Shopify Fulfillment Network: What Is It? (Guide for 2025)

Expectations for speed, reliability and immersive delivery experiences are higher than ever today, and rightfully so. It’s 2025 and we, as consumers, should be able to get what we want, when we want it and how we want it, if we’re paying top dollar for it. Shopify understands this and seeks to keep in line with these expectations through the Shopify Fulfillment Network (SFN).

This network is a streamlined North American logistics solution designed to simplify warehousing, fulfillment, shipping, returns and omnichannel integration from within Shopify’s interface. However, this simple definition may not be sufficient to understand what it is, and more importantly, why we should care.

So, let’s dive in and get to know exactly how SFN works today, as well as all the current eligibility, pricing, technology and international shipping nuances, so you can confidently evaluate this platform for your business.

What is the Shopify Fulfillment Network?

The Shopify Fulfillment Network is a cloud-based fulfillment service powered by Shopify’s logistics partnership with Flexport. SFN connects merchants to a network of strategically located fulfillment centers across the US and Canada.

When a customer places an order on your Shopify store or supported external sales channel, SFN automatically handles storage, picking, packing (with approved branded packaging), and shipping. Returns are processed and restocked when suitable, and this is all managed within the familiar Shopify admin dashboard.

Shopify Fulfillment Network emphasizes automation, service predictability and advanced analytics, so it takes care to grant merchants access to Amazon-level efficiency without complex logistics management.

How Does Shopify Fulfillment Network Work?

Eligibility & Onboarding

SFN is available to merchants who:

Are based in the US or Canada
Average at least 1 order per day (although minimums have been relaxed in recent updates)
Manage fewer than 2,000 SKUs
Sell only non-hazardous, non-perishable, non-oversized goods (regulated product classes remain excluded)
Send inventory and fulfill exclusively via Flexport through Shopify (choosing your own 3PL for SFN orders is not supported)

Onboarding is guided step-by-step within the Shopify admin, with automated checks for eligibility and fulfillment optimization.

Sending & Allocating Inventory

You send inventory to Flexport-managed fulfillment centers as instructed by Shopify’s systems
AI-powered demand forecasting distributes inventory across the network based on predicted order locations, keeping your best-selling products closer to your customers

Order Processing & Shipping

When an order is received from the Shopify store (or eligible external marketplace), SFN finds the best fulfillment center, picks, packs and ships the item
Merchants can use branded packaging and custom packing slips, within Shopify’s official guidelines
Orders to most US addresses arrive in 2 days. Canadian coverage is comparably fast in major urban centers

Real-Time Inventory & Returns Management

Everything is visible in the Shopify admin: track inventory levels, get low-stock alerts, view order and return status, and manage restocking decisions
Returns are processed at SFN centers, inspected and restocked if eligible for resale

Key Features of Shopify Fulfillment Network

Distributed Fast Shipping
Multiple fulfillment hubs across the US and Canada for 2-day delivery to most US customers.
Smart Routing & Analytics
Machine learning optimizes inventory placement and order routing; Shopify Network Intelligence adds advanced sales and demand insights.
Unified Dashboard
Manage orders, inventory, analytics and customer communications in one place without needing to switch apps.
Integrated Omnichannel Fulfillment
SFN enables fulfillment for Shopify and select external channels (Amazon, Walmart, eBay) if requirements are met.
Retail Fulfillment Features
Buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store are available for physical retailers on eligible plans.
Returns & Support
Easy returns management, 24/7 customer service through Shopify and Flexport.

Current SFN Pricing & Fee Structure

Fee Type	Details
Program Fee	$29/month
Usage/Fulfillment	Example: $7.76/unit for an 8oz package (varies by weight and dimensions)
Storage	Free for the first 180 days, then $2.25 per cubic foot per month
Others	Additional charges for special handling, returns, re-labeling, etc.

Advantages & Disadvantages of SFN

Fee Type	Details
Logistics Off Your Plate - Let Shopify/Flexport handle the hassles of logistics and free yourself to focus solely on growing your business.	Geographic Scope - SFN is designed primarily for US and Canada merchants selling to US and Canadian customers. Select international routes are available but are not considered a core, guaranteed feature. True global fulfillment is limited.
Prime-like Speed - Rival Amazon delivery times for the majority of US buyers.	Product & Customization Constraints - Certain product types (hazardous, perishable, oversized) are disallowed. Branding options exist but are more restricted than working with a bespoke 3PL.
Tech Integration - Deep Shopify dashboard integration and analytics, with direct inventory and order management.	Omnichannel Reach - External channel fulfillment is limited to approved partners and inventory must be managed to Shopify/Flexport standards.
Scalable & Flexible - Works for small and large merchants; the minimum of 1 order/day threshold makes the network accessible even to new or niche brands.	Exclusive Flexport Partnership - All fulfillment is routed via Flexport; merchants cannot choose other 3PLs for SFN orders.
Branded Experience - Branded packaging and packing slips are available, though within clearly defined limits.
Cost-Competitive - All-in program fee and usage-based costs make it transparent and predictable.

