What Does It Mean When Your Order Status Is In Fulfillment?

What Does "Order in Fulfillment" Mean?

When tracking an order, there are several messages we have become familiar with. Different systems provide different updates, and each one has a meaning. Whether you are an online retailer tracking order success or a customer looking to decipher the location of your package, one message that is seen as cryptic is "Order in fulfillment."

What does "order in fulfillment" mean, and where is your package? ShipNetwork can provide the insights you need to answer all your shipping status questions.

What is "Order in Fulfillment"

The shipping status "order in fulfillment" can refer to any point in the order processing, but usually appears near the beginning of package updates.

Order fulfillment is the process of providing a customer with their order. It encompasses every step in the process of providing an order made by a customer through a retail logistics service. This includes order processing, inventory management, and the entire supply chain.

Order fulfillment includes:

  • Processing the order
  • Picking and packing the order
  • Shipping the order to a distribution center
  • Delivering the order to the customer

Technically, the shipping status "order in fulfillment" could refer to any of these stages. However, it most likely means that the order is being processed, as more specific updates may be provided later when the package is in motion.

Order Has Entered Fulfillment

Most often, "order in fulfillment" means that your order has entered the fulfillment process. This includes activities within the fulfillment center/warehouse before your order is given its first shipping label to begin the journey.

Processing the Order

You might get the "order in fulfillment" message as soon as your order has been officially processed by the fulfillment center. Someone is then assigned your order, likely on a list of orders to fulfill for the day. The order has entered the fulfillment process and is in the hands of the fulfillment team. This step is critical in ensuring customer satisfaction as it sets the stage for the entire process.

Picking and Packing

After an order is processed, the next step is picking the items from storage and packaging them into a shipment-ready box. There is no package label to scan yet, so picking and packing are often included during the "order in fulfillment" stage. Efficient order fulfillment involves careful handling and packing of items to avoid damage and ensure a smooth delivery process.

One Update vs. Further Updates

Most fulfillment tracking services will provide additional updates each time the package is scanned. You may receive an "In transit" or "Package is with the carrier" message if the package is being shipped to a distribution center. You may get an update at each center where the package is scanned. You may receive an "out for delivery" message during the last mile phase of fulfillment.

However, if a system does not have detailed updates, then "order in fulfillment" may be the only message you see. If so, then rest assured that the entire fulfillment process can be encompassed in this status update. It may remain "in fulfillment" until the delivery arrives.

Have Patience

If you only get one update, be patient with your order fulfillment service. Customers often cannot see their items were sourced from a fulfillment center across town or a warehouse halfway across the country. If your package must pass through several distribution centers before reaching last mile delivery, that "order in fulfillment" update can start to worry you.

Fortunately, you can often call to get more information from the fulfillment service on just where "in fulfillment" your order is at any time.

Fulfilling Orders with ShipNetwork

If you are an online retail brand in need of a 3PL or 4PL fulfillment partner, look no further than ShipNetwork. Strongly established in the logistics industry, your business can rely on our vast network of fulfillment centers and expert order fulfillment procedures to provide fast, reliable delivery to your customers. Our ecommerce fulfillment services are designed to meet the needs of small businesses and large retailers alike. Contact us today to learn more and gain a competitive edge in the ecommerce business.

Ensuring Customer Satisfaction

A successful ecommerce business hinges on efficient order fulfillment and maintaining high customer satisfaction. By keeping a close eye on order statuses and providing timely updates, you can meet customer expectations and foster repeat business. Implementing best practices in your logistics operations, such as leveraging third-party logistics providers, can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Understanding the various stages of order fulfillment and the meaning behind different shipping statuses can help both customers and businesses have a better understanding of the process. From order processing to final delivery, each step is crucial in ensuring a positive customer experience. By partnering with a reliable logistics partner like ShipNetwork, ecommerce companies can streamline their operations and deliver on their promises to customers.

What Does "Order in Fulfillment" Mean?

