Introduction
Manual orders allow you to process sales without automation, meaning you manually handle every step of the fulfillment process. This includes visiting the supplier's website, placing the order, completing payment, and updating tracking information in AutoDS.
Unlike automated fulfillment methods, AutoDS is not involved in processing any part of the transaction, giving you complete control over each action.
Important: Manual orders are more time-consuming than automated fulfillment methods because product prices and stock availability may change between the time your customer places an order and when you complete the purchase from the supplier. For a smoother and safer workflow, we strongly recommend using Auto-Order or Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) methods whenever possible.
Click here to learn more about how to handle orders and compare fulfillment methods.
When to use manual order handling
Handling orders manually is recommended in specific situations. You can typically choose or need this option in the following cases:
Full control over fulfillment: You want complete control over your fulfillment process, including choosing when and how to place each order.
Unsupported suppliers: You use suppliers that are not supported by AutoDS automation methods, requiring all steps to be done manually.
Specific product requirements: You face situations where automation is not available for specific products due to complexity or special handling needs, such as products requiring the buyer's ID for customs clearance during checkout or items needing mandatory professional review, like veterinary prescription approval.
You can check the complete list of supported suppliers for FBA here and for Auto-Order here.
Key benefits and responsibilities for manual order fulfillment
Understanding the key benefits and main responsibilities helps you decide if manual order fulfillment is the right choice for your dropshipping business workflow and how to use it without limiting your ability to scale.
Benefits of using manual fulfillment
Manual fulfillment offers specific benefits, such as:
Complete visibility over each transaction and update: You personally verify every order detail and updates before and after purchase, ensuring accuracy for high-value or sensitive orders.
Works with any supplier: Manual fulfillment allows you to work with multiple suppliers, even the ones not supported for order automation, expanding your product sourcing options.
Manual fulfillment is best for sellers who:
Prefer hands-on involvement in every transaction.
Sell from suppliers that don't support automation.
Handle low-order volumes where automation isn't necessary.
Need flexibility to verify details for each order individually.
Responsibilities and requirements for handling manual orders successfully
Before processing manual orders, you need to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for successful fulfillment:
Check price and stock before buying: In manual flows, the supplier's price or availability may change between the sale and your purchase. Always verify current pricing and stock status before checkout to avoid losses or order cancellations.
Own the full process: You are responsible for updating order status on your selling channel, communicating with buyers when needed, and handling returns and support requests without automated assistance.
Share accurate tracking information: Provide tracking updates to buyers promptly and consider conversion when your selling channel requires a different tracking format than the supplier provides.
Why use AutoDS for manual order management
Using AutoDS for manual order management helps you centralize your dropshipping workflow and reduce the risk of errors. Even when you're processing orders manually, the platform provides tools and features that make it easier to update statuses, manage suppliers, and keep your operations more organized and scalable.
Here are a few advantages of having AutoDS while manually handling order fulfillment:
Centralized order management: Track statuses, logs, and history in the Orders Page, instead of using multiple spreadsheets or tools across different platforms.
Multi-store control: Manage orders across different sales channels (Shopify, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, Wix, TikTok Shop, etc.) from a single platform, eliminating the need to log in to multiple platforms.
Extra tools for manual workflow: Use features such as the AutoDS Helper Extension or tracking conversion to speed up repetitive tasks and reduce errors.
Smooth transition to automation: Manual orders can be a first step in your dropshipping journey. With AutoDS, you're already set up to switch to automation methods when you're ready to scale your business.
Prepared for growth: Even if some suppliers don't support automation currently, AutoDS helps you stay organized and ready for expansion when automation becomes available.
Learn more about navigating the AutoDS Orders Page here.
Supported suppliers for manual order fulfillment
When using AutoDS for manual order management, you can manually handle orders from any supplier that supports product uploads.
However, the configuration process depends on whether the supplier supports automation features. Some suppliers offer both upload and automation capabilities, while others are upload-only and designed exclusively for manual handling.
Click here to view the complete list of supported suppliers and upload requirements.
Important: When the supplier and region you're working with support Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA), we strongly recommend enabling this service instead of manual fulfillment.
The FBA service provides faster processing, automatic tracking updates, hands-free order management, and significantly reduces the risk of errors compared to manual handling.
This allows you to scale your dropshipping business more efficiently while maintaining reliability. Click here to learn more about the Fulfilled by AutoDS service and how it can streamline your order fulfillment.
Supplier settings configuration for manual orders
All suppliers that support product uploads can be used for manual order management. However, the configuration process depends on whether the supplier supports automation:
Suppliers supported for automation: You must disable automation settings if you want to handle orders manually.
Upload-only suppliers: No configuration is required because automation options are not available for these suppliers.
Disable automation for supported suppliers
If you work with suppliers that support automation but prefer to handle orders manually, you need to disable the automation settings in your supplier configuration.
To disable automation for manual order handling:
Open the AutoDS platform and navigate to Settings.
Select Supplier Settings from the menu.
Select your store (if you have multiple stores connected to AutoDS).
Select the supplier you want to configure.
