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Top 3 Best Order Fulfillment for Big Cartel

In this article
The end of seller shipping
The Solution: Integrated TikTok Shop logistics
Critical action for Shopify users
Join us before the deadline and save

What is Big Cartel?

Are you an independent artist? If so, have you ever thought about using Big Cartel? On their website, they promote themselves as “Easy online stores for artists & makers.” This is an eCommerce platform where you can create an online store, add product catalogs, list different product options, develop product descriptions, display art, accept credit card payments, and run promotions. They have helped artists since 2005 sell art, clothing, prints, jewelry, clothing, and more. It is a website built “for artists, by artists” according to Big Cartel with the goal to make Big Cartel empowering for anyone who uses it. And when it comes to site design, you can customize your eCommerce store using several free themes with the simple and user friendly website builder!

What is Order Fulfillment?

Order fulfillment is the process which gets your product from your warehouse, to your customer. The process includes inventory receiving, storing, processing, picking and packing, and transporting the items to the shipping address of the customer. The efficiency of this is measured in the time it takes for an order to get to the customer’s porch once processed. While some large retail companies can afford to build out their logistical processes including purchasing a warehouse, buying equipment and trucks, and hiring a team to manage their fulfillment process, many smaller companies prefer to use a third-party order fulfillment provider instead who has already created this logistical structure.

How Does the Big Cartel Fulfillment Process Work?

When handling your shipping through Big Cartel, you will need to work with a fulfillment provider as Big Cartel does not currently have warehouse operations available to its users. Once you have identified a fulfillment provider, you will need to send your order from Big Cartel to the fulfilling warehouse. This happens after the payment process is completed by the customer and an order generated. If you work with companies who directly integrate into Big Cartel, this process is highly streamlined. You can simply send your order to a fulfillment provider with a click of a button instead of using a more manual process outside of your eCommerce store.

What Does A Big Cartel Order Fulfillment Provider Do?

A fulfillment provider for Big Cartel will help you enhance the customer experience. They make it so you can get your orders shipped to the right place, on time, with a high quality of packaging and handling. Which means your products get to your customers safely and they have a great experience with your store.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Big Cartel Order Fulfillment Service?

If you use Big Cartel as your website, you’ll likely want to use a fulfillment service who can integrate directly into your program. This means a higher rate of tracking for order shipping, more shipping options, and less manual processes which can lead to lost orders. When you use a fulfillment service your company puts its best foot forward for the customer, and often generates recurring business. Because if someone has a great experience with you, they are highly likely to purchase from you again. Need a fulfillment provider? Check out ShipHero!

Factors to Consider While Selecting an Order Fulfillment Partner for Big Cartel

There are several factors to consider when searching for the right order fulfillment partner for your eCommerce business. Below are the top seven factors we recommend you consider.

eCommerce Platform Integration

Fulfillment for your business works best when your fulfillment provider integrates directly into your online store. This integration is important, it connects your business systems together so you can handle order processing in one place. It gives you the advantage by allowing your brand to keep up when many customers convert on multiple channels at once. Which means you can see your customers orders, inventory, sales, marketing, and accounting in one place, and helps you eliminate manual data entry.

Order Fulfillment Speed

In a world of single day and two day shipping, waiting any longer can stop your customers from completing orders, and send them looking elsewhere. The speed of your fulfillment is a huge factor when customers make the decision to return to your store. While on the search for order fulfillment providers, the speed at which they deliver your product should be a considerable factor in the partner you choose.

Storage and Fulfillment Fees

When you work with a fulfillment provider, you purchase space within their warehouse. Some fulfillment services charge for storage, by the item when shipped, or by monthly average order volume. You can count on your fees being roughly $3 to $5 per item on average. Though this tends to get higher when demand for fulfillment providers is at its peak. When you store inventory with a fulfillment partner, they will likely utilize different fees for different aspects of your inventory.

Pricing

As you hunt for the perfect fulfillment partner, you can ask for a breakdown of costs to understand exactly what you’ll be paying and why. The best fulfillment partners will look at your current fulfillment spend, compare it to your needs, and help you find a process which saves you money and returns more margin to your pocket. Additional costs for fulfillment providers may include storage costs, inventory levels, distribution costs, bin occupation, palletizing costs, and much more. Though many companies find these fees preferred to the cost of setting up their own logistical operation.

Returns Management

A good fulfillment provider can help you navigate the road to returns with return automation, warranties, and exchanges. The hassle of returns can quickly turn off a customer. If they have a bad experience with your product, then have a bad return experience, you can almost guarantee they won’t purchase from you again. A fulfillment provider who can help you with returns management in your eCommerce business can make all the difference.

