What Does Awaiting Fulfillment Mean? (2024)

When you order items online, your order status may show up as “awaiting fulfillment.” But what does awaiting fulfillment mean? If you’re not in the 3PL industry, this may sound impossibly vague, as if your order were lost in processing.

Awaiting fulfillment does have a specific meaning in eCommerce. It doesn’t mean that your order disappeared. In fact, it will probably ship soon. Here’s what you need to know to understand your order status.

What Does Awaiting Fulfillment Mean? (1)

Why does an order say awaiting fulfillment?

There are several stages when you place an order online. They usually happen very quickly, so you might miss them if you blink.

First, you place an order online and submit your payment. Once you have paid, the system marks the order completed. The order is immediately sent to the logistics company that the eCommerce business uses. There, it joins lots of other orders waiting for processing and shipping.

If you check your order status and it says “awaiting fulfillment,” that simply means that the logistics warehouse hasn’t started the order fulfillment process yet. That process involves picking the items for your order and packing them into a box for shipment.

At Red Stag Fulfillment, we process most orders the same day they are received. The first email you are likely to receive when it ships from one of our warehouses is that your package is on its way to you.

There can be circ*mstances that delay shipping. For example, items you ordered might be temporarily out of stock or back-ordered. In that case, you might have to wait a few days before your order ships. Also, work safety restrictions due to the pandemic have slowed down picking and packing in some 3PLs. These restrictions plus carrier capacity limitations may add time to the shipping process in 2021.

Understanding order status

Here are the stages that your items will pass through after you place an order online.

Submitted for fulfillment

Your order is complete. It is on its way to the logistics company’s system.

What Does Awaiting Fulfillment Mean? (2)

Pending fulfillment

Your order is in the queue for processing. The picking and packing process is not yet complete.

What Does Awaiting Fulfillment Mean? (3)

Shipped

“Shipped” means your order is in the capable hands of FedEx, UPS, or USPS. You should get an email with a link to track the progress of your shipment. The link should give you an estimate of the number of days it will take to arrive.

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Delivered

The carrier has delivered the package. If you haven’t received it, check with the carrier or the business where you placed the order. Make sure that it wasn’t delivered to the wrong address.

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Is there a difference between awaiting fulfillment and pending fulfillment?

“Pending” means precisely the same thing as “awaiting” when it comes to eCommerce fulfillment. ECommerce companies tend to use the terms interchangeably.

No matter what you call it, Red Stag Fulfillment keeps processing times to a minimum. We know that consumers expect fast delivery, and we are committed to getting your orders shipped quickly. If you’d like to learn more about our same-day services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.

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What Does Awaiting Fulfillment Mean? (2024)

FAQs

What Does Awaiting Fulfillment Mean? ›

Both “awaiting fulfillment” and “pending fulfillment” mean almost the same thing, which is, that the order is being processed, picked, and packed into the desired package. This status also means that while the order is under fulfillment it isn't complete and isn't ready to be shipped yet.

How long does it take for awaiting fulfillment? ›

Awaiting fulfillment means that your order is received and accepted for fulfillment. Typically, it takes up to 48-72 hours to wait for the fulfillment process to be completed. After an order has been submitted for fulfillment, it has to be received and accepted by the logistics company.

Does fulfillment status mean delivered? ›

Fulfillment status shows the state of an order, that is, whether it is in the processing stage or awaits shipment. While 'fulfilled' means the order has been shipped, 'unfulfilled' indicates the order is yet to be shipped. The order reaches the customer once fulfillment is complete.

What does fulfillment mean on an online order? ›

Order fulfillment is the critical task of assembling the order and shipping it off to the customer, plus the supporting processes that support those tasks.

What does pending fulfillment mean on Walmart? ›

Pending fulfillment status means that your order is in a queue. Your order has been received by the company but is yet to be processed. In other words, the process of picking and packing hasn't started.

How can I speed up my order fulfillment? ›

Let's look at ten effective ways to speed up your order delivery:
  1. Efficient Inventory Management in Tandem With Promotions. ...
  2. Manage Inventory Per Order Velocity. ...
  3. Product Bundling as Per Recurring Orders. ...
  4. Demand Trends. ...
  5. Invest in Technology. ...
  6. Efficient Sorting Process. ...
  7. Effective Warehouse Layout. ...
  8. Streamline Order Pickup.
Sep 26, 2022

Why is my package still awaiting fulfillment? ›

If you check your order status and it says “awaiting fulfillment,” that simply means that the logistics warehouse hasn't started the order fulfillment process yet. That process involves picking the items for your order and packing them into a box for shipment.

Does unfulfilled mean not shipped? ›

Unfulfilled status simply means an item is yet to ship.

If you have received an email confirmation this is your assurance that your order has processed and is queued**.

Is fulfilled the same as shipped? ›

If your order is marked as “Fulfilled” it means that your order is in the final stages of production and is ready to be shipped. If your order is marked as “Shipped” it is in transit and an email has been sent with tracking information to the email address on your account.

How does order fulfillment work? ›

It is the process of receiving goods, then processing and delivering orders to customers. The order fulfillment process starts with a customer placing an order and ends once they receive it. However, if the buyer wants to return a product, order fulfillment manages the return transaction as well.

