With so many steps involved in getting an order from click to doorstep, it's no surprise some terms get mixed up. Two of the biggest culprits are order processing and order fulfilment. While closely related, they're not exactly the same, and understanding the difference can help you make the right decisions with your own order management processes. At I-Fulfilment, we know all about the intricacies of getting orders into the right hands. Below, we break down what order processing and order fulfilment mean, how they differ, and why they both matter.
What is order processing?
Order processing is the behind-the-scenes work that gets an order ready to ship. It includes several key steps:
- Order receipt: The system receives all the details of a purchase, like the items ordered, shipping address, and any special requests.
- Order verification: The system verifies the order details to make sure everything is accurate and that all the items wanted are in stock.
- Payment processing: Once everything is confirmed, the system securely processes the customer’s payment. This allows for a smooth transaction and gets the order ready to move forward.
- Picking: Now it's time for the warehouse team to step in. They'll carefully locate the items from the shelves, checking against the receipt to make sure the customer gets exactly what they ordered.
- Packing: Once the items are picked, they're carefully packaged to make sure they arrive safely at your doorstep. This might involve using protective wrapping materials and choosing the right sized box to prevent any damage during transit.
- Ready for shipment: With everything picked, packed, and secure, your order is now prepared and labelled for shipment. This means it's ready to be handed off to the delivery carrier who will get it to you as soon as possible.
What is order fulfilment?
Order fulfilment is a broader term that encompasses the whole journey - from the moment the customer clicks "buy" to when the package arrives at their doorstep. It includes all the steps involved in order processing, plus additional steps to complete the delivery cycle:
- Order processing: As outlined above.
- Shipping: This involves selecting a reliable carrier, like DPD or DHL, calculating shipping costs based on weight and destination, and generating shipping labels.
- Reworking: This is the process of reconfiguring products or getting a product ready for sale if it’s in need of fixing or alterations.
- Delivery: The fulfilment team schedules a pickup with the carrier to get your order on its way. They’ll also send the customer tracking information so they can follow its progress.
- Returns: They will also handle returns and exchanges to make sure the customer is happy with their purchase.
- Customer service: Fulfilment may also include handling customer service inquiries related to the order.
Why are order processing and order fulfilment important?
Order processing and order fulfilment are the cornerstones of getting your products into your customers' hands. They play a vital role in several aspects of your business, including:
- Fast, accurate order processing and fulfilment keeps customers happy. If they receive their order on time and in good condition, they're more likely to be repeat customers and recommend your business to others. On the flipside, late or incorrect orders can damage trust and lead to negative reviews.
- Streamlined order processing helps you avoid errors and wasted time. Efficient fulfilment keeps warehouse and shipping costs under control.
- Order processing provides valuable data on what's selling and what isn't. This allows you to optimise your inventory levels, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstocking.
- A smooth and efficient order fulfilment process reinforces your brand's image as reliable and trustworthy.
In short, order processing and fulfilment are essential for turning sales into happy customers and a successful business.
Supercharge your business growth with I-Fulfilment
Tired of managing complex fulfilment yourself? I-Fulfilment is your one-stop shop for success. With 20+ years of experience and over 1 billion orders shipped, we're experts at taking your eCommerce business to the next level. Here's how we do it:
- We handle everything, from the moment a customer places an order to delivery at their doorstep and beyond (including returns, reworks, and even customer service!). Our flexible approach allows us to provide the perfect fit for your business needs.
- Our advanced WMS, BladePro, offers real-time order tracking, automates tasks, and integrates with all major platforms.
- Thanks to our network of fulfilment centres, we can handle surges, new product launches, and future growth wherever in the world you operate.
- We connect you with reliable couriers to make sure your products arrive safely and quickly, consistently.
- Our highly trained staff utilises advanced technology and strategic inventory placement to get your orders processed and shipped ASAP.
Get a free quote online or call us on 01425 200 222, and let I-Fulfilment be your partner in eCommerce success today!