Awaiting fulfillment explained and tips to reduce essential time!

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 fulfilment 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 fulfilment system, but the actual fulfilment process has not yet started. This stage ensures the order details are accurately recorded in the eCommerce platform's fulfilment software, with payment processed and the fulfilment 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 fulfilment 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 fulfilment status updates to "shipped" or "in transit" as it enters the delivery services network.

What is meant by awaiting fulfillment

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, fulfilment 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.

  • Inventory availability: Readily available stock enables faster fulfilment times.
  • Warehouse efficiency: Organised layouts, inventory positioning, and real-time tracking tools help speed up the order process. Positioning high-demand items in lower racks can also streamline operations.
  • Logistics partnerships: Reliable logistics partners streamline the fulfilment and shipping processes, supporting faster delivery for customers.
  • Order complexity: Complex orders with custom options may require additional handling time.

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 fulfilment process. Some common order statuses include:

  • Inventory availability: The seller may need to verify stock, particularly during high-demand periods, to ensure all items are available.
  • Batch processing: Many logistics companies process orders in groups, so an order might wait until a full batch is ready for fulfilment.
  • Customisation or assembly: Orders requiring customisation or assembly, like personalised items, may take additional fulfilment time.
  • Staffing and operational delays: Small businesses and larger companies alike may experience delays due to staffing shortages or operational issues like missing customs information for international orders.

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.

Common reasons for delays in awaiting fulfillment status

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 fulfilment process. Here’s a quick overview of common order statuses in the fulfilment process:

Order statusDefinitionWarehouse activity
Order placedOrder received and confirmed by the online retailer.No action yet; awaiting order processing.
Awaiting fulfillmentOrder is ready for picking and packing.Order details reviewed; items assigned for picking.
Pending fulfilmentAwaiting verification or item availability before packing.Stock levels checked; awaiting verification.
Awaiting shipmentPacked and staged for shipping company pickup.Packaged and ready for handover to the courier.
ShippedOrder has left the warehouse, tracking information active.Package handed to the carrier; shipping status updated.
DeliveredOrder has been successfully delivered to the customer.Order confirmed as completed.
Returned/processing returnCustomer has returned item(s), under review.Receiving and inspecting returned items.
  • Order placed
    Definition: Order received and confirmed by the online retailer.
    Warehouse activity: No action yet; awaiting order processing.
  • Awaiting fulfillment
    Definition: Order is ready for picking and packing.
    Warehouse activity: Order details reviewed; items assigned for picking.
  • Pending fulfillment
    Definition: Awaiting verification or item availability before packing.
    Warehouse activity: Stock levels checked; awaiting verification.
  • Awaiting shipment
    Definition: Packed and staged for shipping company pickup.
    Warehouse activity: Packaged and ready for handover to the courier.
  • Shipped
    Definition: Order has left the warehouse, tracking information active.
    Warehouse activity: Package handed to the carrier; shipping status updated.
  • Delivered
    Definition: Order has been successfully delivered to the customer.
    Warehouse activity: Order confirmed as completed.
  • Returned/Processing return
    Definition: Customer has returned item(s), under review.
    Warehouse activity: Receiving and inspecting returned items.

The difference between awaiting fulfillment and..

Pending fulfilment

"awaiting fulfillment" and "pending fulfilment" both represent stages in the eCommerce order process but indicate different readiness levels:

  • Awaiting fulfillment: This status means the order has been confirmed and is in queue for the fulfilment team to begin picking and packing.
  • Pending fulfilment: Here, the order may require additional verification, stock checks, or customisations before it moves into active fulfilment.

While both statuses show the order is not yet fulfilled, "pending fulfilment" 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 fulfilment process.

How to improve order awaiting fulfillment speed

Streamlining the fulfilment process with inventory management software, automation tools, and optimised warehouse layouts can help eCommerce businesses minimise delays and meet customer expectations. An efficient fulfilment process also controls costs by reducing time spent in non-essential stages.

Implementing automation in fulfilment operations

Automation in fulfilment 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 fulfilment 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 fulfilment 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 fulfilment process and customer experience by:

  • Predictive analytics: Using historical sales data and seasonality trends.
  • Data integration: Combining POS, CRM, and social media data to better predict demand.
  • Forecast monitoring: Adjusting forecasts to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Optimising the packing and shipping process

Efficient packing and shipping reduce delivery times and enhance the customer experience.

  • Standardised packing procedures: Reduce errors and minimise waste.
  • Carrier optimisation: Automation tools select the best shipping service based on speed and reliability.
  • Label automation: Auto-generating shipping labels reduces manual errors and speeds up the order process.

By focusing on these strategies, businesses can improve the overall fulfilment process, leading to fast delivery and greater customer satisfaction.

We help keep your clients happy

Monta delivers efficient, tailored fulfilment 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 fulfilment or fulfilment 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 fulfilment solutions that support greener operations.

Martien Verhaar
Martien Verhaar

I keep a keen eye on the ever-changing world of fulfilment solutions, integrations and analysis. I am passionate about sharing tips and insights that can help you streamline your e-commerce operations and boost your growth. Let's navigate the complexities of online retail together and turn them into opportunities for your business success

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