In ShipTurtle, the Orders area is typically organized into three main modules:
- Forward Orders (shipments going to the buyer)
- Return Order Requests (buyer requests to return)
- Return Orders (approved returns being shipped back)
Below is the exact flow in the same way you see it inside the app.
1. Orders → Forward Orders
This is where you manage regular orders that ship from the merchant/vendor warehouse → to the buyer’s address.
A) Order Status Tabs (how you work daily)
You’ll see status tabs like New Orders, Confirmed, Ready to Ship, Pick Up, In Transit, Delivered/Returned, plus All Orders.
Note: If a shipping label is generated in 'New order' or 'Confirm Order' tab, using any Shipturtle integrated shipper, then order will automatically move to In transit->Delivered->Cancelled(If applicable) depending on the status fetched from the shipping carrier status. Merchants/vendors have the option to move orders manually to different statuses mentioned below.
i. All Orders (master view)
Use this tab when you want:
- A complete list of forward orders (all statuses together)
- To search an order across any status
- To apply filters across everything
Best for: tracking an order when you don’t know its status.
ii. New Orders (first stop)
When an order arrives here, you can typically:
- Confirm the order (ready to process)
- Hold the order (pause processing for later)
- Cancel the order (if required)
- Generate shipping labels (if you’re ready)
- Generate invoices
- Send emails (order-related communication)
Best for: order review and first action.
iii. Confirmed (processing stage)
This tab is for orders ready to be processed/fulfilled. You can:
- Fulfill the order (pack/prepare for shipment)
- Generate shipping labels
- Generate invoices
- Send emails (status updates, confirmations, etc.)
Best for: operational processing and preparing shipments.
iv. Ready to Ship (manifest stage)
This tab is for orders that are packed and ready to move out. You can:
- Create a Manifest (batching shipments together)
- Move orders to In Transit (once handed over / scheduled)
Best for: batching shipments and dispatch readiness.
v. Pick Up (pickup scheduling)
This stage is where you handle pickup actions. You can:
- Download manifests created for orders
- Each manifest typically corresponds to a unique combination of Shipper × Pickup Address
- Schedule pickup for a manifest
- Cancel pickup (if required)
Best for: coordinating carrier pickup and dispatch.
vi. In Transit (tracking stage)
This tab is for tracking live shipments. You can:
- Monitor shipment progress like:
- In Transit
- Out for Delivery
- Delivery Exceptions (depends on shipper updates)
Best for: tracking and responding to delivery delays/issues.
vii. Delivered / Returned (end stage)
This is the endpoint of a forward shipment:
- Delivered = successfully delivered to buyer
- Returned = shipment returned (usually due to failed delivery)
After delivery, users often use this stage for:
- Reconciling shipping performance
- Checking freight expenses / receipts
- Reviewing shipping turnaround time (TAT)
Best for: closing the loop and reconciling operations.
B) Search + Filters (how to find the right orders)
- The search bar works within all the tabs
- If you want to search across all statuses, go to All Orders first, then search
- Use filters like:
- Vendor
- Shipment status
- Shippers
- Warehouse / pickup address (if applicable)
C) Bulk Actions (how to process faster)
When you select multiple orders, you can perform bulk actions like:
- Assigning shippers
- Assigning warehouses / pickup locations
- Generating labels
- Moving orders through stages (based on your workflow)
Best for: processing many orders quickly.
2. Orders → Return Order Requests
This is where buyers request a return.
What you do here:
- Review the return request details
- Approve the return request (allow return)
- Reject the return request (deny return)
Important:
Once you approve/reject, the request moves out of this tab and continues into the Return Orders module.
3. Orders → Return Orders
This module contains returns that are now being shipped from buyer → back to merchant/vendor warehouse.
What you typically do here:
- Track return shipment status
- Manage return logistics (labels/pickup depending on configuration)
- Monitor return progress until it is completed
Think of it like “Forward Orders” but in reverse direction.
Who sees what (Merchant vs Vendor)
Merchant/Admin: can see orders across all vendors
Vendor: can see only their own orders, products, payouts, and messages (no access to other vendors)
4. Excel Export for Orders
Export all order details into an Excel file. You can use filters to export specific orders as needed.
Steps: Orders → Select orders (optional) → Click on the Export icon
If no orders are selected, all filtered orders will be exported.
If you’re stuck, reach us at team@shipturtle.com or open a ticket on the support page.