Split Shipments & Partial Fulfilment
When to use split shipments
You should arrange split shipments if:
- Items are stocked at different locations.
- Some products are ready sooner than others.
- Orders include pre-order or made-to-order products.
When to use partial fulfilment
Partial fulfilment is appropriate if:
- You can dispatch available items now and follow up with the rest later.
- The order contains a backordered or delayed product.
- Sending items separately avoids breaching your dispatch deadline.
Do not mark an entire order as “fulfilled” until all items have been dispatched. Each shipment must be updated in the Vendor Portal.
How to process split shipments & partial fulfilment
Log in to your Kapsule Vendor Portal.
Go to “Orders” and select the relevant order.
Click Create New Shipment: tick only the products ready to be dispatched.
Enter tracking details for the selected items.
Confirm dispatch: the order status will update to reflect a partial fulfilment.
Repeat the process when the remaining items are ready.
If tracking is missing or incorrect, the system cannot notify the customer properly. Always double-check details before saving.
Best practice tips
- Communicate clearly: Use notes or updates in the portal so the customer knows what to expect.
- Prioritise available stock: Send ready items promptly to avoid late dispatch penalties.
- Consolidate where possible: Avoid unnecessary splits to reduce shipping costs and packaging waste.
- Eco-friendly packaging: Even when splitting shipments, follow sustainable packing guidelines (see [Link: Packing standards & presentation]).
Keep a simple order log for pre-orders or delayed items, so you never forget to send the remaining fulfilment.
FAQs
1: Will customers be charged extra shipping for split shipments?
No. Customers pay only the original shipping fee. Additional shipments are the vendor’s responsibility.
2: How will customers know about partial fulfilment?
They will automatically receive updates with separate tracking numbers for each package.
3: What if an item becomes unavailable after a partial fulfilment?
You must promptly refund the unavailable item and inform the customer. Contact Kapsule Support if further assistance is needed.
4: Do split shipments affect my vendor rating?
Not if handled correctly. As long as dispatch deadlines are met and tracking is provided, split shipments are acceptable.
5: Can I combine split shipments later?
Once processed as a split, each fulfilment is logged separately. Any additional items must be dispatched as a new parcel with its own tracking.
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