Multichannel Integration

With a multichannel integration you can sell online, instore, on Amazon, on Etsy, and many other locations. Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Google, and Walmart are key places to sell and a prime example of multichannel retailers. Which means you need to have the ability to connect different systems or platforms involved in your eCommerce business together so you can streamline between them and create a consistent shopping experience.

Ease of Use

Using your fulfillment providers platform shouldn’t be hard. You should never be confused about where orders go or struggle to set up your logistical processes. Keep ease of use in mind when searching for a fulfillment provider. The goal of this solution is to take work off your plate and give you back time, and a complicated fulfillment solution, likely won’t give you that relief.

How We Chose the Best Big Cartel Fulfillment Companies

As we looked at fulfillment provider options for Big Cartel, we looked at several factors. The above seven to be specific with an emphasis on the ability to integrate into your store. Based on our findings, below are the three best Big Cartel fulfillment providers for your store.

Best Big Cartel Fulfillment Companies

1. ShipHero

If you want to dump the headache of running your own warehouse, or if you want to run your warehouse more efficiently, ShipHero has a solution. With both a steller warehouse management system (WMS) and a fully outsourced fulfillment option their clients have peace of mind. The warehouse management system (WMS) streamlines your warehouse's entire processes and procedures to increase efficiency and cut costs.

Pros

With ShipHero you get a fully outsourced fulfillment solution with a user-friendly software interface. Plus, they focus on giving you 30% faster shipping times and can integrate directly into your Big Cartel store. And on top of all that, they have a highly rated client response team which provides you with a fulfillment expert to help with any questions or concerns in your supply chain.

Cons

There are no costs listed on the website, and if you’d like to get a cost you need to go through their quote process. This can be confusing for users who want to see pricing listed on the site but isn’t listed because ShipHero would prefer to customize your pricing to your needs.

Pricing

With ShipHero you can request pricing directly on the site and receive a demo and a customized quote to your needs. Plus your quote will have pick, pack, box & postage fees built into the fees so you don’t have to worry about the separate cost of those items. Find out more about ShipHero’s Fulfillment Solution!

2. Fulfyld

This fulfillment provider has a direct BigCartel integration. They are an eCommerce service focused on helping eCommerce businesses handle everything from storage selection, to picking, packing, and fulfilling. They can help with your subscription box fulfillment and simplify your fulfillment processes by distributing inventory to the most effective location based on your client order history.

Pros

With Fulfyld, you will experience seamless integration into your Big Cartel store. This platform is easy to use, offers you simple, transparent pricing, and free shopping cart and marketplace integrations. They are focused on helping you succeed and have a highly effective support team.

Cons

According to reviews, tracking numbers are said to be slower to update, and if lost inventory does occur, claims tracking can be tricky to work through as well.

Pricing

With Fulfyld you get flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. Though they don’t have pricing listed on their website, you can request a free quote. They will give you a clear list of what is included in your pricing as well as detail out each part of the fees you’ll be paying.

3. Printful

For those of you looking for a dropshipping, print-on-demand model for your store, Printful is a great solution. Because of their print-on-demand model, Printful will manage your inventory counts and shipping rates and various shipping options with no upfront costs, you only pay when you make a sale. Plus, they help you make personalized products to list in your store!

Pros

With Printful, you can list your product options and fulfill them through their print-on-demand model, or you can use Printful to make your products. Their website can help you design, print, or embroider any logo or picture you sell. Plus they have several print centers globally so they can support your business worldwide.

Cons

Printful does not hold any inventory, which can present a problem if your customer needs something right away but the materials are scarce.

Pricing

Printful has highly transparent pricing. It’s free to sign up then as you add products to your store you will see the pricing to make and ship those products to your customer. If you approve, you can get that product listed with your markup added! Check out ShipHero’s Fulfillment Solution!

Final Thoughts

Your fulfillment provider matters. You need to choose the right provider to fit your business, and the marketplace you plan to utilize. eCommerce is a continually challenging field which ebbs and flows continually. Picking the right fulfillment partner will allow you to survive those waves!

Order Fulfillment for Big Cartel FAQs

How Long Does Big Cartel Take to Ship?

This is depending on the fulfillment provider you choose to work with. When you receive an order in Big Cartel you have the power to mark the order as “shipped” almost immediately, which, with the email address they entered at checkout, will trigger a tracking email to your client, but this is why it’s key to have your fulfillment provider integrated directly into your store. Because your clients may not get accurate shipping information if this is a manual process.