What is the final step in the fulfillment process? ›

Delivering is the final step in the order fulfillment process, in which the courier delivers the package physically to the customer. It is crucial as it is the point at which the customer receives the product.

What is order fulfillment time? ›

Order Fulfillment Cycle Time refers to the time it takes from a customer placing an order to them having it in their hands.

What are the six steps in the order fulfillment process? ›

There are six steps in the order fulfillment process: Receiving, processing, picking orders, packing orders, adjusting inventory and shipping.

How does Walmart fulfillment work? ›

Once a seller has an account and listings, and the seller is approved for Walmart Fulfillment Services, then they send inventory to Walmart fulfillment centers and convert their products to Fulfilled by Walmart listings.

What is online fulfillment at Walmart? ›

Order Fulfillment Digital Sales

Order Fulfillment Associates fill orders for customers that are placed online. Fillers, pick the merchandise and then stage the items until the customer arrives to retrieve the merchandise.

How long does it take for Walmart to deliver your package? ›

Customers expect free 2-day delivery when shopping online. With our wide assortment of products, 24/7 customer service, and the ability to offer 1-2-day delivery, we can reach more customers, are in a more competitive position online, and are able to offer the best customer experience on Walmart.

What is the disadvantage of order fulfillment? ›

What are the Cons of In-House Order Fulfillment? Business owners can quickly become overwhelmed. While doing your own order fulfillment allows for high levels of control and customization, periods of unexpected or rapid growth can quickly overwhelm your operations.

Can I cancel an order in fulfillment? ›

As long as the Fulfillment Process is in a status of "Error" or "Not Started", you can cancel the process.

What is the status of awaiting fulfillment? ›

What does “awaiting fulfillment” mean? “Awaiting Fulfillment” signifies that the process of picking and packing items (as per the invoice) into the right shipping boxes has begun. After this process, a shipment label is generated and the order is prepared for shipping.

What is the fulfillment status of an order? ›

Your order is in 'fulfillment' means that it is processed and currently awaits shipment. Fulfillment status has different stages: Fulfilled: When you ship a complete order, it is labeled as fulfilled. Unfulfilled: When you place an order, it is described as unfulfilled.

What does in fulfillment status mean? ›

Once all the items on the customer's order have been shipped from the fulfilment centre, it will show with the 'fulfilled' status, meaning that the order status for fulfilment is completed.

What causes unfulfilled orders? ›

Lack of production capacity

Sometimes, sales order line items go unfulfilled because a company cannot (or did not) produce enough of the items in question. This could stem from a number of causes, including demand related to seasonality.

Why does USPS say delivered but no package? ›

If your tracking information shows that your package was delivered but you can't find it: Carrier may have placed it in a safer location, please check: Mailbox.

What if my package never arrived but says delivered? ›

Contact your local USPS post office. Make sure you contact your LOCAL post office, and not the USPS hotline. Your local post office will be able to provide quicker, and better service. Ask who delivered the package, and ask for the details of that day's delivery.

What is the difference between order and fulfillment? ›

From the time a customer places an order until the pick, pack, and ship process occurs to when items are delivered to a customer, they are all order fulfillment services. While order management manages the entire inventory lifecycle, order fulfillment focuses on managing customer orders.

What does awaiting processing mean? ›

Awaiting processing is their standard "we've accepted your order but we haven't done anything about it yet" status. The ETA's are reasonable but subject to their stock, delivery etc. Remember the ETA is when they expect to receive your card so they can start processing and shipping, not when they think you'll get it.

What comes after being shipped? ›

Shipped is not the same as delivered. When a package is designated as “shipped” the package has been loaded on a truck and departed for the final distribution center. That means the package could be anywhere between the origin location and the destination terminal.

What is the difference between fulfillment and delivery? ›

What is the difference between shipping and fulfillment? Shipping is the process of transporting goods from one place to another. Fulfillment is the process of ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken in order to deliver the goods to the customer.

What is item fulfillment process? ›

An item fulfillment transaction records the shipment of some or all items on an order to the customer. The processes for item fulfillment transactions depend on whether the Advanced Shipping feature is enabled. If Advanced Shipping is not enabled, the fulfillment and invoicing processes are combined.

What is a fulfillment warehouse? ›

A fulfillment center is a third-party logics (3PL) warehouse where incoming orders are received, processed and filled.

Why is order fulfillment important? ›

Order fulfillment is important for businesses because it helps ensure that customers receive their orders promptly and as expected. By fulfilling orders correctly and in a timely manner, businesses can build customer satisfaction and loyalty, which leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

What is the first step in the fulfillment process? ›

Step 1: Receiving Inventory

The first is to receive and store inventory “in-house.” This means you are responsible for taking stock, evaluating the condition of products, labeling, and managing your own inventory system.

What are the four stages of fulfillment? ›

The Four Stages of Fulfillment
  • Stage I – Personal Physical Fulfillment. We are born with the need for Stage I Fulfillment. ...
  • Stage II – Comparative Accomplishment. ...
  • Stage III – Contributing to Benefit Others. ...
  • Stage IV – Ultimate Fulfillment.

