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Managing Pre-orders
on Flexport

Flexport

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Flexport is a tech-driven global logistics provider that integrates with Shopify for order and inventory management. Merchants can store products in Flexport’s network of fulfillment centers and sync orders for both full and partial fulfillment. While Flexport doesn’t natively allow negative inventory, it supports partial shipments, can hold orders until all items are ready, and offers workflows for pre-orders via location tricks in Shopify. (fun fact: In 2023, Flexport actually acquired Shopify Logistics and Deliverr)

This guide will break down how Flexport handles key pre-order functions like negative stock, Shopify’s “On Hold” status, and fulfilment workflows—so you’ll know what to expect, where it excels, and any workarounds you may need.

How 3PLs and pre-orders work together in the modern ecommerce stack

Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers specialize in managing your fulfillment from start to finish. They:

Receive and store products in their warehouses
Pick and pack orders
Ship to customers using their own software that syncs with your ecommerce platform

Below is a typical flow. Click through to see how Shopify, the 3PL and pre-order application interact.

1

Inventory Sync

The 3PL continuously syncs inventory from either your ERP or Ecommerce platform

Key Considerations for Managing Pre-orders on Flexport

In the diagram above you may have noticed the word “should” being used a couple of times… That’s because not all 3PLs fully support Shopify’s pre-order features out of the box. Some may lack support for negative inventory counts or fail to respect Shopify’s “On Hold” order status, requiring workarounds or additional configuration.

If your store uses an ERP, it often instructs the 3PL on which orders to fulfill—meaning you might not need all of the 3PL’s features we’re about to go through.

Read on to see how Flexport interacts with Shopify pre-orders and what you might need to adjust.

Syncing Shopify Products and Inventory

Flexport integrates with Shopify (via the Shopify Fulfilment Network app) to synchronize product data (titles, SKUs, inventory levels). Merchants can store and fulfill products through Flexport’s network, and inventory changes reflect in real time in Shopify.

Resources:

• Connecting Shopify

Syncing Shopify Orders

Yes. Orders placed on Shopify automatically appear in Flexport for fulfillment. Once shipped, Flexport sends tracking and status updates back to Shopify, keeping both systems in sync.

Custom Workflows with Shopify Tags and Metafields

Flexport’s “Order Management” system provides real-time PO tracking and SKU-level visibility. However, advanced custom workflows (e.g., referencing Shopify tags or metafields) may require specialized integrations or manual coordination between Shopify and Flexport.

Respecting Shopify’s “On Hold” Status

Flexport does not explicitly document handling Shopify’s “on hold” status. If Shopify marks an order on hold, it may still appear in Flexport’s system. You can manage holds via Shopify or coordinate with Flexport to ensure the order isn’t processed prematurely.

Pre-Order-Specific Features

Flexport supports pre-orders via order management tools and the Shopify location trick (placing pre-orders in a “dummy” location). Once stock arrives in Flexport’s fulfillment center, you can reassign those orders for final shipment.

Resources:

• Managing Pre-Orders

Partial Order fulfillment

Flexport supports partial fulfillment. If an order has both in-stock and pre-order items, Flexport will fulfill only the available portion first, marking the order as Partially Fulfilled in Shopify. The pre-order items can be shipped later.

Resources:

• Partial Fulfillment Overview

Re-syncs orders from platform

Flexport and Shopify maintain bidirectional synchronization for order creation and fulfillment statuses. However, changes after the initial creation (such as removing hold status) may not automatically sync, so you may need to manually update or coordinate with Flexport.

Summary

Flexport support for
Shopify Pre-orders

Pre-order touchpoint	Flexport support
Products sync with Shopify	✅ Syncs titles, SKUs, and inventory via the SFN app
Orders sync with Shopify	✅ Automatic import of Shopify orders, with status/tracking updates back
Negative custom workflows or automations	⚠️ Flexport’s system supports real-time order/PO tracking; deeper workflow hooks require manual setups or additional apps
Shopify “On Hold” status recognition	⚠️ Not explicitly documented; on-hold orders may still appear in Flexport
Specific pre-order support	✅ Supports partial shipments; uses Shopify “dummy location” trick for pre-orders
partial order fulfilment	✅ Fulfills in-stock items first, leaving pre-order items for later
Re-syncs orders	⚠️ Basic bidirectional sync for orders/fulfillment; some changes require manual update

Strengths & Limitations

✅ Strengths
• Real-time inventory and order sync with Shopify
• Partial fulfillment support for mixed orders
• Additional supply chain features and PO-level visibility

⚠️ Limitations
• No negative inventory management
• On-hold statuses from Shopify not clearly handled

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