Running a Shopify store is exciting, but the real magic happens after the sale—getting your product into your customer’s hands. This process, called order fulfillment, is where the wheels of your business truly turn.
Whether you're doing everything yourself, automating workflows, or relying on suppliers and warehouses, Shopify gives you the tools to handle it all. Let's break down everything you need to know to fulfill orders on Shopify efficiently and confidently.
What is Order Fulfillment on Shopify?
Order fulfillment on Shopify is the process of preparing, packing, and shipping orders after a customer completes a purchase. Once fulfilled, Shopify updates the order status to “Fulfilled” and notifies your customer with tracking details.
Fulfillment Methods Comparison:
| Fulfillment Type | Best For | Tools Needed | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | Small volume, custom packaging | Shopify Admin | Time-consuming |
| Automatic | Digital products, small items | Shopify Settings, Apps | Risk of skipping fraud checks |
| Third-Party (3PL) | Scaling stores, regional shipping | ShipBob, Flexport, ShipMonk | Integration/setup complexity |
Why Fulfillment is Critical to Shopify Success
- Speed = Satisfaction: Quick shipping turns one-time buyers into repeat customers.
- Accuracy Builds Trust: Delivering exactly what was ordered minimizes returns and complaints.
- Scalability: A well-oiled fulfillment process supports growth without burnout.
Common Challenges in Shopify Fulfillment
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Manual Workload | Fulfilling orders by hand slows down operations. |
| Automation Limits | Shopify’s built-in features lack depth for physical goods. |
| Dropshipping Coordination | Supplier delays, inventory mismatch, and poor communication. |
| Regional Expectations | In places like the Netherlands, customers expect 1–2 day delivery. |
| Tech Integration | Setting up 3PLs or apps can feel daunting for new store owners. |
Manual Fulfillment Process on Shopify
- Log into Shopify Admin > Orders
- Select the order to fulfill
- Click “Fulfill item(s)”
- Adjust quantity (for partial fulfillment)
- Add tracking number and carrier
- Option to notify customer
- Click “Fulfill items”
Manual Fulfillment Tips:
- Use Shopify Shipping for discounted labels
- Disable auto-fulfill in settings to allow manual control
- Add tracking info later if not available at time of fulfillment
Automating Order Fulfillment
Go to Settings > Checkout, under Order Processing:
- Enable Automatically fulfill line items
- (Optional) Notify customer via email
- Avoid enabling auto-fulfill for high-risk orders
Best Shopify Apps for Automatic Fulfillment
| App | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Fulfillment | Bulk fulfillment, automatic tracking updates | $9.95/month |
| Order Automator | Tags orders, automates digital item fulfillment | $10–$25/month |
| Auto Fulfill | Packing slip generation, multi-location handling | $20–$50/month |
Dropshipping Fulfillment on Shopify
Manual Dropshipping
- Place customer order manually with supplier
- Add shipping info and update Shopify status manually
Automated Dropshipping
| Tool | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| DSers | AliExpress automation (replacing Oberlo) | Free–$49/month |
| CJdropshipping | Direct supplier integration, auto-fulfill | Varies |
| AutoDS | Auto-order, real-time tracking, inventory sync | $9.90+ per month |
How to Fulfill Orders in the Netherlands & Europe
| Provider | Features | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ShipBob | 1–2 day shipping across EU | Venray, Netherlands |
| Salesupply | Multiple Dutch centers, multilingual support | Eindhoven, Hoofddorp |
| Flexport (SFN) | EU-wide network through Shopify integration | Pan-Europe |
Setup Steps:
- Choose provider & install Shopify app
- Send inventory to EU warehouse
- Orders are auto-fulfilled from nearest warehouse
Using 3PL Providers with Shopify
Integration Options:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Shopify Fulfillment | Connect via Settings > Shipping > Shopify Fulfillment |
| Custom Email Fulfillment | Add 3PL’s email, Shopify emails order info upon fulfillment |
| App-Based | Install 3PL app for real-time sync and dashboard control |
Fulfilling Digital Products on Shopify
- Use Shopify’s Digital Downloads app
- Enable auto-fulfill in settings
- Use Order Automator for license keys or links
Partial Fulfillment Techniques
- In Orders, click “Fulfill item(s)” and choose only available items
- Remaining items stay “Unfulfilled”
- Add tracking later when rest are shipped
Managing Multi-Warehouse Fulfillment
- Set inventory per location in Settings > Locations
- Shopify auto-assigns based on proximity & availability
- Use apps like Multi-Location Inventory Info for transparency
Tools for Inventory and Tracking
| Tool | Features |
|---|---|
| Tracktor | Customer tracking page |
| Stocky | Inventory forecasting |
| Easy Fulfillment | Syncs order tracking automatically |
Tips to Avoid Common Fulfillment Mistakes
- Verify shipping addresses
- Don’t mark orders as fulfilled before they ship
- Always provide tracking
- Communicate delays clearly
- Regularly review 3PL performance
FAQs about Shopify Order Fulfillment
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I fulfill orders without tracking numbers? | Yes, but it’s not recommended. Customers expect tracking. |
| What if I fulfill an order by mistake? | You can’t undo it, but you can notify the customer manually. |
| Does Shopify support automatic fulfillment? | Yes—for digital goods or with app/3PL support. |
| How do I handle pre-orders? | Use partial fulfillment for staggered shipping. |
| Best app for beginners in fulfillment? | AutoDS or Easy Fulfillment. |
| Is SFN available in Europe? | Yes, through Flexport. |
Conclusion
Fulfilling orders on Shopify doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re packing each box by hand, letting automation handle digital products, or using a third-party logistics partner like ShipBob, there’s a method that fits your business.
Start simple if you’re new, then scale with apps or 3PLs as orders grow. With Shopify’s flexible setup and a bit of strategy, you’ll ship smarter, faster, and better—keeping your customers happy and your business booming.