Handle split shipments and backorder fulfillment for partially available orders

This API has logged drift

In-depth guide

Steps

1. When processing an order, check inventory levels for each line item before fulfilling; identify which items are in stock and which are backordered by comparing available quantities against order quantities
2. Partially fulfill the order by creating a fulfillment via the Shopify Fulfillment Orders API specifying only the in-stock line item IDs and quantities in the fulfillment_order_line_items array
3. Shopify automatically splits the fulfillment order, creating a new fulfillment order for the remaining unfulfilled items with status ON_HOLD or OPEN depending on your configuration
4. Store the backorder fulfillment order ID and expected restock date; set a hold on the remaining fulfillment order using the fulfillment order hold endpoint if needed to prevent premature fulfillment attempts
5. When restocked items arrive, release the hold and create a second fulfillment for the remaining items with their own tracking information
6. Notify the customer at each shipment stage using your email/SMS platform with the partial shipment tracking details, clearly communicating the backorder timeline