Understanding the fulfillment process

Overview

This article explains how orders move through BurgerPrints’ production and fulfillment process, from payment confirmation to shipping carrier delivery. It covers estimated production and shipping timelines for both single orders and bulk orders, how tracking numbers are generated, and how orders are picked up and handled by carriers.

You will also learn about the key factors that can affect production and shipping timelines, including seasonal order surges, material availability, factory operations, address accuracy, logistics disruptions, and external events. These factors may cause delays beyond standard estimates and can impact when tracking becomes active or when orders are delivered.

Understanding this process helps you set accurate expectations, monitor orders more effectively, and identify when delays are caused by production constraints versus shipping or carrier-related issues.

How an order moves through production and fulfillment

Once an order is paid, it enters the standard fulfillment flow below:

  • Order enters production queue after Paid status: The order is sent to the assigned fulfillment Location based on the selected product and location.

  • Production stage: The Location produces the item according to the order specifications. A tracking number is generated and added to the order if the Location supports the Early Tracking Service.

  • Packing and handoff preparation: After production is completed, the order is packed and prepared for carrier pickup.

  • Carrier pickup and tracking creation: The Shipping carrier collects the package from the Location. A tracking number is generated and added to the order.

  • Shipping and delivery: The Shipping carrier transports the package and delivers it to the destination address.

Understanding this flow helps you identify which stage an order is currently in and what type of delay may occur.

Checking tracking during the Processing stage

During the production stage, the Location produces the item according to the order specifications. If the Location supports the Early Tracking Service, a tracking number may be generated and added to the order while the order is still in Processing status.

To check whether a tracking number is available:

  • Go to Order > Tracking Management in the Dashboard.

  • Search for the order using the Order ID or Reference ID.

  • Check the Tracking number column.

If Early Tracking is supported, the tracking number may appear before carrier pickup. Tracking status updates will start only after the carrier performs the first scan.

Production Time by Product Category

  • Common products such as apparel, mugs, ornaments and drinkware typically require 1-3 business days.

  • Home textiles, blankets, wall art and canvas products usually require 2-5 business days.

  • All-over printed apparel products or items with more complex production processes generally require 3-6 business days.

  • Bulk orders typically require 3-7 business days, depending on order volume and fulfillment capacity.

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Note: Production timelines may be extended in the following cases:

  • Multiple-item orders: Processing time may be extended by an additional 1-3 business days.

  • Peak seasons.

  • When production schedules need to be adjusted due to stock availability.

Tracking Number Generation

For the fulfillment Locations that support early tracking: The tracking number is typically generated within 1-24 business hours after the order payment has been completed.

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Note: An order is considered valid and the tracking number will be generated within the stated timeframe only when the order is confirmed with complete and accurate information. No changes or cancellations can be made once the order has been processed.

For fulfillment Locations that do not support early tracking: The tracking number is added only after the order has completed production and has been handed over to the shipping provider. In these cases, tracking availability follows the standard production timeline.

  • In some cases, a tracking number may appear early but will not show status updates until the carrier performs the first scan.

  • Tracking updates depend on the carrier’s processing and scanning procedures, which may vary by shipping provider.

Shipping Time by Region and Product Group

The following shipping timelines apply based on product group, fulfillment center and shipping route. All timelines are estimated and calculated in business days.

Please note that delivery times may vary depending on operational capacity, carrier performance, peak seasons, customs clearance (for international orders), or other unforeseen logistics factors. While we strive to ensure timely fulfillment and delivery, delays may occasionally occur due to circumstances beyond our direct control.

If an order exceeds the estimated delivery timeframe, is returned, lost in transit, or requires further resolution, you should follow the appropriate handling process.

For detailed guidance, please refer to: How to handle the returns, exchanges, and lost parcels

This article provides step-by-step instructions to help you manage post-shipping issues efficiently and ensure the best possible experience for your customers.

  • Printed Apparel and Mug products (US fulfillment Location) Standard domestic shipping from the US to the US typically takes 2-5 business days

  • Printed Apparel, Mug and Poster products (EU fulfillment Location) Standard domestic shipping within the EU typically takes 2-9 business days.

  • All-Over-Print Apparel (EU fulfillment Location) Standard domestic shipping within the EU typically takes 2-9 business days.

  • All-Over-Print Apparel, Decorations, Accessories and Footwear (China fulfillment Location) Standard international shipping to the US typically takes 7-15 business days.

  • All-Over-Print Apparel, Decorations, and Accessories (Vietnam fulfillment Location) Standard international shipping to the US typically takes 8-15 business days.

  • Poster products (US fulfillment Location) Standard domestic shipping within the US typically takes 2-5 business days.

  • International shipping (general) Standard international shipping typically takes 10-25 business days, depending on destination country and customs processing.

  • Remote or special destinations Shipments to AOPs/FPOs/AE/AO/AA/AP addresses, islands, unincorporated territories (including PR, VI, GU, MP, AS), as well as Hawaii (HI) and Alaska (AK), typically take 40-45 business days.

Optional Shipping Methods

BurgerPrints offers multiple shipping options to support your delivery needs. Available methods may vary depending on the fulfillment location and destination country.

  • Priority Express: Estimated delivery within 1 to 3 business days.

  • Express: Estimated delivery within 2 to 5 business days.

  • Economy: Estimated delivery within 3 to 9 business days.

You may select Priority Express or Express for faster delivery. If your order is not time sensitive and you would like to save on shipping costs, Economy is a suitable option.

Shipping fees are calculated based on the product type, delivery address, selected shipping method, and package weight. Please note that delivery times are estimates and may vary depending on the destination, carrier conditions, or peak seasons.

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Note: Shipping timelines may increase by 5-15 additional business days during peak seasons, periods of high demand, or force majeure events such as carrier disruptions, customs delays or natural disasters.

Factors Affecting Production Time

Production timelines may be impacted by several operational factors. When delays occur, BurgerPrints will proactively notify you through Ticket updates and system notifications on the Dashboard.

Below are the most common factors and their typical impact on production timelines:

  • Seasonal order surges (major sales, holidays, year-end peak seasons) During peak periods, a sudden increase in order volume may exceed standard production capacity.

    • Estimated impact: production may be extended by 1-3 additional business days, and in extreme peak cases, up to 5 business days.

    • BurgerPrints closely monitors order volume and adjusts production schedules accordingly.

  • Temporary shortages of raw materials or production blanks Certain products may be affected when materials or blanks are temporarily out of stock at the fulfillment facility.

    • Estimated impact: production may be delayed by 2-7 business days, depending on restocking timelines and supplier availability.

    • If restocking is expected to take longer, the affected product may be temporarily unavailable for ordering.

  • Fulfillment facility operational capacity During the production process, certain issues may arise and are sometimes unavoidable. These are common operational situations and are continuously monitored and updated by our system. Production capacity may be affected by the following factors:

    • Workforce availability at the facility

    • Machinery maintenance, upgrades, or technical issues

    • Capacity limitations at specific fulfillment facilities

    • Unexpected operational issues (material shortages, printing errors, technical mistakes, etc.)

Estimated Impact

  • Production time may be extended by 1-4 business days, depending on the severity and duration of the issue.

  • In rare cases, orders may be rerouted to an alternative facility (if feasible) to help minimize delays.

Notifications for Production-Related Issues

In print-on-demand production, certain situations such as material shortages, design adjustments, production delays, or carrier updates are normal and may occur from time to time. These are not unusual incidents, but part of the operational realities of manufacturing and fulfillment.

When such situations arise:

  • The system may automatically notify you through your Dashboard.

  • You may receive updates via email.

  • Or your Account Manager may contact you directly to provide clarification and guidance.

To ensure you always receive timely support and clear communication, we strongly recommend working closely with a dedicated Account Manager. Having an Account Manager allows you to:

  • Receive proactive updates

  • Get faster clarification on production-related matters

  • Discuss suitable solutions before the issue affects your customers

  1. Ticket Notification

You will receive detailed information regarding the delay or production hold, such as:

  • Temporary out-of-stock products

  • Copyright concerns requiring confirmation or transfer to another printing facility

  • Design files that do not meet QC standards

  • Other technical issues affecting production

  1. System Notifications

The system will display announcements when there are important operational updates, including:

  • Temporary suspension of order intake due to machinery maintenance or production optimization

  • Temporary inactivation of products not suitable for production during a specific period

  • Impacts caused by labor shortages, strikes, or other operational disruptions

  • Facility capacity adjustments

  1. Email or Chat from Your Account Manager:

In addition to system notifications, you may receive updates directly via email or chat from your Account Manager.

We strongly recommend having a dedicated Account Manager to ensure timely updates and prompt support when issues arise.

Recommendations for Sellers

If production issues occur, we recommend that you:

  • Proactively monitor system notifications

  • Understand the situation to adjust your sales plan accordingly

  • Communicate transparently with your end customers

  • Coordinate with BurgerPrints to identify the best possible solution

BurgerPrints is committed to supporting you throughout the fulfillment process to ensure business continuity and maintain the best possible customer experience.

Factors That Affect Shipping

  • Incomplete or invalid shipping addresses may cause delays or cancellations.

  • Seasonal logistics congestion.

  • Carrier strikes, service disruptions or operational delays.

  • Lost parcels due to external or uncontrollable factors.

  • Natural disasters or severe weather conditions.

Estimated Total Order Fulfillment Time

  • Total fulfillment time is calculated as Production Time + Shipping Time.

  • Examples:

    • Apparel orders shipped within the US: approximately 4-10 business days.

    • Mug or ornament orders shipped from the US to the EU or Canada: approximately 8-20 business days.

Important Notes for You

  • All timelines provided are estimates, not guaranteed delivery commitments.

  • You are encouraged to:

    • Place orders early, especially during peak seasons.

    • Carefully review design files and shipping addresses before payment.

    • Clearly communicate estimated delivery timelines to end customers to manage expectations.

Tips and Best Practices

To ensure a smooth production and fulfillment process, you are encouraged to follow these tips and best practices:

Place orders early during peak seasons

During major sales events, holidays, or year-end peak periods, increased order volume may extend production and shipping timelines.

Placing orders early helps reduce the risk of delays caused by capacity or logistics constraints.

Review design files carefully before payment

Incorrect or non-compliant design files may result in production rework, rejected orders or processing delays.

Before placing an order, make sure that:

  • The design matches the product template dimensions

  • Print areas are positioned correctly

  • File resolution and format meet production requirements

Verify shipping addresses thoroughly

Incomplete or invalid shipping addresses are a common cause of delivery delays or failed shipments.

Always double-check:

  • Recipient name

  • Full street address, city, state/province

  • ZIP or postal code

  • Country and phone number (if required by the carrier)

Communicate delivery expectations clearly to customers

All production and shipping timelines are estimates and are not guaranteed delivery dates.

You should clearly communicate:

  • Estimated production time

  • Estimated shipping time

  • Possible delays during peak seasons or due to external factors

Plan ahead for bulk orders

Bulk orders may require longer production times depending on order volume and fulfillment capacity.

For large orders, it is recommended to:

  • Place orders earlier than usual

  • Contact Support in advance if the order has a strict deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When does production start?

Production starts when the order status changes to Processed. After payment confirmation, the order is automatically sent to the assigned Fulfillment Location and enters the production queue.

2. Why is my tracking number not showing any updates?

After payment confirmation, the order is automatically sent to the assigned Fulfillment Location and enters the production queue.

  • The shipping carrier has not performed the first scan

  • Delays in the carrier’s internal processing

  • Handoffs between carriers during international shipping

Tracking updates will appear once the package enters the carrier’s active tracking system.

3. What should I do if my order is delayed beyond the estimated timeline?

  • Check the order status and tracking information in the Dashboard

  • Create a Ticket to request detailed assistance from Support

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