Does Big Cartel Provide Shipping Labels?

Yes, you can do this. Once your shop is connected you can print a packing slip from the Orders tab in Big Cartel. Here is the help article on how to do so.

Can I Link Printful to Big Cartel?

Yes! Printful has a direct integration into Big Cartel so you can start selling clothing, accessories, art, and other merchandise through your eCommerce store with no order minimums. You can connect Printful to Big Cartel by going to your Printful Dashboard and navigating to the Stores menu where you select and add your Big Cartel store.

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January 22, 2026

Is Your 3PL Prepared For Tiktok’s New Shipping Requirements?

Executive Summary: Secure your revenue and protect your clients

TikTok Shop is discontinuing "seller shipping" on February 25, 2026, a move that will halt fulfillment for any 3PL using non-integrated legacy technology. ShipHero's WMS is fully integrated and approved to support TikTok Shop’s new logistics requirements, allowing you to generate compliant labels and avoid a total operational lockout. By migrating to ShipHero before the deadline, 3PLs can eliminate onboarding fees and ensure their clients’ businesses remain active and profitable.

What changed for your clients?

Starting February 25, 2026, TikTok Shop is officially discontinuing "seller shipping" (also known as "bring your own label") for all U.S. local sellers.

This means your clients can no longer use their own carrier accounts for TikTok orders. 

As their 3PL, you will be unable to generate labels unless your WMS is directly integrated with TikTok’s new ecosystem. To keep your clients' businesses running, you must transition them to TikTok Shop Logistics Services through a verified partner.

Your current WMS is a bottleneck

ShipHero can keep your 3PL orders flowing from February 25 onwards. 

If you are running your warehouse on legacy systems like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa, you are at risk of a complete TikTok Shop lockout. Your fulfillment—and your revenue—will simply stop that day.

Don’t leave your operations at risk

TikTok's latest policy creates a massive bottleneck for 3PLs using legacy technology.

  • Client Churn: If your WMS is not integrated, your clients will be forced to move to a 3PL that can support their growth.

  • Account Health Stakes: Failure to adapt risks shipping delays that kill customer loyalty and lead to client account suspensions.

  • Critical Action: If you currently funnel your clients' TikTok orders into Shopify and then to your WMS, that workflow will break.

Join us before the deadline and save

To help 3PLs transition quickly and stay compliant, we are waiving all onboarding fees for new customers who join ShipHero before February 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a 3PL owner. How do I know if my WMS is compliant?

There are only 6 approved ERP/WMS providers globally that meet TikTok’s new integration standards. ShipHero WMS is on that list. Legacy providers like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa are not currently approved. To avoid a total operational blackout for your clients, you must move to a verified partner like ShipHero.

Can my clients still use their own carrier accounts?

No. Starting February 25, TikTok will discontinue seller shipping. All shipping must go through TikTok Shop Logistics Services.

Do I have to send my clients' inventory to TikTok warehouses?

No. You can still manage fulfillment from your own 3PL warehouse using ShipHero’s direct integration, which pulls the required TikTok labels and logic directly into your existing workflow.

What happens if we don't switch by February 25?

You will lose the ability to generate shipping labels for any TikTok Shop order. This will result in immediate fulfillment backlogs, client dissatisfaction, and potential loss of contracts.

Is ShipHero ready for this change right now?

Yes. ShipHero is the only U.S. based WMS currently supporting these requirements, allowing 3PLs to continue shipping without interruption.

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January 22, 2026

How Brands Can Avoid a TikTok Shop Blackout: Stay Shipping After February 25

Executive Summary

TikTok Shop is introducing mandatory logistics changes that will stop fulfillment for unprepared sellers on February 25, 2026.

ShipHero's WMS is fully integrated and approved to support TikTok Shop’s new logistics requirements, ensuring your orders keep moving without interruption. By switching to ShipHero before the deadline, brands can maintain compliance and eliminate onboarding fees during this transition. Here’s everything brands need to know to continue fulfilling orders.

The end of seller shipping

Starting February 25, 2026, TikTok Shop will discontinue "seller shipping" for all U.S. local sellers. This means you can no longer use your own carrier accounts to generate labels for TikTok orders. To stay compliant and keep selling, brands must transition to TikTok Shop Logistics Services. 

Relying on legacy systems like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa puts your business at risk of account suspension and shipping delays that kill customer loyalty.

If your current WMS or 3PL is not integrated with TikTok Shop Logistics Services, you will face a total fulfillment blackout on that date. Failure to adapt to these changes risks shipping delays that kill customer loyalty and can lead to account suspension on the platform.

