Issue: The shipping confirmation email for a real, fulfilled order did not include a tracking number, despite test emails showing it after template edits (images illustrate the discrepancy).
Key point: Tracking numbers appear in the confirmation email only if they are added during fulfillment. After manually adding a tracking number and carrier to a delivered order, the email included tracking.
Dropshipping context: Since tracking is available only after suppliers (e.g., CJ Dropshipping, Zendrop, Spocket) ship, merchants often need to add tracking numbers manually when the supplier starts shipping.
Automation options: Some third‑party integrations (e.g., Starshipit) can sync tracking automatically to Shopify. Apps that support bulk import via CSV can speed up adding tracking numbers.
Recommendations: Manually input tracking numbers and carriers whenever shipping begins. Avoid marking orders as fulfilled without a tracking number to prevent sending emails without tracking info.
Terms: Fulfillment = marking an order as shipped. CSV = a file format for bulk data import.
Open/Unresolved: Clarification on “fulfill” vs “request fulfillment” behavior with dropshipping suppliers was not answered definitively. Thread suggests caution and not fulfilling until tracking is available.
Hi, I was setting up the shipping confirmation email for my online store. I watched a YouTube video and edited the code for the shipping confirmation email. When I sent the test email myself, It looked all good. However I purchased items through my store to test the whole process myself, and after the item was fulfilled, I got the shipping confirmation email, but there was no tracking number on that email which was included in the test email. I tried to find the solution but I couldn’t.
And the second screenshot is what I got when the product I purchased was fulfilled.
As you can see there is no tracking number even tho it started shipping.
Does anyone have an idea to solve this problem? or is there any better way to set up a shipping confirmation email with a proper tracking number included?
After I read your reply, I tried several things based on the instructions you added.
I put the tracking number and carriers in the order that is already fulfilled and delivered. After that, I got a confirmation email with the order tracking number.
I have some questions at this point.
First of all, I use dropshipping apps such as cj dropshipping, zendrop, spocket. Based on my experience, during ordering and fulfilling products myself, I can get the tracking number after the supplier starts shipping. right? Otherwise, I can’t get any tracking number before the supplier sends the item.
So, should I add tracking number and carriers manually everytime when supplier starts shipping the products to make tracking number is included shipping confirmation email to customer? Or is there any way to do this automatically?
Last question is that when I check the order which is unfulfilled yet, I can choose fulfill or request fulfillment. Can I fulfull it myself even though the item is still processing on supplier side?
And what happen when I choose request fulfill? is it just for requesting fulfillment to supplier?
Sorry, I have lots of questions because it’s my first time to dealing with whole orders process. I would appreciate if you answer those questions.
To answer one part of your question: In many cases, you probably will need to add tracking numbers and carriers manually each time a supplier starts shipping a product. This ensures that the tracking number is included in the shipping confirmation email sent to the customer. However, some third-party integration tools or services (Starshipit, for example) can automatically update tracking information in Shopify from the supplier. This can be a huge time-saver and improve customer experience.
It is advisable to manually input tracking numbers and carriers whenever the supplier initiates product shipments. This ensures that the tracking number is included in the shipping confirmation email to the customer.
Consider exploring applications that allow bulk import of tracking numbers and fulfillment through CSV.
I strongly discourage fulfilling orders without a tracking number, as it may result in sending confirmation emails to buyers without the necessary tracking information.