Open the Orders tab.
In the Orders Settings section, disable both checkboxes:
"Process orders using the 'Fulfilled by AutoDS' service."
"Automatic orders (Requires buy account or 'Fulfilled by AutoDS' orders management)."
Click Save to apply your changes.
Important: After disabling automation, all new orders from this supplier will appear as Pending on your Orders Page, requiring you to manually change the status to fulfill them.
Upload-only suppliers
For upload-only suppliers, no configuration is required because automation options are not available in the Orders tab inside Supplier Settings. These suppliers only support product uploads and monitoring, so all orders must be handled manually by default.
Manual ordering process
The manual ordering process involves multiple steps, and without automation, you must manage each one before the product reaches your buyer.
This section explains each step of manual order fulfillment in detail, helping you understand what to expect and how to handle each step correctly.
Refer to the flowchart below for a simplified visual overview of how the manual ordering process works:
Step 1: Visit the supplier's website and verify product details
Before placing any order manually, you need to verify that the product is available and matches your customer's expectations. This verification step prevents fulfillment errors and ensures smooth delivery.
To verify product details before purchasing:
Open the AutoDS platform and navigate to the Orders Page.
Locate the specific order you want to fulfill.
Click the product link on the order to open the exact product page on the supplier's website.
Verify the product variation matches what your customer ordered, including color, size, style, and any other variant options.
Check stock availability to confirm the product is currently in stock.
Review shipping availability to ensure the supplier ships to your buyer's location.
Check the estimated delivery date on the supplier's website to prevent delays and ensure it matches the timeframe promised in your store policies.
Log in to your own buyer account on the supplier's website to proceed with the purchase.
Important: Always verify these details before clicking "Buy" because prices, stock levels, and shipping options can change quickly on supplier websites.
Step 2: Place the order with your buyer's shipping information
After verifying product availability and details, you need to place the order on the supplier's website using your customer's shipping information.
To place the order manually:
Select the product variations (color, size, style, etc.) and quantity that match your customer's order.
Add the item to the shopping cart.
Proceed to checkout on the supplier's website as if you were buying a gift for someone.
Enter the customer's shipping details exactly as they appear on your selling channel order, including:
The buyer's name.
Complete street address.
City.
State.
Postal code.
Country.
Phone number.
Choose the shipping options that match your store policies and the delivery timeframe you promised to your customer.
Tip: Use the AutoDS Helper Extension address copy-paste feature to speed up entering the customer's shipping details and reduce errors. Click here to learn more about the AutoDS Helper Chrome Extension.
Step 3: Complete payment to the supplier
Buyers' payments go through your selling channel (Shopify, eBay, Amazon, etc.), and each platform has its own payout schedule.
You might need to pay suppliers using your own funds before receiving the money from your buyers through the selling channel.
To complete payment:
Use the payment method and currency linked to your own buyer account on the supplier's website.
Review the order total, including product price, shipping fees, and any applicable taxes.
Confirm the payment and wait for the order confirmation from the supplier.
Save the order confirmation number or email for your records.
Tip: Keep track of your expenses and expected payouts to manage cash flow effectively when handling manual orders.
Step 4: Update order details on AutoDS
After placing the order on the supplier's website, you must update the order details on AutoDS to keep your records accurate and inform your selling channel.
To update order details on AutoDS:
Locate the order you just placed in the Orders Page.
Change the order status to Ordered by clicking the status dropdown menu and selecting the appropriate status.
If you have multiple orders to update, use bulk actions to update several orders simultaneously and save time.
Important: The status update will automatically reflect on your selling channel, except if your store is connected through eBay non-API (MIP). In such cases, you must manually update the order status on your eBay store as well. Click here to learn more about eBay non-API (MIP) connections.
Click here to learn more about how to manage order status in bulk.
Step 5: Follow the tracking information after shipment
After the supplier ships the product, you need to obtain tracking information, provide it to your buyer through your selling channel, and follow each update.
Important: Some selling platforms only accept specific carriers and tracking number formats. Click here to learn more about how and when to convert your tracking numbers.
To follow tracking after shipment:
Log in to your buyer account on the supplier's website and check the order details.
Get the tracking number if available.
Convert the tracking number if it doesn't fit your selling channel's accepted format.
Update the order status to Shipped in AutoDS by changing the status in the dropdown menu.
Add the tracking number and shipping carrier information in AutoDS by editing the order details.
Track shipping progress until delivery by checking the tracking number regularly on the carrier's website or 17.track.
Important: The tracking number and shipped status update will automatically reflect on your selling channel, except if your store connects through eBay non-API (MIP) or Etsy. You must manually update the order tracking details and status on eBay in these cases. Click here to learn more about eBay non-API (MIP) connections and here for Etsy.
Note: Unlike Auto-Order or Fulfilled by AutoDS, manual fulfillment requires you to monitor tracking updates yourself and communicate any delays or issues to your buyer proactively. All these steps add up, making the process slower and more effort-intensive compared to automated solutions. Click here to learn more about AutoDS order automation options.
