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How to handle your orders on AutoDS: Methods compared

Compare Manual Orders, Auto-Order (semi & full), and Fulfilled by AutoDS to choose the best way to handle your orders.

Introduction

Efficient order management is the backbone of a successful dropshipping business. On AutoDS, you can choose between Manual Orders, Auto-Order (semi or full automation), and Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA). Each method comes with its own benefits, requirements, and best-use cases.

Note: Choosing the right order handling method not only affects your workflow efficiency, but also ensures timely shipments, minimizes human error, and helps you handle larger order volumes as your business grows.

 

Quick Jump

  1. Understand the dropshipping process

  2. Why choosing the right supplier matters

  3. Key differences between order handling methods

  4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Understand the dropshipping process

If you're new to dropshipping, understanding the workflow helps avoid mistakes and improve efficiency.

Example workflow with AutoDS:

  1. Customer places an order on your store (e.g., Shopify). Payment is processed through your store’s checkout, not AutoDS.

  2. Order the product from your supplier — either automatically (Auto-Order or Fulfilled by AutoDS) or manually.

  3. Supplier ships the product directly to your customer.

  4. Tracking updates are provided — you enter them manually or AutoDS updates them automatically.

👉 Learn More: Dropshipping with AutoDS
 

 

Why choosing the right supplier matters

This will make managing your orders much easier, as each supplier has its own set of rules.

  1. Automation Compatibility: Some suppliers don’t support order automation features like Auto-Order and FBA Service. To benefit from AutoDS features, choose suppliers that do.

    👉 Learn More: AutoDS Supported Suppliers and Selling channels

  2. Supplier settings & configuration: Set pricing, shipping, and policies before uploading products. 

    👉 Learn More: Supplier Settings 
  3. Shipping conditions and costs – Research times, rates, and restrictions. Configure shipping policies manually. For beginners, start with domestic shipping.

 

 

Key differences between order handling methods

Method Key features Prerequisites
Manual Orders

🚫 Automatic order placement

🚫 Automatic tracking updates

✔ Full control of the process

✔ Work with suppliers that don’t support automation

- No technical setup required

- You go to the supplier’s website and place the order manually

- You are responsible for updating order status, sending messages to your buyer through your selling channel, dealing with return requests, and more.

FBA service

(Full automated. No buyer account needed)

👉 Learn More: Automate your orders with Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) – Full Guide

✅ Fully automated for processing orders

✅ Faster processing & tracking updates

✅ Reduces manual work and human errors.

✅ Ideal for scaling your dropshipping business.

✅ Returns are easy and fast to manage within FBA.

✅  Access to the Sourcing Service, Print On Demand and Sample Orders.

✅ Order status is updated

Use supported suppliers & USD currency.

Enable Orders Processor Add-On ($9.90/mo after 14-day trial).

Load sufficient balance and Auto-Order credits.
Auto-Order (Full automation)

✅ Automatic order placement

✅ Tracking number conversion

✅ Order status updates

🚫 Returns: Handled through your buyer account, following its policies.

- Add and configure your buyer accounts.

- Enable Orders Processor Add-On.

- Check the auto-order box in the supplier settings.

- Add enough Auto-order credits (AO credits).

- Use supported suppliers (Amazon US, UK, DE, FR, AU/ and AliExpress)
Auto-Order (Semi-automation / Tracking updates only)

🚫 Manual order placement

✅ AutoDS detects shipment

✅ Tracking is updated and converted (if selected)

🚫 Returns: Handled through your buyer account, following its policies.

✅ You want to review and approve orders before sending them to automation.

- Add and configure your buyer accounts

- Check the auto-order box in the supplier settings. 

- Disable Auto-Order setting inside buyer account setup. 

- Use the supported suppliers: HomeDepot or AliExpress

 

NOTE:

For additional insights and context, the following resources may help expand your knowledge on fulfillment and automation.

👉 Learn More:

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I switch between different order management methods?
A: Yes. You can change your order management settings in AutoDS at any time, depending on your workflow and business needs.

👉 Learn More: How to set up automation: FBA, Auto-Order and Semi-automation (tracking updates only)

Q: What happens if I don't have enough balance or credits for Fulfilled by AutoDS?
A: Orders will be processed once your account has sufficient balance and Auto-Order credits.. Keeping your account funded ensures smooth, uninterrupted order handling.

Q: Are all suppliers supported for automation?
A: Automation is available for a wide range of supported suppliers. You can review the supplier list to confirm compatibility before uploading products.

👉 Learn More: AutoDS Supported Suppliers and Selling channels

Q: How do I handle returns with Fulfilled by AutoDS?
A: AutoDS manages the return process for FBA orders on your behalf. Simply request a return from your Orders page, and AutoDS will coordinate with the supplier.

👉 Learn More: How Do Returns Requests work on the Fulfilled by AutoDS Service?

Q: How do I handle returns with Auto-Order (semi & full automation)?
A: They are managed through your own buyer account by following the policies that you set for returns.