually Fulfill an Order on Shopify

Once your store is configured for manual fulfillment, you’re ready to start processing orders. Let’s explore the steps involved in fulfilling an order manually.

Step 1: Navigate to Your Orders Page

1. In your Shopify admin, click on Orders from the left sidebar.
2. You will see a list of all received orders, including their statuses (Unfulfilled, Fulfilled, etc.).

Step 2: Select the Order to Fulfill

1. Click on the specific order you wish to fulfill. This will take you to the order details page.

Step 3: Fulfill the Order

1. In the Unfulfilled section, click on the Fulfill items button.
2. If you’re fulfilling multiple items, select the quantities for each product.
3. Optional: Enter a tracking number in the tracking field. Shopify may auto-detect the shipping carrier based on the tracking number format, or you can select the appropriate carrier from the dropdown menu.
4. Optional: If you have the customer’s email address, you can choose to send them a shipping notification by checking the box.
5. Click Fulfill items to mark the order as fulfilled.

By following these steps, you’ve successfully fulfilled an order, and your customer will receive a notification with tracking details, enhancing their experience.

Bulk Order Fulfillment

As your business grows, you may find yourself needing to fulfill multiple orders at once. Here’s how to efficiently manage bulk order fulfillment in Shopify.

Step 1: Access Your Orders Page

1. Go to the Orders section in your Shopify admin.
2. Check the boxes next to the orders you wish to fulfill.

Step 2: Fulfill Multiple Orders

1. Once you’ve selected the orders, click on the Actions button at the top of the page.
2. Select Mark as fulfilled from the dropdown menu.
3. A pop-up will appear, allowing you to enter tracking numbers. You can also choose to send notifications to customers.
4. Click Mark as fulfilled to process the fulfillment for all selected orders.

Bulk fulfillment saves time, allowing you to efficiently manage your shipping processes, which is essential for scaling your e-commerce operations.

Managing Tracking Information

Tracking information is vital for both you and your customers. It provides transparency and helps manage expectations. Here’s how to handle tracking in Shopify:

Adding Tracking Numbers After Fulfillment

If you receive a tracking number after fulfilling the order, you can add it later:

1. From your Shopify admin, go to Orders and select the fulfilled order.
2. In the Fulfilled section, click on Add tracking.
3. Enter the tracking number and, if necessary, select the shipping carrier.
4. Optional: You can send a notification email to the customer informing them of the added tracking number.
5. Click Save to update the order.

Splitting Fulfillments

Sometimes, you may need to fulfill part of an order separately (e.g., if an item is out of stock). Here’s how to split fulfillments:

1. Navigate to the specific order in your Shopify admin.
2. Click on the … (three dots) in the Unfulfilled section and select Split fulfillment.
3. Choose the items you want to fulfill separately and click Split fulfillment.

This feature allows you to ensure that customers receive available items as soon as possible, which is crucial for maintaining satisfaction.

Addressing Common Fulfillment Challenges

Fulfilling orders manually can present challenges. Here are some common issues and tips for overcoming them:

Issue: Changing Fulfillment Locations

If you need to change the location of fulfillment (e.g., due to stock availability), follow these steps:

1. From the Orders page, select the order you want to change.
2. In the Unfulfilled section, click on the … (three dots) and select Change location.
3. Choose the new fulfillment location and click Change location.

This flexibility allows you to optimize shipping routes and delivery times, ensuring customers receive their products promptly.

Issue: Canceling Fulfillment

If you need to cancel a fulfillment, perhaps due to an error or change in inventory, here’s how:

1. From the order details page, click on the … (three dots) in the Fulfilled section.
2. Select Cancel fulfillment.

Canceling fulfillment will revert the order status to Unfulfilled, allowing you to reprocess it as needed.

Enhancing Your Fulfillment Process with ShipAid

At ShipAid, we understand that every package matters. Our mission is to empower e-commerce merchants by providing innovative shipping protection solutions that not only safeguard shipments but also create revenue opportunities. By integrating our tools, such as the Delivery Guarantee and an intuitive Resolution Portal, you can enhance your fulfillment process and build customer trust.

Imagine transforming potential shipping challenges into profit. With ShipAid, you can gain peace of mind knowing your shipments are protected, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Explore Our Solutions

We invite you to experience our interactive demo to see how our shipping protection works in real time. Check out our demo at ShipAid Demo and discover how our free-to-install app can boost your revenue by visiting our Shopify app page at ShipAid on Shopify.

Conclusion

Mastering manual order fulfillment on Shopify is not just about processing orders; it’s about creating a seamless and satisfying experience for your customers. By understanding the steps involved, managing tracking information, and addressing common challenges, you can enhance your fulfillment process and build a loyal customer base.

As we’ve discussed, implementing effective shipping protection solutions like those offered by ShipAid can further empower your e-commerce operations, transforming potential shipping issues into opportunities for growth. With our tools by your side, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of order fulfillment and thrive in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

FAQ

1. What is manual order fulfillment in Shopify?
Manual order fulfillment in Shopify refers to the process where merchants have to manually fulfill orders by marking them as fulfilled, entering tracking information, and managing shipping details, rather than relying on automated fulfillment processes.

2. How do I add tracking numbers after fulfilling an order?
You can add tracking numbers after fulfilling an order by going to the order details page, selecting the fulfilled order, and using the Add tracking option in the Fulfilled section to enter the tracking number.

3. Can I split an order into multiple fulfillments?
Yes, you can split an order into multiple fulfillments by selecting the order, clicking on the … (three dots) in the Unfulfilled section, and choosing the Split fulfillment option.

4. What should I do if I need to cancel a fulfillment?
To cancel a fulfillment, go to the order details page, click on the … (three dots) in the Fulfilled section, and select Cancel fulfillment. This will revert the order status to Unfulfilled.

5. How can ShipAid help with my fulfillment process?
ShipAid provides shipping protection solutions that empower merchants by safeguarding shipments, converting lost packages into profits, and enhancing customer trust through features like the Delivery Guarantee and real-time notifications.

By adopting effective fulfillment strategies and using tools like ShipAid, we can work together to ensure every package is delivered reliably, thus nurturing customer satisfaction and driving business growth.