How to Change Order Number in Shopify: A Quick and Easy Tutorial

Changing order numbers in Shopify can be helpful for Shopify store owners looking to better organize their order management or align their system with specific accounting practices. While Shopify doesn’t allow direct manual editing of order numbers, there are workarounds that enable you to customize the format of your order IDs. 

In this quick and easy tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps to adjust your order number settings using Shopify’s built-in features. For example, you can add prefixes or suffixes, and alter the starting number to keep your orders organized and your processes running smoothly.

Order Numbers in Shopify: An Overview

In Shopify, each order is automatically assigned a unique, sequential order number to keep your orders organized and easy to track. However, due to Shopify's multi-step process, you may occasionally notice gaps in the sequence. This happens when an order is initiated but not completed, causing the system to skip a number. While this is normal, it can create small inconsistencies in the order sequence.

Why Shopify Order Numbers Can’t Be Changed

Shopify assigns each new order a unique number, starting at 1001 and increasing sequentially with each order—1002, 1003, and so on. But why can’t you change these order numbers? Shopify uses them for accurate tracking and reporting. Once an order number is generated, it becomes a part of the record, ensuring consistency.

While you can’t change the order numbers directly, you can add prefixes, suffixes, or other identifiers. This gives you flexibility for branding and organization without disrupting the main sequence, allowing you to personalize your store’s order system while keeping everything in sync with Shopify’s structure.

Alternative Ways For How to Change Order Number On Shopify 

While you can’t directly change the Shopify order numbers, there are three ways to add your unique touch and make order tracking a bit easier. Here’s how:

Adding a Prefix or Suffix

Adding a prefix or suffix to your order numbers is a quick way to personalize them. This customization can make your orders stand out and help with organization. Here’s a simple guide to adding prefixes or suffixes:

• Step 1: From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > General.

• Step 2: Scroll down to the Order ID section and click to edit.

• Step 3: Add your prefix (like “ORD-”) or suffix (like “-2024”) to the order number format fields. Then, click “Save” to update. 

Using a Third-Party App 

If you want more customization options, you can explore some third-party Shopify apps. These apps give you more control over order numbers, allowing you to apply custom formats and even assign unique identifiers.

• Step 1: Go to the Shopify App Store and search for order management or order number customizer apps.

• Step 2: Find an app that fits your needs and budget—many options are available, so browse reviews and features to pick the best one.

Some useful Shopify apps that allow customization of order numbers for your store. For example, with Cleverific Order Editor: 

• Cleverific Order Editor – With this app, you can make edits to order details, including adjusting order numbers for easier tracking. You have two editing options: Advanced Mode and Quick Mode. Each one offers different editing features, so let's focus on Advanced Mode and walk through it step-by-step:
  • Open the Order you want to edit
  • Go to More Actions and select Edit Order
  • Verify in the top right corner of the editor that you’re in Advanced Mode. If not, click the toggle to switch from Quick Mode to Advanced Mode.

• OrderlyPrint: This app is designed to streamline order printing and fulfillment, and it allows you to add prefixes or suffixes to order numbers. 

• Editify ‑ Order Editor: It’s a great choice if you’re looking for the flexibility to make your order numbering unique and meaningful for your business needs.

Changing Order Information (Tags, Notes, etc.)

You can still make orders easier to track by adding tags or notes. This way lets you categorize orders and create a personalized system within Shopify:

• Step 1: In your Shopify admin, go to the Orders page.

• Step 2: Click on an order to open its details.

• Step 3: Use the tags or notes section to add custom tags like “Priority,” “Wholesale,” or “Gift,” and write notes for specific details or reminders.

How to View and Organize Shopify Orders

Here’s a simple guide to viewing and organizing your Shopify orders. Organizing your orders can really help keep your workflow smooth and manageable!

Viewing Order Timeline

The order timeline provides a detailed history of each order, helping you keep track of its progress and communicate with customers if needed. Follow these steps to view the order timeline:

• Step 1: From your Shopify admin, click on “Orders.”

• Step 2: Click on the order number or customer name for the order you want to review.

• Step 3: Once you’re in the order details, scroll to the Timeline section. Here, you’ll see every action taken with this order, from the moment it was created until now. 

Sorting and Filtering Orders

You can sort by criteria, such as date, status, or tags, to find exactly what you need. Here’s how:

• Step 1: In your Shopify admin, click on “Orders” to open your order list.

• Step 2: Click any column header to sort your orders. For instance, clicking on “Payment Status” will group orders by paid, pending, refunded, etc.

• Step 3: Use the filter options by specific criteria. For example, you might filter by Order Status (open, closed, or archived), Date Range, or Fulfillment Status.

Additional Features for Managing Orders

Here’s a guide to some extra features Shopify offers for managing orders effectively. These tips will help you handle orders in multiple currencies and communicate directly with customers when needed.

Checking Order Currency

Shopify will display orders in your store’s default currency in the admin. However, you can still view how much the customer paid in their chosen currency. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Go to Order and click the order you want to review.

• Step 2: In the Paid section of the order details, you’ll see the amount the customer paid in their currency.

• Step 3: Scroll down to the Payment section to confirm the amount in the customer’s currency.

Contacting Customers About Their Orders

Communicating with customers about their orders can build trust and improve their shopping experience. Shopify makes it easy to reach out via email or phone. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Find the Orders tab on the left sidebar and click on it.

• Step 2: Click on the customer you want to contact.
• Step 3: In the order details, look for the customer’s name and contact info. Click the customer’s email address to open a new message box.

• Step 4: Write your message and preview it by clicking “Review email.”

• Step 5: Click “Send Email” to email the customer.

So, when to Contact Customers:

• Shipping delays: If an order is delayed, reach out to keep them updated.
• Out-of-Stock items: Inform them if an item is out of stock and suggest alternatives.
• Order confirmations: For larger or unusual orders, a quick confirmation can prevent issues.
• Shipping updates: Notify customers of their order’s shipping status or tracking details.

In Conclusion

Shopify doesn’t let you directly change order numbers, there are a few simple ways to customize and organize them. Adding prefixes or suffixes, trying out third-party apps, and using tags or notes can make your order management smoother and more personalized. With a few adjustments, you’ll have an organized system that fits your unique needs, making it easier to manage your store and keep things running smoothly.

FAQs 

How do I edit my order ID in Shopify?

You can't directly change or edit the order ID in Shopify, as it's automatically assigned by Shopify’s system. However, you can add prefixes or suffixes to order numbers, or use third-party apps to customize them.

How do you change an order on Shopify?

To make changes to an order in Shopify, go to your Orders page, select the specific order, and make updates like adding tags, notes, or adjusting the order details. If you need to change items, quantities, or offer discounts, use the “Edit” button in the order view.

What is the order sequence number in Shopify?

The order sequence number in Shopify is a unique number that starts at 1001 and goes up by one for each new order. This number keeps orders in sequential order for easy tracking. Note that even test orders count towards this sequence, so gaps may appear if test orders are deleted.

What is the default order number for Shopify?

Shopify’s default starting order number is 1001, with each new order automatically assigned the next sequential number. If you want to customize the order format, you can easily add prefixes, suffixes, or use apps to create more personalized numbering options.

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• How to Delete an Order on Shopify?
• How to Add a Tracking Number on Shopify?