> ## Knowledge Base Index
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> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How Automated Fulfillment Works

Once your Shopify store is [connected to Tradelle](/en/article/how-to-connect-a-shopify-store-with-tradelle-1uvbsbz/), orders are fulfilled automatically. Here's what happens behind the scenes and what to keep in mind.

# The Flow

1. Your customer places an order in your store and pays **you** the retail price. The full payment goes to you, not to Tradelle.
2. Tradelle picks up the order automatically and charges you the wholesale cost (product + shipping). Charges are collected **once daily**, combined for all orders of that day, from the payment method you configured.
3. The manufacturer packs and ships the order directly to your customer.
4. The tracking number syncs to the Shopify order automatically. See [Shipping Times, Tracking & Delays](/en/article/shipping-times-tracking-delays-177tyyq/).

The difference between your retail revenue and Tradelle’s product and shipping charges is a **gross margin before other costs**, not net profit. Include payment fees, advertising, returns, taxes, and other expenses in your calculation.

# The Two Settings That Make It Work

For an order to be picked up automatically, the product in Shopify must have:

* Fulfillment location set to **Tradelle Fulfillment**
* A SKU starting with **TR-**

Both are configured automatically when you [import a product from Tradelle](/en/article/how-to-import-products-from-tradelle-to-shopify-11sae0m/).

||| Keep the **TR-** SKU and **Tradelle Fulfillment** location intact. When automatic fulfillment is enabled, you do not need to click **Request fulfillment** manually. If automation is off, see the manual approval instructions below.

# Setting Up Your Payment Method

Open your profile at the top right of the Tradelle dashboard and choose **Payment Methods**. Saved methods can cover both subscriptions and fulfillment; a separate fulfillment card is not required.

![Profile menu: Account Settings, Payment Methods and Subscriptions](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/5/9/a/b/59abcc52b387f800/01-profile-menu_1g3o1ta.png)

Accepted methods are credit cards (recommended), PayPal, and SEPA mandates for EU-based sellers. Details are in [Payment Methods That Tradelle Supports](/en/article/payment-methods-that-tradelle-supports-gp6mbt/). Make sure the payment method has sufficient balance to cover your expected orders.

# What Your Customer Receives

Shopify can send its shipping confirmation when fulfillment is accepted, before a tracking number is available. A **Fulfilled** status or that first email does not by itself confirm physical dispatch. Tracking is synced when provided, and Shopify’s notification settings control the later shipping update.

|| Want different wording in the first email? You can edit it in Shopify under Settings > Notifications > Customer notifications > Shipping confirmation.

# Turning Automation Off

Prefer to approve each order manually? Click your profile at the top right of the Tradelle dashboard, open **Account Settings**, and turn off the **Fulfill orders automatically** toggle.

When automation is off, Tradelle only processes orders where you click **Request fulfillment** in Shopify. This also gives you control over when each fulfillment payment happens, which some sellers use for cash-flow management.

# Good To Know

* **Split shipping is not supported.** Disable it in your Shopify store settings.
* **Test orders** are placed through your own Shopify store. Manual order placement inside Tradelle is not available.
* Stock levels are managed on Tradelle's end. If Shopify shows 0 for a connected product, see [Fixing "Sold Out" Products In Your Shopify Store](/en/article/fixing-sold-out-products-in-your-shopify-store-13bjlsa/).

You can review your store activity under **My Store**. A bundle containing several separate products does not automatically mean one parcel or a single shipping charge; confirm the exact bundle with support first.