How to Handle Split Shipments in a Dropshipping Model
In a dropshipping business, it’s common for a customer’s order to include products fulfilled by multiple suppliers. This results in split shipments—where different items from the same order are shipped separately. While split shipments are a logistical necessity in multichannel and multi-supplier ecommerce, handling them poorly can lead to customer confusion, support tickets, and negative reviews.
This guide outlines best practices for managing split shipments smoothly and automatically.
What Is a Split Shipment?
A split shipment occurs when:
- A customer orders multiple items
- Those items are fulfilled by different suppliers or warehouses
- Each item is shipped in a separate package, possibly with different carriers and arrival times
For example:
A customer buys 3 items—2 are from Supplier A, 1 is from Supplier B.
Result: 2 tracking numbers, 2 shipments, 1 order.
Why Split Shipments Matter in Dropshipping
Inconsistent or unmanaged split shipments can cause:
- Customer confusion (“Why did I only get part of my order?”)
- Increased support inquiries
- Lower perceived professionalism
Handled correctly, split shipments can maintain a great experience while optimizing fulfillment efficiency.
1. Use a Platform That Automatically Splits Orders
Your ecommerce backend should:
- Detect which items in an order belong to which supplier
- Create separate purchase orders (POs) for each supplier
- Sync the data with your selling channel
✅ EcomBiz.AI automatically splits multi-supplier orders and sends each part to the appropriate dropshipper.
2. Communicate Clearly With Customers
Avoid customer confusion by:
- Sending emails for each shipment with unique tracking numbers
- Including a packing slip or note that explains other items may arrive separately
- Updating your order confirmation page to mention this possibility
Example message:
“You may receive your items in separate packages depending on supplier availability. We’ll send tracking for each shipment.”
3. Sync Tracking and Status to the Marketplace
Marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay expect accurate fulfillment updates. For split shipments:
- Upload each tracking number under the correct item
- Mark items as “Partially Shipped” until all parts are fulfilled
✅ EcomBiz.AI handles marketplace-specific tracking uploads and ensures compliance with order status requirements.
4. Avoid Charging Multiple Shipping Fees
Customers should never be penalized for your internal supplier structure. Make sure:
- Checkout only charges a single shipping fee
- You absorb the cost or adjust margins to account for the extra fulfillment effort
Bonus: Offering free shipping helps reduce abandonment, even for split shipments.
5. Track Supplier Performance Per Split Shipment
With multiple suppliers in a single order, a delayed or lost shipment from one can:
- Hurt the entire customer experience
- Increase return or cancellation rates
Use reporting tools to:
- Identify recurring late or missing shipments by supplier
- Adjust routing logic or supplier usage accordingly
✅ EcomBiz.AI logs fulfillment timelines and error rates for every split shipment.
6. Reduce Split Shipments When Possible
Although some split shipments are inevitable, minimize them by:
- Grouping SKUs under preferred suppliers
- Creating bundles where all components are available from one source
- Consolidating supplier catalogs with overlap
This improves efficiency, cuts shipping costs, and enhances the unboxing experience.
Final Thoughts
Split shipments are a reality in modern dropshipping, especially with multichannel and multi-supplier setups. The key to handling them well is automation, communication, and smart routing. With the right tools in place, split shipments don’t have to damage your brand—they can support a scalable, flexible fulfillment model.
Streamline Split Shipments with EcomBiz.AI
Automated order splitting, supplier routing, and customer notifications—built for multichannel dropshippers.