Fulfilling orders is a crucial step in running a successful online store. This process generally involves picking, packaging, labeling, and shipping products to your customers. Below, we've outlined a structured approach to help you set up and manage order fulfillment efficiently on your Shopify store.

Step 1: Choosing Your Fulfillment Methods

You have several options for how to fulfill orders:

• Self-Fulfillment: Ideal for new or small businesses, this method gives you full control over packing and shipping.
• Third-Party Fulfillment Services: Best for larger businesses or those needing more time, third-party services handle storage, packaging, and shipping on your behalf.
  • Shopify Integrated Services: These services sync directly with Shopify, updating order statuses automatically.
  • Custom Fulfillment Services: These services fulfill orders via email notifications and do not automatically update in Shopify.

Step 2: Selecting Manual or Automatic Fulfillment

Decide whether you want to manually or automatically fulfill orders—a choice that applies to all types of fulfillment you use.

• Manual Fulfillment: Offers greater control for businesses that make products to order or have inventory that fluctuates. You’ll manually confirm each order for fulfillment.
• Automatic Fulfillment: Suitable if you sell digital products or use third-party fulfillment for all items. Orders are fulfilled automatically upon payment.

Note: Automatic fulfillment does not apply to local pickup orders, which require manual processing.

Step 3: Assigning Fulfillment Methods to Products

When adding or editing a product in your store, assign a fulfillment method under the “Inventory will be stocked at” field. This setup accommodates multiple locations and fulfillment services, allowing for flexible inventory management.

Step 4: Fulfilling Your Orders

Depending on your setup, fulfilling orders can vary:

• Self-Fulfillment: You'll package and ship products yourself. Steps include printing shipping labels and sending packages via your chosen carrier.
• Using a Fulfillment Service: If integrated with Shopify, the app manages most of the process. For custom services, you'll need to ensure the order details are sent via email for fulfillment.

Managing Fulfillment Settings in Shopify

1. Activate Store Credit:
   • Go to Settings > Gift cards and store credit.
   • Toggle the option to allow or disallow store credit as a payment method.
   • Click Save to apply changes.

Handling Store Credit Transactions

• Issuing Credit: Add credit through the customer’s profile by adjusting their balance and setting any necessary expiration dates.
• Debiting Credit: Reduce a customer’s store credit directly from their profile in your admin.

Considerations for Store Credit

• Check local laws regarding expiration.
• Credits use the time zone of your store for expiration.
• Utilize credits sequentially, starting with those expiring soonest.

Understanding and implementing these steps will ensure a smooth fulfillment process, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency in your Shopify store.