For brands onboarding on or after February 9, 2026, these restrictions are already in effect. 

The Solution: Integrated TikTok Shop logistics

ShipHero has done the due diligence and has built a direct integration to ensure that merchants can fulfill TikTok Shop orders themselves while remaining fully compliant with TikTok’s new label requirements.

  • Integrated label generation: ShipHero is one of only two WMS platforms globally and the only one in the U.S. integrated to handle the new TikTok logistics flow.
  • Direct store connections: Our software provides a direct TikTok Shop connection to automate the transition and remove manual workarounds.
  • Automated Rate Shopping: We compare carrier rates for every package to find the optimal route, protecting your profit margins even under the new policy.

Join us before the deadline and save

To help brands and 3PLs transition quickly and stay compliant, we are waiving all onboarding fees for new customers who join ShipHero before February 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

I use a WMS, how do I know if I can continue to fulfill TikTok orders? 

Currently, there are only 6 approved ERP/WMS providers globally that meet TikTok’s new integration standards. ShipHero WMS is on that list. If you are using legacy providers like Extensiv, Deposco, or Logiwa, they are not currently approved to support these specific TikTok Shop requirements. To avoid a total operational blackout, you must move to a verified partner like ShipHero before the deadline.

Can I still use my own carrier accounts for TikTok Shop?

No. Starting February 25, TikTok will discontinue seller shipping. You must use TikTok Shop Logistics Services.

What are my main options for TikTok Shop fulfillment? 

You can use Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) to store and ship items through their network, switch to one of the six approved ERP/WMS systems, or use ShipHero's direct integration.

Do I have to use Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)?

You must use TikTok Shop Logistics Services, but with ShipHero, you can still manage the fulfillment from your own warehouse using TikTok’s required labels and logic.

What happens if I keep using my Shopify-to-TikTok connection?

This connection type will not support the new label requirements. You must switch to a direct TikTok Shop connection within ShipHero to avoid fulfillment interruptions.

Is ShipHero ready for this change right now?

Yes. ShipHero is currently the only U.S. based WMS that supports these requirements, allowing our customers to continue shipping without interruption.

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September 9, 2025

How AI is Transforming Warehouse Management: Impact, Benefits, and Use Cases

Imagine running a warehouse where orders are picked quickly, inventory is accurate, and all operations run smoothly without any errors or delays. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, this can now become a reality with ease.

AI is transforming warehouse management by enhancing efficiency, intelligence, and the ability to meet the rapid demands of today’s eCommerce-driven market.

ShipHero is pioneering this revolution with its AI-powered warehouse solutions, setting new industry benchmarks. This article explores ShipHero’s AI Picking feature, highlighting how it’s transforming warehouse management and enhancing operational efficiency.

Benefits of AI in Warehouse Management

The integration of AI technologies, including machine learning, robotics, and predictive analytics, is revolutionizing warehouse operations, driving significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance. These innovations are optimizing processes across various areas, from inventory management to order fulfillment. Below are the key benefits of AI in warehouse management.

  • Improves efficiency: By automating routine tasks, AI speeds up warehouse operations and streamlines workflows.
  • Reduces operational costs: With AI automating repetitive tasks, businesses can save on labor costs and minimize errors.
  • Enhances inventory management: AI ensures that inventory is always accurate, with real-time updates and better control over stock levels.
  • Predicts demand: AI accurately predicts demand, enabling businesses to manage inventory effectively and avoid stockouts or excess stock.

Key Components of AI-Driven Warehouse Systems

A combination of AI technologies is shaping smarter warehouse systems to help revolutionize warehouse management.

  • Inventory Management Systems – AI-powered inventory management systems ensure that stock levels are continuously updated and accurately tracked to improve operational efficiency and minimize errors in inventory counts.
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – Automated vehicles (AGVs) optimize routing by quickly transporting goods, speeding up processing times, and improving throughput.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – RPA automates repetitive tasks like picking, sorting, and shipping to allow 24/7 warehouse operations with minimal human intervention.
  • Predictive Analytics and Demand Forecasting – AI tools predict demand accurately, ensuring optimal inventory levels and reducing stockouts or overstocking.

ShipHero’s AI Picking: A Game Changer in Warehouse Efficiency

ShipHero has taken AI integration to the next level with its AI Picking feature, designed to significantly improve warehouse efficiency. This feature automates the picking process, reducing the reliance on manual labor and enhancing productivity in ways that were once thought impossible.

Let’s dive deeper into how ShipHero’s AI Picking works and the advantages it offers.

