Can I Combine Orders on Shopify? Exploring Effective Strategies for E-commerce Success

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Merging Orders Matters
3. Current Limitations of Shopify
4. Combining Orders Using Shopify Merge Apps
5. Workarounds to Merge Shopify Orders Without an App
6. Considerations When Merging Orders
7. Measuring the Impact of Order Merging
8. Conclusion

Introduction

In the bustling world of e-commerce, every detail counts—from the products we sell to how we manage customer relationships. Did you know that 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to unexpected shipping costs? As Shopify merchants, it’s crucial that we not only offer exquisite products but also create a seamless shopping experience for our customers. One area where we can enhance this experience is through order management, particularly when it comes to combining multiple orders for the same customer.

Imagine a situation where a customer places two orders within an hour, each containing different products they'll use together. As business owners, we face a decision: should we ship these orders separately, at double the cost, or can we unite them to save both our resources and the customer's wallet? This question leads us to explore the methods available for merging orders on Shopify.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. That’s why we offer a robust, all-in-one solution designed to integrate seamlessly within the Shopify ecosystem. This blog post will provide insight into whether it is possible to combine orders on Shopify, the implications of doing so, and the best practices we can adopt. Let’s dive into the details!

Why Merging Orders Matters

Merging orders isn’t just a logistical necessity; it’s a crucial customer satisfaction strategy. Here’s why combining orders should be on our radar:

1. Reduced Shipping Costs: By combining orders, we can minimize shipping expenses for both ourselves and our customers. Shipping fees can add up quickly, and finding ways to cut these costs can significantly improve our margins.
2. Improved Customer Experience: Customers appreciate efficiency. When they receive fewer packages, it simplifies their lives. A single shipment with combined orders is easier to track than multiple packages, enhancing the overall customer experience.
3. Streamlined Inventory Management: Combining orders reduces the number of fulfillments we need to manage, making it easier to track inventory and reduce errors during the packing process.
4. Environmental Impact: Reducing the number of shipments contributes to lower carbon emissions, which is something more customers are considering when choosing a business to support.

Current Limitations of Shopify

As of now, Shopify does not provide a native feature for merging multiple orders into one. Each order is assigned a unique identifier, which is essential for tracking and fulfillment purposes. Consequently, it’s crucial for us as merchants to explore alternative methods to achieve this goal.

The Options Available to Us

As merchants in the Shopify ecosystem, we have two primary avenues for combining orders:

1. Use of Shopify Merge Apps: Several third-party applications allow for the merging of orders within the Shopify platform, providing features that automate many of the manual processes involved.
2. Workarounds for Manual Order Merging: If we prefer not to use an app, there are workarounds available that allow us to combine orders, though they may require more manual effort.

Let us examine both options in detail.

Combining Orders Using Shopify Merge Apps

Merge apps can streamline our order management process, allowing us to combine multiple orders efficiently. Here are some popular apps that we may consider:

1. Mergify

Mergify is designed to meet the specific needs of Shopify merchants looking to merge multiple orders into one. Here’s how it works:

• Automatic Merging: The app can automatically merge orders based on the customer’s details and addresses, reducing the need for any manual sorting.
• Inventory Control: Unlike draft orders, Mergify does not affect our inventory levels, ensuring accurate reporting.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive interface makes it simple for us to manage incoming orders effectively.

Get started with Mergify here.

2. TrioM Combine & Merge Orders

This app offers a similar functionality, allowing us to merge orders without complex processes. Its features include:

• Flexible Pricing Plans: It offers a tiered pricing structure, suitable for various business sizes, and provides pay-per-merge options that are cost-effective for occasional users.
• Customer Support: TrioM offers phone support, which can be beneficial if we encounter any issues while using the app.

Implementation Steps for Merge Apps

Let’s walk through the basic steps to implement Mergify, one of the leading merge apps:

1. Search and Install: Go to the Shopify App Store, search for “Mergify,” and install the app.
2. Onboarding: Upon installation, follow the onboarding prompts to integrate the app into your store seamlessly.
3. Automate or Manually Merge: Choose whether to use the auto merge features or merge orders manually. Manual merging might be more straightforward for occasional users.
4. Testing: Run some test merges to see how the app performs and ensure that everything works as expected.

