Purchasing · Odoo glossary
Dropshipping
Understand dropshipping, its supplier-to-customer fulfilment flow, and how Odoo connects sales orders, supplier purchases and direct deliveries.
Definition
In general ERP practice
Dropshipping is a fulfilment arrangement in which a seller accepts a customer order and a supplier ships the goods directly to that customer. The goods do not pass through the seller’s own warehouse for that delivery.
The seller still needs to coordinate the commercial order, supplier purchase and delivery evidence. Direct shipment changes the physical route; it does not remove the need to track whether the customer received the correct goods.
In Odoo
Odoo supports a Dropship route for products. The product needs an appropriate vendor configuration and must be available for selling and purchasing. A sales order for a dropshipped product generates a related request for quotation.
Confirming the supplier request creates a purchase order and a linked dropship transfer. The transfer records movement from the supplier to the customer rather than receipt into the company’s stock location. The associated sales and purchase records let users follow the direct-delivery process.
The direct-delivery flow
Customer order
The seller confirms the requested product and delivery address.
Supplier purchase
The seller arranges supply with the supplier.
Direct delivery
The supplier sends the goods to the customer; the transfer must be recorded.
Dropshipping versus replenishing stock
Buying products into your warehouse replenishes your own stock position. A dropship order fulfils the customer through a direct supplier delivery. Review the route and destination address so that the intended physical flow is reflected in the system.
Official Odoo documentation
The Odoo-specific explanation above is based on the documentation for Odoo 19. Features and workflows can differ in other versions.
Related glossary terms
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