Returns and refunds for manual orders
When manually handling orders, you are also responsible for managing returns and refunds directly with the supplier. This means you need to understand your supplier's return process thoroughly and maintain a clear return policy for your own store to set proper expectations with buyers.
Important: The return process varies depending on which supplier you use because different suppliers have different return policies, timeframes, and requirements. Always review the specific supplier's return terms before processing a return to avoid issues or rejected requests.
Tip: Define a clear return policy in your store before issues arise, familiarize yourself with each supplier's return process before you need it, document all communication with suppliers and buyers for your records, and respond promptly to return requests to maintain good customer relationships. Click here to learn more about returns and refunds best practices.
Follow these step-by-step instructions for returns based on your supplier:
Locate the order in your own buyer account on the supplier's website.
Request the return label or replacement from the supplier by opening their return request system.
If necessary, open a dispute through the supplier's platform and share any required evidence, return reason, or attachments (photos or videos) to support your return request.
If the supplier accepts the return request, instruct your buyer to return the product by providing the supplier's return label and packaging requirements.
Inform the buyer of any applicable return fees they may need to pay.
After the supplier processes the return, issue the refund or replacement to your buyer according to your store's policy and timeline.
If a replacement was requested, share the new item's tracking information with your buyer.
Keep the customer updated throughout the entire process to maintain trust and satisfaction.
Tip: Amazon has a specific return process that issues refunds as Amazon gift cards. Click here and check how to process a return using your Amazon buyer account.
Common issues and workarounds for manual order fulfillment
This section covers common problems you might encounter when handling manual orders and provides practical solutions to resolve them efficiently.
Issue | Workaround |
Price or stock changed at the supplier | How to fix it:
Where supported, automation helps mitigate these risks by processing orders immediately. Click here to learn more about AutoDS order automation methods. |
Buyer information needs correction | How to fix it:
You can count on the AutoDS Helper Extension to copy the buyer's information and avoid errors. |
Tracking is not recognized by the selling channel | Use tracking conversion to generate a compatible code that your selling channel recognizes.
Click here to learn more about how to convert your tracking numbers. |
High manual workload | Each step (supplier checkout, copying data, status updates, tracking management) is manual and time-consuming. To scale safely without overwhelming yourself, consider automation or Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) for faster and more reliable fulfillment.
Click here to learn more about AutoDS order automation options. |
Returns handling | Define a clear store return policy before issues arise, know the supplier's return process thoroughly, coordinate logistics between the customer and supplier effectively, and apply best practices to reduce returns.
Click here to learn more about best practices to reduce returns. |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can AutoDS help with tracking updates if I place orders manually?
Can AutoDS help with tracking updates if I place orders manually?
Yes, AutoDS can help with tracking updates even for manual orders. With semi-automation, some suppliers (for example, Amazon, AliExpress) allow AutoDS to update tracking automatically once you provide the necessary account connections.
Click here to learn more about semi-automation.
After I sell something on my store, how do I ship it to the buyer?
After I sell something on my store, how do I ship it to the buyer?
After you make a sale in your store, you don't ship the product yourself in dropshipping. Instead, you place an order with your supplier using the buyer's shipping details, and the supplier ships the product directly to your customer.
If you're handling the process without automation, once the supplier ships the product, you'll receive a tracking number that you need to add to AutoDS and share with your customer through your selling channel.
AutoDS offers automated solutions to streamline this entire process, including automatic order placement and tracking updates. The Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) service and Auto-Order methods handle these tasks for you, reducing manual work and helping you scale your business more efficiently.
Click here to learn more about choosing how to handle your orders.
My selling channel doesn't accept the supplier's tracking number format. What can I do?
My selling channel doesn't accept the supplier's tracking number format. What can I do?
If your selling channel doesn't accept the supplier's tracking number format, tracking conversion is a great option. Depending on your supplier, you can use AutoDS tracking conversion to generate a supported format that your selling channel recognizes and processes automatically.
Click here to learn more about AutoDS tracking conversion and its supported suppliers.
Can I switch to automation later if I start with manual orders?
Can I switch to automation later if I start with manual orders?
You can switch to automation later without any issues. If a product's supplier is currently supported for automation, you can transition that item to automated fulfillment by updating your supplier settings and enabling Auto-Order or Fulfilled by AutoDS. This makes it easy to transition from manual orders to automated workflows as your business grows and you're ready to scale.
Does the AutoDS Helper Extension automate manual orders completely?
Does the AutoDS Helper Extension automate manual orders completely?
The AutoDS Helper Extension does not automate manual orders. You still need to log in to supplier websites, complete checkout manually, obtain tracking numbers, and update order statuses yourself.
Learn more about the AutoDS Helper Chrome Extension and its features here.
Where can I review order history and tracking updates in AutoDS?
Where can I review order history and tracking updates in AutoDS?
You can review order history and tracking updates on the Orders page. The platform provides a detailed history for all your orders, including status changes, tracking number updates, fulfillment logs, and any errors or issues that occurred during processing.
Click here to learn more about order logs and tracking updates with detailed explanations.