By following these steps, we can merge orders efficiently and reap the benefits.

Workarounds to Merge Shopify Orders Without an App

While integrating an app can be beneficial, we might prefer to avoid additional expenses or perhaps our need for combining orders is infrequent. Here are some workarounds to merge orders without external tools.

Workaround #1: Create Draft Orders

1. Identify Customer Orders: Open the orders section in Shopify and identify multiple orders from the same customer.
2. Create a Draft Order: Manually create a new draft order that includes all items from the identified orders.
3. Remove Original Orders: Once you’ve created the draft order, cancel the original orders to prevent them from being shipped separately.
4. Fulfill the Draft: Generate a shipping label for the draft order and proceed to fulfill it as a single shipment.

Important Notes: This method requires careful management to prevent inventory discrepancies and ensures that the customer is informed about their order tracking.

Workaround #2: Manual Fulfillment of Partial Orders

This approach involves fulfilling orders directly while keeping original orders intact. Here’s how we can manage this:

1. Open Orders: Open the unfulfilled orders in a new tab and print packing lists for each order.
2. Pack Items as Needed: As we pack items, we can sort them according to which box they will go in.
3. Create Shipping Labels: We can generate shipping labels for partial orders, marking items as fulfilled as they go into their respective boxes.
4. Enter Tracking Info: After creating the labels, we enter the tracking numbers into their original orders so customers can follow their shipments.

Considerations When Merging Orders

Combining orders comes with its set of challenges. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Customer Intent: Ensure that customers did not intend for their orders to be shipped separately. Sometimes, different addresses or gift orders might warrant separate shipments.
• Inventory Management: Take care to track inventory accurately to avoid stock discrepancies, especially when using workarounds like creating draft orders.
• Communication: Keep customers informed about changes to their orders, especially if order merging affects delivery times.

Measuring the Impact of Order Merging

After successfully implementing an order merging strategy, measuring its effects on your business is essential. Here are a few metrics to consider:

• Shipping Costs: Monitor shipping expenses to assess any savings gained from reducing the number of shipments.
• Customer Satisfaction: Use customer feedback and reviews to gauge how well the changes in order management are received.
• Order Fulfillment Efficiency: Evaluate whether combining orders is improving your overall fulfillment times and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

In the realm of e-commerce, merging orders can be a game-changer, not only for cutting costs but also for enhancing customer satisfaction. While Shopify currently lacks a built-in feature for this purpose, exploring apps like Mergify and employing thoughtful workarounds can help us achieve a combined order system that benefits both our customers and our bottom line.

If you’re ready to transform your Shopify store by efficiently managing orders, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today. Offering our community features, digital products, and courses, we empower merchants like you to take full advantage of the e-commerce landscape.

Join us and navigate the complexities of your Shopify store seamlessly!

FAQ

Can I merge orders manually on Shopify?

Yes, you can manually merge orders by creating a draft order that combines items from the original orders. However, this can be time-consuming and requires careful inventory management.

What are some apps to help merge orders on Shopify?

Several apps can assist with merging orders, including Mergify and TrioM Combine & Merge Orders. These tools streamline the process and offer features that help automate order management.

Will merging orders affect my inventory tracking?

Using apps like Mergify does not change your inventory levels, so your tracking remains accurate. However, creating draft orders manually might lead to discrepancies if not managed correctly.

How can merging orders help with customer satisfaction?

Merging orders reduces shipping costs, simplifies the shipping process, and improves tracking for customers by providing a single shipment instead of multiple packages, leading to an overall better experience.

What should I do to communicate changes to my customers when merging orders?

It's essential to inform your customers about any changes, including tracking information and expected delivery dates. Transparent communication fosters trust and enhances their shopping experience.

By understanding how to effectively combine orders on Shopify, we set the stage for creating not only a more efficient operation behind the scenes but also a more satisfying experience for our customers. Let’s embrace these strategies and continue to grow together in this exciting e-commerce journey!