Manual fulfillment might work when you’re shipping ten orders a week—but once that number hits triple digits, it’s time to automate. Automating your order fulfillment process doesn’t just cut labor costs—it also reduces human error, improves delivery times, and enhances the customer experience. For businesses scaling operations or juggling multi-channel sales, automation is no longer a luxury—it’s essential.
What Is Fulfillment Automation?
Order fulfillment automation refers to using software and systems to streamline the entire shipping process, from the moment a customer places an order to final delivery. It includes inventory updates, pick-pack-ship workflows, shipping label generation, and even return processing. This is particularly helpful for multichannel retailers using platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce.
Best Fulfillment Automation Tools for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses
- ShipStation – Connects with major marketplaces and carriers, automates label printing, tracks shipments, and applies shipping presets.
- ShipBob – A tech-enabled 3PL with distributed fulfillment centers and deep integrations with e-commerce platforms.
- Easyship – Offers real-time rate comparisons and global fulfillment tools.
- Ordoro – Strong for inventory management and multichannel shipping from one dashboard.
- Inventory Planner – Helps forecast demand and manage stock levels in sync with your fulfillment workflow.
These platforms reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, improve picking accuracy, and consolidate order data in one place. Some even auto-generate customs forms for international shipments.
Where Cashback Tools Can Help
In addition to software, you’ll likely be investing in printers, labels, and packaging—ongoing expenses that can be optimized. You can earn cashback with an Office Depot gift card or get rewards with a Staples gift card through Fluz to offset the cost of these supplies.
Many fulfillment platforms also charge monthly fees or offer add-ons. Using apps like Rakuten when subscribing or paying for shipping tools can help you get a percentage back, especially during seasonal promos.
Set Up Smart Triggers and Workflows
Automated fulfillment systems allow you to create rules that save time and reduce friction. For example:
- Automatically assign the cheapest carrier based on destination.
- Flag high-risk orders for manual review.
- Route orders to the nearest fulfillment center for faster delivery.
This level of control ensures consistency as your order volume grows and your shipping zones expand.
Don’t Forget Returns Automation
Returns are a critical part of the fulfillment equation. Tools like Returnly and Loop integrate directly with your storefront to automate return labels and refunds. Automating this process improves the customer experience and frees up your support team.
Final Thoughts
Automating your fulfillment process increases accuracy, cuts operating costs, and supports scalable growth. Whether you’re running your own warehouse or outsourcing to a tech-forward 3PL, leveraging the right tools—and cashback opportunities on your purchases—helps you build a lean, responsive operation. Start small, automate what you can, and grow from there.
