How to Automatically Fulfill Orders on Shopify (Popular Methods in 2023)
Automating the fulfillment process is important for any e-commerce store owner, and there are various ways in which you can do it including with a dropshipping agent.
This article will cover the following key questions and topics regarding automated fulfillment:
What is Automated Order Fulfillment?
To put it simply, automated order fulfillment is when orders that are placed by your customers are automatically fulfilled without you having to do anything.
This means that the order is:
1. Physically packed and shipped out
2. Electronically marked as fulfilled in your store, with email and tracking sent to your customer
…without you having to lift a finger!
Why You Should Automate Your Dropshipping Store
The number one reason is: Time.
You need as much time as you can get as an entrepreneur, and automating your fulfillment process will give you just that.
Fulfillment Methods
AliExpress Order Fulfillment
AliExpress is where many dropshippers start.
With a huge range of suppliers and products to choose from, AliExpress is a great way to get started.
However without a plugin to connect to your store, ordering on AliExpress can be a very manual process.
Does AliExpress Automatically Fulfill Orders?
The simple answer is no.
If you use AliExpress as it was intended then you’ll have to manually input all your customers’ information.
There are however apps & plugins that allow you to automate the process to a certain degree.
Oberlo is one such app.
CJ Dropshipping Order Fulfillment
CJ Dropshipping is a mass-market Dropshipping Agent which has their own platform for clients.
After connecting their Shopify app to your store, you can not only source new products from their database, but you can automatically fulfill orders using their platform as well!
You can visit CJ Dropshipping here
Does CJ Dropshipping Automatically Fulfill Orders?
Yes they do, at least semi-automatically, as long as you have paid enough money to fulfill the orders.
If you want to know how to set up automatic fulfillment with CJ Dropshipping, watch this video guide: How To Automate CJ Dropshipping Orders (Complete Guide)
You can also bulk fulfill orders with CJ dropshipping using this (older) video guide: How to Place DropShipping Orders to CJDropshipping?
DSers Order Fulfillment
Dsers is similar to Oberlo in that it serves as a link between your store and AliExpress.
They advertise themselves as the official AliExpress e-commerce solution.
Does DSers Automatically Fulfill Orders?
Yes. As it is partnered with AliExpress, Dsers can fulfill large amounts of orders in bulk.
You can see how they do that in this video: Process 100+ Orders to AliExpress in minutes - DSers AliExpress Dropshipping Solution
EPROLO Order Fulfillment
Eprolo is also a platform that connects to your Shopify store through their app and provides a dropshipping supplier directory.
Does EPROLO Automatically Fulfill Orders?
Yes, to some degree.
EPROLO syncs with your Shopify store’s orders so that you can fulfill and pay for them.
You will still have to pay for new orders as they come in to speed up the processing time as much as possible.
See this video guide for more: How to Fulfill Dropshipping Orders with EPROLO
You can also fulfill AliExpress orders with Eprolo in bulk using this method.
Zendrop Order Fulfillment
Zendrop is another platform that connects to Shopify via an app, and that provides their own vetted supplier directory as well as the ability to connect to AliExpress suppliers.
For a great introductory video to Zendrop check out: Welcome to Zendrop
Does Zendrop Automatically Fulfill Orders?
Yes, with the Pro or Plus plan Zendrop offers you can turn on autofulfill and the credit card on file will be automatically charged.
This guide shows you how: How do I use Auto Fulfillment on Zendrop?
Dropshipping Agent Order Fulfillment
A dropshipping agent will work closely with you and your business to source and fulfill orders on your behalf.
If you’re not entirely sure what a dropshipping agent is or does, check this article out: What is a Dropshipping Agent?
Do Dropshipping Agents Automatically Fulfill Orders?
Yes, and once set up it is entirely automatic.
Most dropshipping agents or agencies will use software that links to your Shopify store.
This means that when they electronically fulfill orders through their system, your orders will be automatically fulfilled with tracking numbers and shipping confirmation emails sent out to customers.
Dianxiaomi is the name of the software used by many dropshipping agents to fulfill orders. You can read about how to connect Dianxiaomi here:
How to Connect Dianxiaomi to Your Shopify Store
Fulfillment Centers
Fulfillment centers and third party logistics companies such as ShipBob specialise in order fulfillment domestically, and can be a great alternative when you’ve managed to source the product yourself.
Does ShipBob Automatically Fulfill Orders?
Yes. Most 3PL companies and fulfillment centers will have software that synchronises with your Shopify store so that orders are automatically fulfilled as they come in.
You’ll just have to make sure that you keep track of the inventory you have with them to make sure it doesn’t run out, as they rely on you to procure your own product and have it shipped to their warehouse.
