The term "fulfilled" typically refers to the process of completing an order, which includes several steps, one of which is delivery. However, it encompasses more than just the act of delivering the product. Here are the detailed stages involved in order fulfillment:
Order Receipt: The process begins when a customer places an order, whether online or in-store.
Order Processing: After receiving the order, the merchant verifies payment and prepares for the order to be picked and packed.
Inventory Management: The items are retrieved from inventory. This may involve selecting products from a warehouse or stockroom.
Packing: The selected items are packaged appropriately for shipping, ensuring they are secure and ready for transport.
Shipping: The packaged order is handed over to a carrier for delivery. This is the stage where the product is physically sent to the customer.
Delivery: The order reaches the customer’s specified address. At this point, the delivery is complete.
- Confirmation: Many businesses send confirmation to the customer once the order has been delivered, sometimes including tracking information or a request for feedback.
So, while "delivered" is a crucial part of order fulfillment, fulfillment itself includes the entire process from order placement to the final delivery, ensuring that the order meets the customer’s expectations in terms of accuracy, condition, and timeliness.