What triggers the fulfillment process? ›

The fulfillment process begins with pre-sales activities; proceeds to sales order processing, shipping, and billing; and concludes with the receipt of payment from the customer. Pre-sales activity is usually optional. The trigger is a customer action

What are the stages of order delivery? ›

The process generally consists of accepting the order; picking, packing, and shipping the items mentioned in the order; and finally tracking them until they get delivered. Read on to learn more about how order management works and how an efficient order management technique can help your business.

What are the secrets to success for order fulfillment? ›

ALIGNED FULFILLMENT PROCESS

Processes need to be standardized, consistent, and transparent to ensure an understanding of how orders are being fulfilled and delivered. Standardizing fulfillment workflows prevent mistakes (like lost orders or misplaced warehouse inventory) from occurring.

What is Walmart fulfillment lag time? ›

Lag Time is the number of days between the date an item is ordered and when it is shipped. During Item Setup, Lag Time can be set to 0 days or 1 day. Any other value used will be defaulted to 1 day. To request more than 1 day Lag Time, approval is required at the item setup category level.

What does fulfillment at work look like? ›

Career fulfillment is a feeling you earn when you find a career that balances your interests and your skills. Components that make up your career fulfillment may include doing what you enjoy, making a difference and creating meaningful work.

What is fulfillment in stores? ›

Store fulfillment is an omnichannel retail strategy that enables brands to fulfill and ship orders from their brick-and-mortar stores. Today's customers expect a new level of flexibility and convenience. They want to receive and return products quickly, inexpensively, and also sustainably.

What is orderfilling at Walmart? ›

Online orderfillers have the opportunity to shop for our customers and choose just the right apple, or select their favorite cereal. This position is extremely fast paced and is one that gets to spend time in all departments shopping for our customers and filling their online orders.

What are the duties of a fulfillment associate in Walmart? ›

1. Efficiently picks and assembles orders from various temperature areas with great care and quality in mind to achieve “On Time” delivery to customers. 2. Packs orders with attention to detail including distinguishing between similar named products, exact quantity, correct product codes.

Is Walmart tracking accurate? ›

Walmart's key measures of quality service include: 90-Day Order Defect Rate <2% On-Time Shipment Rate >99% Valid Tracking Rate >99%

Does Walmart notify you when your package is delivered? ›

Walmart sends an email with a tracking link as soon as your package ships, which you can use any time to check its progress.

Does Walmart ship in a day? ›

Walmart offers both same-day and next-day delivery. Same-day delivery typically takes 2-10 hours, depending on the time you place the order and the delivery time slot you select. If you select express delivery, it will take two hours or less.

How long does it take for a package to get approved? ›

How Long Does It Take for USPS to Accept the Package? Usually, it takes around 1 to 4 days which is approximately 24 hours to 96 hours to receive the package acceptance confirmation. Most cases get done within the one-day timeframe and it takes four days in rare cases.

What does fulfillment status unfulfilled mean? ›

Unfulfilled status simply means an item is yet to ship.

What is fulfillment delay? ›

Fulfillment center delays occur when a fulfillment warehouse is unable to promptly inventory your items once received.

What is your fulfillment process? ›

It is the process of receiving goods, then processing and delivering orders to customers. The order fulfillment process starts with a customer placing an order and ends once they receive it. However, if the buyer wants to return a product, order fulfillment manages the return transaction as well.

What does fulfillment in process mean? ›

Fulfillment is the process of ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken in order to deliver the goods to the customer. This includes packing, labeling, and arranging for a carrier to deliver the goods. It also involves providing customer service, tracking orders, and managing returns.

What does order fulfillment time mean? ›

Order Fulfillment Cycle Time refers to the time it takes from a customer placing an order to them having it in their hands.

How long does a package stay in process? ›

Packages are usually processed within three business days, but sometimes they get stuck in customs for longer. What is the reason for this and what can you do if your long-awaited package has been held up in customs?

How many days will USPS try to deliver a package? ›

Articles with extra services are held for 15 days, with the exception of Collect on Delivery (COD), which is held for 10 days (unless fewer days are designated by mailer, or it includes Hold For Pickup service).

Does USPS deliver on Sunday? ›

Yes, depending on the mail class used and the metro area you live in, the U.S. Postal Service does deliver packages on Sundays.

What is a fulfillment status? ›

Your order is in 'fulfillment' means that it is processed and currently awaits shipment. Fulfillment status has different stages: Fulfilled: When you ship a complete order, it is labeled as fulfilled. Unfulfilled: When you place an order, it is described as unfulfilled.

Is fulfillment the same as delivery? ›

What is the difference between shipping and fulfillment? Shipping is the process of transporting goods from one place to another. Fulfillment is the process of ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken in order to deliver the goods to the customer.

What are the problems with order fulfillment? ›

Among the factors that cause problems are a lack of real-time connectivity and integration, poor planning or forecasting, and trouble with warehouse operations. Lack of real-time connectivity—either between businesses and consumers or businesses and other businesses—is a primary cause of fulfillment problems.

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