Complete Shipping Workflow Guide Part 2: Sourcing Compliant Products, Packaging, Labeling & Tracking

Continuing from Shipping Workflow Guide (Part 1), last time we covered pre-order content.

1 Pre-Order:

• 1.1 Check logistics: Query corresponding logistics products/prices/timelines/packaging requirements based on your product selection.
• 1.2 Purchase packaging materials (optional): Buy appropriate packaging like boxes/shipping bags/thank you cards based on your product and operational needs.

This issue will cover the actual shipping process after receiving orders.

2 Post-Order

• 2.1 Purchase products: Source corresponding products from 1688.
• 2.2 Replace packaging: After 1688 delivery, inspect products and repack as needed.
• 2.3 Apply shipping labels: Submit order information on logistics platform, print and apply labels.
• 2.4 Courier pickup: After preparing goods, submit pickup request on logistics platform and wait for courier. (Some areas don't have pickup service, need to ship to logistics warehouse yourself)
• 2.5 Upload tracking number: Return to Shopify to fill in tracking number and mark as shipped.

Product Sourcing: Why Independent Stores Must Be Compliant

This stage presents two extremes for newcomers. Some think "what's there to discuss about sourcing products?" Others create all kinds of problems for themselves. Both are understandable. The latter may be more cautious or "timid" - sensitive about brand awareness, originality, compliance - worried about what they can or can't select, or whether items can be shipped.

Of course, for pure original product creators, this isn't an issue - develop your own products and you're set.

First, let me give all independent store newcomers some comfort and affirmation:

You might hear Temu or Amazon sellers complaining about compliance issues and infringement. That's because platforms need to control sellers and products - if problems arise, the platform gets penalized, so they pre-emptively make all requirements as strict as possible.

That said, I still strongly recommend all newcomers do legal and compliant business. This is the most common pitfall I see new people falling into from the product selection stage:

1) Independent Stores Must Have Complete Closed-Loop Operations

Don't believe marketing accounts claiming someone made xxx selling xxx (infringing products) in a year. I'm speechless. They never mention how to solve logistics, traffic, payment processing, withdrawals, or what happens when authorities come calling.

When you try to sell these products, you'll hit walls everywhere - platforms ban your ads, logistics refuse to ship or shady logistics scam you, and payment processing becomes extremely difficult.

Those who can actually solve these problems have paid prices and taken risks most people couldn't handle, and they're still making money quietly while constantly worried. You don't really think that as a newcomer, after hearing some professional-sounding terms from social media marketing accounts, you can just ask and join in?

2) Independent Stores Must Be Sustainable

This is the inherent advantage of independent stores for long-term growth. On platforms you live in fear - account bans, copycats, ranking drops, being undercut by new competitors. With independent stores, if you stay legal and compliant, invest effort, time and resources, everything accumulates. You only get better.

But all this requires legal compliance and stability across the entire chain.

Product Sourcing: Compliance and Other Tips

In principle, for product selection and sourcing, we need to pay attention to the following:

Let me share an ultimate solution: Just like checking logistics, query legitimate logistics providers' policies and ask their sales representatives.

Let me elaborate on common issues:

1) Basic Legal Compliance

Mainly covers brands, IP, and patents. (Patents are a major taboo on platforms - for independent stores, judge for yourself.)

Counter-examples: Putian goods, small workshop products with Disney characters without Disney IP authorization.

Of course, there are legitimate ways to solve these issues. For example, after finding a brand, apply for proper brand authorization. Or, during product selection, directly look for neutral products without brands - no logo, or factory logo only.

2) Liquids/Battery Items

Logistics for these items may be more expensive.

3) Food/Adult/Other Special Categories

These may not be illegal, but have higher barriers for logistics and advertising channels. Unless you can find specific solutions. But in my understanding, individual sellers and newcomers rarely have the capability and resources to handle these.

4) Communicate with Suppliers in Advance

If necessary, emphasize your product and packaging requirements to suppliers beforehand. For example, ask them to put an extra bag outside the shipping bag so you can peel off the outer bag and ship directly with the inner bag, saving repackaging time. Ask if they have vacuum compression services to reduce volumetric weight.

Packaging and Labeling

After products arrive, we need to pack and label. There's not much to say about this stage, mainly:

1) Inspect Products

Check if products are damaged and match the order.

2) Replace Packaging

Based on your operational needs, decide whether to replace packaging. For example, if you want to build brand identity, switch to your custom packaging.

3) Apply Labels

After submitting order information on the logistics platform, print the label and apply it to the package. Make sure the label is flat and doesn't cover important information.

Submit Orders and Upload Tracking Numbers

1) Submit Pickup Request

After preparing goods, submit a pickup request on the logistics platform and wait for courier pickup. (Some areas don't have pickup service - you'll need to ship to the logistics warehouse yourself.)

2) Upload Tracking Number

Return to Shopify to fill in the tracking number and mark as shipped. This way customers can see logistics information on their order page.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Choose appropriate logistics products: Different products have different prices and timelines - select based on customer needs.
2. Optimize packaging: Reducing volumetric weight can save significant shipping costs.
3. Batch shipping: If you have multiple orders, submit them together to save time.
4. Negotiate with logistics providers: When order volume increases, negotiate better rates.