Comparison: SFN vs. Other Fulfillment Models

Feature	Shopify Fulfillment Network	Self-Fulfillment	Traditional 3PL
Storage	Flexport-run centers	Merchant's own storage	3PL's warehouses
Picking/Packing	Automated expert staff	Self or hired staff	3PL staff
Shipping Rates	Negotiated courier rates	Postal/courier of choice	3PL rates
Branded Packaging	Available but limited	Fully customizable	Varies by 3PL
Tech Integration	Built-in into Shopify	Manual	3PL’s apps
Order Speed	2 days for most of US	Varies	Varies
Pricing	Usage-based, $29/month fee	Depends on scale	Depends on 3PL
Direct Control	Shopify/Flexport managed	Full	3PL-managed
Return Management	Automated	Manual	Varies by 3PL

Recent Updates

Shopify is nothing if not dynamic. It introduces new features on a fairly regular basis. Here are the latest updates to its offerings:

Shopify Network Intelligence powers smarter demand planning, operational insights and predictive inventory allocations in real time
Machine-learning optimizations continue to improve every stage of routing, delivery and returns
Regular incremental improvements to onboarding, analytics and cost transparency

Who Should Use SFN Now?

The Shopify Fulfillment Network stands out as a powerful solution primarily tailored for Shopify merchants operating within the United States and Canada who process at least one order per day. These businesses, whether emerging start-ups or established retailers, often seek to meet the ever-increasing consumer demand for rapid and reliable delivery, akin to the Amazon Prime experience. SFN is engineered to provide two-day shipping to most US locations without burdening merchants with the operational complexity or long-term commitments traditionally associated with building and managing an independent warehouse or negotiating individually with multiple third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

For brands focused on growth, customer satisfaction and efficiency, SFN offers a significant advantage. By leveraging Shopify’s deep integration with Flexport’s logistics infrastructure, retailers can connect their online store and, in many cases, select external channels (such as Amazon, Walmart, and eBay) into a unified omnichannel fulfillment stream. This means that inventory management, order routing, shipping and returns can all be coordinated within the Shopify admin dashboard. With the introduction of features such as “buy online, pick up in store” (BOPIS) and “ship-from-store” for connected retail locations, SFN also unlocks a higher degree of flexibility for merchants looking to bridge brick-and-mortar and digital commerce.

Shopify Fulfillment Network is particularly well-suited to brands that are comfortable working within the established boundaries of Flexport’s fulfillment processes and Shopify’s branding policies. While merchants can take advantage of branded packaging and packing slips, the customizability of the unboxing experience is guided by Shopify standards and may be less extensive than what’s available with independent 3PL providers.

Nonetheless, for many businesses, the trade-off brings substantial benefits. Predictable and scalable costs, competitive shipping rates due to Shopify’s network leverage, sophisticated AI-driven inventory distribution and access to advanced analytics via tools like Shopify Network Intelligence, which aids in demand forecasting and operational planning.

However, it’s important to recognize the limitations of SFN. The network is intentionally optimized for merchants with standard, non-regulated products. Certain item types, such as hazardous materials, perishables, or large and oddly sized goods, are excluded due to safety, legal, or operational constraints. Additionally, while SFN has expanded to support select international deliveries, these offerings remain supplemental and do not match the breadth, speed or predictability of its North American fulfillment. Merchants whose business strategy hinges on highly specialized product handling, such as luxury custom packaging, subscription box curation or products requiring unique care protocols, or who require consistent global coverage, may find SFN’s standardized structure limiting.

For scenarios where these specialized or global requirements are paramount, a hybrid logistics approach is recommended. This involves utilizing SFN as the primary engine for the majority of domestic US and Canadian orders, benefiting from its speed, integration and cost-effectiveness, while simultaneously maintaining direct contracts with third-party logistics providers that cater to specific needs not addressed by SFN. This dual-track strategy enables merchants to fulfill mainstream Shopify orders with maximum efficiency while also retaining the agility and customization necessary for niche markets, unique product lines or international expansion.

Conclusion

The Shopify Fulfillment Network provides a scalable, transparent and well-integrated fulfillment platform for North American merchants seeking fast shipping and streamlined logistics management. With AI-powered inventory placement, competitive delivery speeds, relaxed eligibility and strong Shopify dashboard integration, SFN remains a leading option for brands focused on US and Canadian growth.

Nonetheless, merchants should always confirm current pricing, eligibility requirements, supported features and new updates directly through their Shopify admin and the official Shopify Help Center before enrolling or making business-critical decisions.