How AI Picking Works

AI Picking optimizes warehouse operations in two key ways:

  • AI Path Optimization: By calculating the most efficient routes, walking time is reduced by up to 30%, allowing pickers to spend more time fulfilling orders.
  • Smart Batching: Orders are intelligently grouped to maximize pick density, minimizing trips while speeding up processing times.

Benefits of AI Picking

The AI Picking feature delivers a wide range of benefits:

    Increased Productivity: With optimized paths and smart batching, pickers can fulfill more orders in less time, dramatically increasing throughput.Lower Labor Costs: AI Picking reduces the need for human labor, cutting operational costs.Improved Warehouse Efficiency: Path optimization and smart batching maximize space and resources, streamlining operations.

Broader Impacts of AI in Warehouse Management

The transformative power of AI extends far beyond just picking. AI is also revolutionizing other aspects of warehouse management, driving improvements in operational efficiency, inventory management, and safety.

Operational Efficiency

AI automates tasks, reducing errors and increasing speed. Automated sorting and real-time inventory tracking ensure accuracy, while real-time monitoring helps managers adapt and ensure timely deliveries.

Inventory Management

AI plays a vital role in maintaining accurate inventory levels. By leveraging predictive analytics, AI can forecast demand and optimize stock levels, helping warehouses avoid both stockouts and overstock situations. This leads to better inventory management and fewer disruptions in supply chains.

Safety and Compliance

AI-driven systems can monitor warehouse conditions to ensure safety and compliance with industry regulations. These systems can analyze warehouse data and predict potential hazards before they occur, proactively reducing risks and ensuring a safer working environment.

Applications of AI in Supply Chain and Logistics

AI technologies are playing a transformative role in the supply chain and logistics sectors by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing decision-making.

These intelligent systems effortlessly manage supply chain processes by using data to optimize operations, predict trends, and automate routine tasks. This ultimately reshapes everything, from how goods are moved to stored and delivered.

  • Inventory Optimization: AI analyzes sales data, trends, and external factors to optimize stock levels. This reduces stockouts, overstocking, and excess inventory, ensuring more accurate and cost-effective inventory management.
  • Demand Forecasting: AI helps predict future demand by analyzing historical data and market conditions. This allows businesses to plan inventory, production, and procurement more efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring product availability.
  • Route Planning and Optimization: AI also optimizes delivery routes by considering real-time factors, including traffic and weather conditions. This helps businesses reduce fuel costs, improve delivery times, and enhance overall logistics efficiency.
  • Warehouse Automation: AI-powered robots can automate picking, sorting, and packing in warehouses. This increases accuracy, reduces labor costs, and enhances order fulfillment speed, eventually improving overall warehouse efficiency.

The Future of AI in Warehouse Management

The future of warehouse management looks promising with greater automation and efficiency, but future warehouse digitization brings challenges, such as high upfront costs and the need for skilled personnel.

Emerging Trends and Innovations

AI-powered drones, autonomous robots, and IoT integration are smart warehouse technologies that are revolutionizing warehouse operations. Drones will deliver goods quickly, while robots automate sorting and transportation, thereby reducing the need for manual labor.

IoT and AI integration will enable real-time monitoring and optimization of operations. Smart technology in warehouses is leading to fully automated systems that are faster, scalable, and need minimal human input.

Challenges and Considerations

While AI offers immense benefits, businesses must also consider certain challenges. High initial investments in AI technology, data security concerns, and the need for skilled personnel are just a few of the hurdles that must be addressed.

However, with a strategic approach, companies can eliminate the challenges and embrace AI’s full potential to boost accuracy in picking and improve overall warehouse operations.

Key Takeaways

  • AI is transforming warehouse management by making operations faster, more accurate, and cost-effective.
  • ShipHero’s AI Picking system demonstrates how AI can help warehouses handle more orders, cut down on labor costs, and streamline their processes.
  • AI improves routing, aids decision-making, and ensures timely stock replenishment, helping businesses stay competitive in eCommerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can AI help in reducing warehouse errors?

AI minimizes error by automating tasks like inventory tracking, order picking, and sorting, ensuring greater accuracy and efficiency.

Can AI be used for predictive analytics in warehouse management?

Yes, AI-driven predictive analytics can predict demand, track inventory levels, and improve supply chain efficiency by forecasting needs with greater accuracy to help businesses stay ahead of trends and market fluctuations.

Is AI in warehouse management affordable for small businesses?

AI solutions are becoming more cost-effective thanks to cloud-based services and subscription pricing models. These options make AI technology more accessible to small businesses, allowing them to take advantage of its benefits without large upfront costs.

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