Introduction
AutoDS offers three methods to automate your order fulfillment process:
- Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA)
- Auto-Order (Full Automation)
- Auto-Order (Semi-Automation/Tracking only)
Each method serves different operational needs. This guide explains how they work, what makes them different, and how to choose the most suitable setup for your business.
Quick Jump
Key differences: FBA and auto-order (full and semi-automation)
To get the most out of AutoDS automation, it’s essential to understand how each method works. Use the table below to compare FBA and Auto-order (full and semi-automation), and decide which aligns with your business goals.
Note:
Here's a quick summary to help you understand the core differences between the three automation methods:
- Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) handles the entire process of processing your orders, using our buyer accounts. It supports specific suppliers and is required if you want to use features like Sourcing, Print on Demand, or Sample Orders.
- Auto-order (full automation) uses your connected buyer accounts, from Amazon or AliExpress, to automatically place orders, convert tracking numbers, and update the status.
- Auto-order (tracking only) requires you to place orders manually, but AutoDS will update the tracking info once the supplier ships the item. It's useful if you want to review orders before processing or if you're using HomeDepot or Aliexpress as suppliers.
|
Automation Method |
Benefits |
Prerequisites |
Use cases |
|
FBA service 👉 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. |
Use supported suppliers & USD currency. Enable Orders Processor Add-On ($9.90/mo after 14-day trial). Load sufficient balance and Auto-Order credits. |
✔ You want a completely automated workflow without using your own buyer accounts. ✔ You sell products from FBA-supported suppliers. ✔ You want access to services like Sourcing, Print on Demand, and Sample Orders. |
|
Auto-Order (Full automation) (including tracking number conversion and updates) |
✅ Automatic order placement ✅ Tracking number conversion ✅ Order status updates |
- 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) |
✔ You want to use your Amazon or AliExpress account, but the orders must be processed automatically. |
|
Auto-order (Semi-automation/ Tracking updates only) |
🚫 Manual order placement ✅ AutoDS detects shipment ✅ Tracking is updated and converted (if selected) |
- 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 |
✔ You prefer to place orders manually but want tracking updates automated. ✔ You want to review and approve orders before sending them to automation. |
Automation settings & configuration
You can configure automation preferences directly in your Orders Settings:
- Go to Settings > Orders in your AutoDS dashboard.
- Choose your automation method:
✅ Enable Fulfilled by AutoDS if you want AutoDS to handle everything.
❌ Disable it to use Auto-Order with your buyer accounts.
If disabled, orders will show as Pending until you place them manually or click Send to Auto-Order. - To use Auto-Order with semi-automation, for tracking updates only:
-
- Go to your Buyer Account Settings.
- Click in the pencil icon and go to settings.
- Uncheck the Auto-Order option.
- Go to your Buyer Account Settings.
After automation is activated, orders will be processed according to your selected method. To learn what happens after an order is sent, including how to monitor, cancel, or review order status:
How to set up automation: FBA, Auto-Order and Semi-automation (tracking updates only)
How to handle orders: Full guide
NOTE:
You can enable FBA while disabling Auto-Order if you want to review each order manually before sending it to automation. In this case, orders must be sent manually by clicking Send to Auto-Order.
⚠️ Important:
Review these settings for each supplier in every store.
.
Please note: Settings may vary depending on the supplier and chosen automation method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between Fulfilled by AutoDS and using my own buy account?
A:
- Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA): AutoDS handles the entire order process using its own buyer accounts — including placing orders, updating tracking numbers, and managing returns or cancellations. No action is required from your side.
👉 Learn More: Automate your orders with Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) – Full Guide
- Your Buyer Account: You can connect your own buyer account (e.g., Amazon or AliExpress) and choose between:
- Full Automation: AutoDS places the order, converts the tracking number, and updates order status automatically.
- Tracking-Only Mode: You place the order manually, and AutoDS detects when it's shipped and updates the tracking number for you (available for AliExpress and HomeDepot only).
👉 Learn More: How to Add a Buyer Account for the Automation of Your Orders
Q: Do I need to load balance for Fulfilled by AutoDS?
A: Yes. You must top up your AutoDS balance to cover the cost of orders fulfilled through the Fulfilled by AutoDS service.
Q: Can I switch between Auto-order and Full Automation later?
A: Yes. You can change your automation mode at any time by going to Settings > Supplier Settings > Orders, and selecting the automation method that best fits your preferred workflow.
Q: Do I need to enable Auto Order for each store separately?
A. Yes, the automation settings are store and supplier-specific.
Q: Do I need to add my buyer accounts for Fulfilled by AutoDS?
A. No. Buyer accounts are only needed using the Auto-order method. (semi or full automated).
👉 Learn more:
How to Add a Buy Account for the Automation of Your Orders?
Automate your orders with Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) – Full Guide
Q: Can I enable automation for all my suppliers?
A. No. Each automation method supports specific suppliers:
- FBA: Requires using AutoDS's supported suppliers.
👉 Learn More: AutoDS Supported Suppliers & Marketplaces - Auto-Order (Fully Automated): Works with your own buyer accounts for Amazon (US, UK, DE, FR, AU) and AliExpress.
- Auto-Order (Tracking Only): Available for HomeDepot and AliExpress. In this mode, you place orders manually, and AutoDS handles tracking updates.
Make sure to check compatibility before enabling automation for a specific supplier.