Goal: append a random 2-digit number to the store’s Order ID suffix via Shopify Flow by updating the shop metafield {{shop.orderNumberFormatSuffix}}. The Flow action runs but does not affect the Settings > Store details > Order ID > Suffix.
Clarification: Shop metafields are custom fields and don’t control predefined shop settings like the order number prefix/suffix. This is likely why the Flow “Update shop metafield” action doesn’t change the suffix.
Feasibility: Changing the order number suffix per order (or daily) isn’t supported via API or Flow, according to participants. It’s also discouraged for operational reasons.
Alternative: Use the order “confirmation number,” a random identifier automatically assigned to orders. Replace the order number with the confirmation number in customer-facing templates (e.g., confirmation emails) to obscure order volume, while keeping Admin searchability.
Actions suggested: Update templates to display confirmation numbers instead of order numbers. Contact Shopify Support for guidance on implementation details.
Status: No direct method confirmed to modify the order number suffix via Flow/API. Consensus leans toward using confirmation numbers. An included screenshot shows the confirmation number in the order timeline (supporting context).
Maybe I don’t understand how Shopify Flow works exactly but I am trying to add a random 2 digit number (that changes after every order) to:
Settings > Store details > Order ID > Suffix
I thought maybe I could use Shopify Flow and Utilize action “Update shop metafield” to add a random number to metafield {{shop.orderNumberFormatSuffix}}. When testing and the workflow runs, the value I set for “Update shop metafield” action is not applying to:
Settings > Store details > Order ID > Suffix
Is this possible? If not, any other built in or custom solutions possible? With API possibly?
I would be ok with changing it daily instead of after every order. Is this possible within Flow? Do you know why the “Update shop metafield” action isn’t working for this within Flow?
We need to be able to control our order numbers a little better so others cannot easily see our order volume.
I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you!
Shop metafieds are custom fields that you define for you shop. They aren’t a way to set other defined fields (like the prefix).
I think there is a feature you can use instead called a confirmation number. It’s a random number assigned to orders and can be used publicly instead of the order number. I’m not sure exactly the process but I think you might need to update an templates that show order number to show the confirmation number instead. You can also search orders by that number in the Admin.
That’s about how much I know. You might want to contact support if you need further help.
I think confirmation number is the way to go as @paul_n said. Should be able to replace the order number with that in confirmation emails and other customer-facing templates.