When tracking an order, there are several messages we have become familiar with. Different systems provide different updates, and each one has a meaning. Whether you are an online retailer tracking order success or a customer looking to decipher the location of your package, one message that is seen as cryptic is "Order in fulfillment."

What does "order in fulfillment" mean, and where is your package? ShipNetwork can provide the insights you need to answer all your shipping status questions.

What is "Order in Fulfillment"

The shipping status "order in fulfillment" can refer to any point in the order processing, but usually appears near the beginning of package updates.

Order fulfillment is the process of providing a customer with their order. It encompasses every step in the process of providing an order made by a customer through a retail logistics service. This includes order processing, inventory management, and the entire supply chain.

Order fulfillment includes:

  • Processing the order
  • Picking and packing the order
  • Shipping the order to a distribution center
  • Delivering the order to the customer

Technically, the shipping status "order in fulfillment" could refer to any of these stages. However, it most likely means that the order is being processed, as more specific updates may be provided later when the package is in motion.

Order Has Entered Fulfillment

Most often, "order in fulfillment" means that your order has entered the fulfillment process. This includes activities within the fulfillment center/warehouse before your order is given its first shipping label to begin the journey.

Processing the Order

You might get the "order in fulfillment" message as soon as your order has been officially processed by the fulfillment center. Someone is then assigned your order, likely on a list of orders to fulfill for the day. The order has entered the fulfillment process and is in the hands of the fulfillment team. This step is critical in ensuring customer satisfaction as it sets the stage for the entire process.

Picking and Packing

After an order is processed, the next step is picking the items from storage and packaging them into a shipment-ready box. There is no package label to scan yet, so picking and packing are often included during the "order in fulfillment" stage. Efficient order fulfillment involves careful handling and packing of items to avoid damage and ensure a smooth delivery process.

One Update vs. Further Updates

Most fulfillment tracking services will provide additional updates each time the package is scanned. You may receive an "In transit" or "Package is with the carrier" message if the package is being shipped to a distribution center. You may get an update at each center where the package is scanned. You may receive an "out for delivery" message during the last mile phase of fulfillment.

However, if a system does not have detailed updates, then "order in fulfillment" may be the only message you see. If so, then rest assured that the entire fulfillment process can be encompassed in this status update. It may remain "in fulfillment" until the delivery arrives.

Have Patience

If you only get one update, be patient with your order fulfillment service. Customers often cannot see their items were sourced from a fulfillment center across town or a warehouse halfway across the country. If your package must pass through several distribution centers before reaching last mile delivery, that "order in fulfillment" update can start to worry you.

Fortunately, you can often call to get more information from the fulfillment service on just where "in fulfillment" your order is at any time.

Fulfilling Orders with ShipNetwork

If you are an online retail brand in need of a 3PL or 4PL fulfillment partner, look no further than ShipNetwork. Strongly established in the logistics industry, your business can rely on our vast network of fulfillment centers and expert order fulfillment procedures to provide fast, reliable delivery to your customers. Our ecommerce fulfillment services are designed to meet the needs of small businesses and large retailers alike. Contact us today to learn more and gain a competitive edge in the ecommerce business.

Ensuring Customer Satisfaction

A successful ecommerce business hinges on efficient order fulfillment and maintaining high customer satisfaction. By keeping a close eye on order statuses and providing timely updates, you can meet customer expectations and foster repeat business. Implementing best practices in your logistics operations, such as leveraging third-party logistics providers, can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Understanding the various stages of order fulfillment and the meaning behind different shipping statuses can help both customers and businesses have a better understanding of the process. From order processing to final delivery, each step is crucial in ensuring a positive customer experience. By partnering with a reliable logistics partner like ShipNetwork, ecommerce companies can streamline their operations and deliver on their promises to customers.

GET STARTED TODAY

Request a Quote

Your eCommerce business has big potential– we know how to fulfill it. Talk to our team today.

  • 77% of U.S. respondents stated that they would absolutely give repeat business to a retailer who resends lost or damaged items with fast shipping.

  • We guarantee to fulfill orders 100% accurately within 1 business day, every time. We always keep it flawless so your growth is endless.

OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS