How We Helped a DTC Brand Achieve Seamless Order Processing Across Target+, Shopify, and Flexport
David Ricardo was approached by a Stall Mates who sells feminine hygiene products online. They had just launched on Target+ and were facing a critical issue: tracking numbers were not being pushed into Target+, resulting in canceled orders and lost revenue. To make matters worse, their seller score was dropping due to these fulfillment problems.
In this case study, I’ll share how we identified the root cause, the steps we took to resolve the issue, and the solution we implemented to prevent future order cancellations and financial losses for our client.
The Challenge: Shipping Complexities Across Platforms 📦
The client was struggling to understand why tracking numbers weren’t being sent from Shopify to Target+.
Due to this issue, Target+ was automatically canceling orders, even though the products were being shipped and received by customers.
This led to lost revenue on fulfilled orders and a declining seller rating. The client needed to quickly identify the root cause and find a solution to prevent further cancellations and financial losses.
Our Solution: Teamwork & Tenacity 💪
Our Solution: Step-by-Step Timeline
1. Initial Investigation
We began by breaking down the problem into manageable parts to fully understand what was happening.
- Our first step was to review the Marketplace Connect App on Shopify, focusing on product synchronization and verifying that UPCs were mapped correctly.
- We checked both Shopify and Target+ portals to identify and cross-check the affected orders, ensuring all systems were properly connected.
2. Order Analysis
- We examined the order details in Shopify and Target+. While all order information was being pushed into Shopify, we noticed that tracking numbers were not being sent to Target+.
- This missing tracking information was causing Target+ to cancel orders, even though the products were being shipped and received by customers.
3. Identifying the Root Cause
- We discovered that a third-party fulfillment app, Flexport, was handling the shipping.
- Upon analyzing Flexport’s process, we learned that they were not using some of the carriers approved by Target+ (which only accepts USPS, FedEx, and UPS).
- Flexport had also recently changed their rules, no longer allowing tagging of specific carriers for each order. Instead, they suggested adding “Target” in the note section of every Shopify order destined for Target+.
- Additionally, Flexport informed us that FedEx was no longer an option for them, further limiting carrier choices.
4. Troubleshooting with Flexport
- We reached out to Flexport support, but initially encountered challenges due to limited support knowledge.
- After escalating the issue, higher-level support advised us to use Shopify Flow to automatically tag Target+ orders, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
- Flexport agreed to remove unsupported carriers and only use those approved by Target+.
5. Ongoing Issues and Resolution
- Although Flexport confirmed the fix, three days later the problem persisted. We re-engaged with Flexport, providing screenshots and additional evidence.
- Simultaneously, we opened a support case with Target+ to address orders with late notifications and missing carrier tracking information.
- We provided proof of delivery for these orders, and Target+ support was able to clear about 20% of the late orders, significantly improving the client’s situation.
6. Navigating Multi-Channel Complexities
- Flexport uses a variety of carriers, some of which are not by Target+, TikTok or Walmart, adding complexity for multi-channel sellers.
- Through persistent communication and collaboration with both Flexport and Target+, we found workarounds and ensured that orders would be processed correctly moving forward.
The Results: Happy Client, Smoother Operations 🎉
Thanks to our hands-on approach and persistent problem-solving, our client achieved 100% carrier-approved order submissions to Target+. Every order is now automatically tagged using Shopify Flow, eliminating manual work and reducing the risk of errors.
With these solutions in place, our client can confidently continue marketing and advertising on Target+ without worrying about the logistical headaches that once threatened their business. By partnering with David Ricardo Inc., they’ve unlocked smoother operations, protected their reputation, and set the stage for future growth on Target+ marketplaces.
Thank you from the client:
Kevin Corey
