Skip to main content

Upload tracking numbers for self-fulfilled orders

Easily update your dashboard with tracking details to notify supporters once their orders have shipped

This article will guide you through uploading tracking numbers for self-fulfilled or externally fulfilled orders. Follow this step-by-step guide to keep your supporters informed when their packages are on the way.

Identify orders to upload tracking numbers for​

The homepage of your admin dashboard displays how many orders are left to send (it means tracking numbers that have not yet been uploaded into your dashboard).

Dashboard homepage with arrow pointing to the You have 23 orders left to send banner

Upload order tracking numbers into your dashboard​

Step 1: Click the You have (X) orders left to send button. This will take you to the Fulfillment tab, the same area you used to export order information for shipping.

Step 2: Download the CSV report by clicking the Download CSV of unshipped orders button at the top right of the page. This report will be used to add your tracking numbers.

Fulfillment tab showing To be shipped count with Download CSV of unshipped orders button and upload area

Step 3: Open your file and enter the carrier codes and tracking numbers.

tip

Tip: For best results, use a Google Sheet when preparing your upload file.

  • Enter the Carrier Code and Tracking Number for each order.

    • Carrier Code: Ship Method (for example: FedEx, USPS, UPS)
    • Tracking Number: The tracking number provided by your carrier

  • If an order is fulfilled by mail without a tracking number, use:

    • Carrier Code: "Letter"
    • Tracking Number: "Untracked"

Spreadsheet with Carrier Code and Tracking Number columns showing FedEx, USPS, UPS entries and Letter/Untracked for untracked orders

Step 4: Make sure to save your file as CSV once all information is entered.

Step 5: Back in your admin panel under the Fulfillment tab, upload your CSV file using drag-and-drop, or click Upload CSV with tracking information and locate it on your computer.

Fulfillment page with drag-and-drop area and Upload CSV with tracking information button highlighted

When your file uploads successfully, you’ll see a green confirmation text with Friendly Order ID numbers (Column B). This means your tracking data has been successfully added.

Green confirmation showing Created fulfillment IDs with two order ID numbers listed

Troubleshooting a failed CSV upload​

If your CSV upload fails with an error and mentions invalid tracking code values, this usually means there is an issue with the Tracking Number field.

Common causes include:

  • Hidden spaces or invisible characters in the Tracking Number column
  • Special characters such as dashes, slashes, or symbols
  • CSV formatting issues caused by spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

How to fix it​

  1. Locate the row mentioned in the error message using the Order ID as a reference.
  2. Re-enter the Tracking Number manually instead of copying and pasting.
  3. Ensure the Tracking Number contains letters and numbers only with no spaces, dashes, or other characters.
  4. If you are using Excel, upload the file to Google Sheets, then download it again as a CSV before uploading.
  5. If an order does not include tracking, use:
  • Carrier Code: Letter
  • Tracking Number: Untracked

Supporters are notified that their order has shipped​

After you upload tracking information to Fourthwall, an automated email is sent to supporters once the carrier scans the package for the first time. This ensures a real-time notification experience for your supporters.

note

Note: If the tracking numbers you upload have already been delivered, no email will be sent, but the order status will still be updated accordingly.

That’s it! If you have any other questions about the self-fulfillment process, contact our team at support@fourthwall.com.