When an order shows the status "awaiting fulfillment," it means the eCommerce business has received the online order but has not yet prepared it for shipment. At this stage in the order fulfillment process, the order remains in the inventory management system or logistics warehouse, awaiting the logistics team to pick, pack, and prepare it for dispatch. Once the shipment is ready, the shipping status updates to "shipped" or "in transit," signalling that the order is progressing in the order journey.
What is meant by awaiting fulfillment?
When an order is marked as "awaiting fulfillment," the online retailer confirms and logs it in the order fulfillment system, but the actual fulfillment process has not yet started. This stage ensures the order details are accurately recorded in the eCommerce platform's fulfillment software, with payment processed and the fulfillment company aware of the next steps.
Larger companies often use automation tools such as WMS (Warehouse Management System) to streamline the order process, tracking ordered items and inventory positioning to support fast delivery and improve supply chain efficiency. A confirmation email with tracking information is typically sent to the customer to update them on the status of their order.
The fulfillment process then involves locating, picking, and packaging the ordered items according to shipping terms and preparing them for handover to the shipping company or courier. Once ready for the shipping process, the fulfillment status updates to "shipped" or "in transit" as it enters the delivery services network.
How long does the order processing take in awaiting fulfillment?
The time an order remains in the "awaiting fulfillment" status can vary depending on factors like inventory availability, fulfillment time and logistics efficiency. Organised layouts, automation tools, and optimised order journey layouts help improve processing speed by expediting picking and packing, while adequate staffing helps prevent longer waiting periods.
The "awaiting fulfillment" status generally lasts from a few hours to a few days, depending on factors like the eCommerce company’s processing speed and any specific order requirements. During peak periods, such as holidays, this status might extend due to high order volumes.
Common reasons for delays in awaiting fulfillment status
There are several reasons why an order might remain in the "awaiting fulfillment" status for a longer period. Factors like inventory availability, warehouse efficiency, and required business days for processing can impact how quickly orders move through different stages of the fulfillment process. Some common order statuses include:
Additional factors, such as peak demand periods, errors in inventory management software, or compliance requirements in international shipping, can further impact order cycle time and customer satisfaction in the retail business.
Understanding all order statuses
Keeping customers informed about their order status, from order placement to final delivery, builds trust and enhances customer satisfaction. Understanding common order statuses, such as "awaiting fulfillment," provides a clearer view of the order journey and helps customers better anticipate when their items will be delivered. A reliable communication channel, such as email address notifications, is crucial in online shopping, especially for returns processes, to maintain transparency in the order fulfillment process. Here’s a quick overview of common order statuses in the fulfillment process:
The difference between awaiting fulfillment and..
Pending fulfillment
"awaiting fulfillment" and "pending fulfillment" both represent stages in the eCommerce order process but indicate different readiness levels:
While both statuses show the order is not yet fulfilled, "pending fulfillment" suggests some requirements must be resolved before moving forward.
Awaiting shipment
"awaiting fulfillment" signals that the online order still needs attention from the logistics team for picking and packing. In contrast, "awaiting shipment" means the order is fully packaged and ready for dispatch, placed in the shipping area, and awaiting pick-up by the courier company. "Awaiting shipment" shows the order is at the final stage, ready for delivery services, whereas "awaiting fulfillment" is an earlier stage in the fulfillment process.
How to improve order awaiting fulfillment speed
Streamlining the fulfillment process with inventory management software, automation tools, and optimised warehouse layouts can help eCommerce businesses minimise delays and meet customer expectations. An efficient fulfillment process also controls costs by reducing time spent in non-essential stages.
Implementing automation in fulfillment operations
Automation in fulfillment processes can reduce errors and increase processing speed by managing repetitive tasks like order picking, inventory monitoring, and shipping label generation. Third-party logistics (3PL) services and fulfillment software improve efficiency through real-time stock tracking and minimising human error.
Optimising inventory management
Effective inventory management keeps high-demand items readily available, preventing overstocking and storage costs. Predictive analytics and just-in-time (JIT) strategies align stock with demand, enhancing the order fulfillment process.
Enhancing warehouse layout and organisation
A well-organised warehouse layout, with popular items positioned near packing stations and in lower racks, speeds up order processing. Techniques like batch and zone picking also reduce time in transit within the warehouse.
Real-time inventory and order tracking
Investing in inventory management systems (IMS) and order management systems (OMS) enables better tracking of ordered items, improving response times and communication with customers about the status of your order.
Improving demand forecasting with data analytics
Demand forecasting minimises stockouts and excess inventory, enhancing supply chain efficiency and cutting operational costs. Advanced data analytics improve the fulfillment process and customer experience by:
Optimising the packing and shipping process
Efficient packing and shipping reduce delivery times and enhance the customer experience.
By focusing on these strategies, businesses can improve the overall fulfillment process, leading to fast delivery and greater customer satisfaction.
We help keep your clients happy
Monta delivers efficient, tailored fulfillment services that streamline the eCommerce journey for both end-users and retailers. All the steps you've read about to shorten the awaiting fulfillment period have been seamlessly integrated into our process. Whether your business requires fashion fulfillment or fulfillment within the beauty and cosmetics industry, we are here to support you with every challenge that demands a tailored approach. Our Coventry facility prioritises eco-friendly practices, offering sustainable fulfillment solutions that support greener operations.
