How to Set Up Email Automation for New Dropshipping Orders

Email automation isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a trust-builder.

Our team found that ecommerce stores that implement post-purchase email flows see higher customer satisfaction, fewer support requests, and an increase in repeat business. In dropshipping, where shipping timelines can vary and product fulfilment is often outsourced, communication is your most powerful tool for managing expectations.

This guide walks you through how to set up automated email flows that confirm new orders, keep customers informed, and turn one-time buyers into loyal fans.

Pro Tip: Your email sequence is your silent customer service agent—make it helpful, timely, and reassuring.

Quick Guide: Key Email Automations for Dropshipping Orders

1. Order confirmation – Immediately after purchase
2. Shipping confirmation – When tracking becomes available
3. Delivery confirmation – When the package arrives
4. Follow-up / review request – Post-delivery, to gather feedback
5. Re-engagement / upsell – Weeks later, to invite another purchase

Important: In dropshipping, email is your customer’s primary source of confidence. Keep them informed at every step.

Why Email Automation Matters for Dropshipping

Dropshipping can create gaps between purchase and fulfilment. Without timely communication, customers feel neglected—or worse, scammed.

Strong email automation helps you:

• Reduce refund and chargeback requests
• Lower support ticket volume
• Reassure customers during longer shipping windows
• Build brand consistency and professionalism
• Drive repeat sales through post-purchase engagement

With the right flows in place, you stay one step ahead of your customer’s concerns.

Step 1: Choose the Right Email Automation Platform

Look for a tool that integrates smoothly with your ecommerce platform and provides automation workflows.

Top Email Automation Tools for Dropshippers:

• Klaviyo – Deep Shopify/WooCommerce integration + segmentation
• Omnisend – Ideal for small-to-medium stores with plug-and-play automation
• Shopify Email – Native and free, great for basic flows
• Mailchimp – Beginner-friendly with solid ecommerce support
• ActiveCampaign – Powerful automation with CRM features
• Flowio / PostPilot – Lightweight automation tools focused on conversion

Tip: Start with Klaviyo or Omnisend if you’re serious about ecommerce growth.

Step 2: Build Your Order Confirmation Email

This is the most critical post-purchase message—and often the first one your customer sees.

What to Include:

• Order summary with product details
• Order number and timestamp
• Customer’s name and shipping address
• Estimated processing and shipping time
• Clear next steps (e.g., “We’ll send tracking info as soon as your order ships”)
• Customer service contact info
• Reassuring language: “We’re processing your order and will update you soon.”

Subject Line Ideas:

• “Thanks for your order, [First Name] – it’s on the way!”
• “You did it. We’ve received your order 🎉”

Make sure this email sends immediately after checkout.

Step 3: Set Up a Shipping Confirmation Email

Once your dropshipping supplier provides a tracking number, notify your customer.

What to Include:

• Link to track the order
• Carrier and shipping method
• Reminder of estimated delivery window
• Tips for what to do if delivery is delayed
• Option to contact support for help

Bonus Features:

• Map-based tracking preview (if supported by your email platform)
• Link to your FAQ or returns policy

Subject Line Ideas:

• “Your order has shipped! 🎁”
• “It’s on the move—track your package here”

This email reduces WISMO (“Where is my order?”) queries and builds anticipation.

Step 4: Add a Delivery Confirmation Email

Let your customer know when their order has been marked as delivered—even if they haven’t opened the box yet.

Include:

• Confirmation of delivery location
• Reminder to check front porch / mailbox / pickup point
• Contact link in case they didn’t receive it
• Reminder about your return or replacement policy

Optional Add-On:

Invite them to share a photo or leave a review (see next step).

Subject Line Ideas:

• “Your order has been delivered! How did we do?”
• “Package delivered—let us know what you think!”

This message adds another layer of transparency and opens the door for feedback.

Step 5: Follow Up With a Review or Feedback Request

Once the dust settles, it’s the perfect time to ask for a review—or suggest related products.

Best Timing:

Send 5–7 days after delivery (depending on product type and use case)

Include:

• Link to leave a product review
• Photo upload option (UGC is gold!)
• Discount code or loyalty points as a thank-you
• Reminder of your brand mission or story

Subject Line Ideas:

• “Loving your purchase? Tell us what you think.”
• “Got a minute? Help us get better + enjoy 10% off your next order.”

Use tools like Loox, Judge.me, or Yotpo to automate review collection.

Step 6: Create a Re-Engagement Flow

Don’t let a new customer become a one-time buyer. Add them to a long-term nurture sequence.

Trigger Timing:

2–3 weeks after their first order, if no second purchase is detected.

Flow Ideas:

• Personalised product recommendations
• Bestsellers from the same category
• “Did you forget this?” based on browsing behaviour
• Invite to join your VIP club, loyalty programme, or social media community

Subject Line Ideas:

• “We picked these just for you…”
• “Ready for round two? Here’s 15% off.”

Best Practices for Email Automation Success

• Use dynamic content for order-specific details (name, items, tracking)
• Segment your audience by order history, location, or product type
• Optimise for mobile—over 60% of email opens happen on phones
• Add your brand voice to every message (don’t sound like a robot)
• Test subject lines and send times for better open rates
• Monitor engagement metrics (opens, clicks, replies, conversions)

And always include a clear unsubscribe option—it’s not just legal, it’s respectful.

Tools to Enhance Your Post-Purchase Emails

These tools let you create sequences that scale with your business.

Warning: Don’t overload customers with too many emails too soon. Space out your messages and keep them relevant. If your automation feels spammy, it defeats the purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ecommerce Email Automation

1. Can I set this up even if I use dropshipping suppliers like AliExpress?

Yes. Tools like DSers and AutoDS sync order and tracking data with platforms like Shopify, triggering email flows automatically.

2. What if I don’t have tracking info right away?

Send an email confirming the order is “being processed,” and set expectations. Follow up again once tracking is available.

3. How many emails should I send per order?

Aim for 4–5 key emails: confirmation, shipping, delivery, review request, and optional re-engagement.

4. Is it worth automating if I only get a few orders per week?

Yes! Automation saves time, ensures consistency, and builds your brand—even at a small scale.

5. What’s the best time of day to send post-purchase emails?

Early afternoon in the customer’s local time zone usually sees strong open rates. Test and adjust based on your audience.

Communicate Clearly, Automate Intelligently

In the world of dropshipping, where fulfilment can feel disconnected, your post-purchase emails bridge the gap between transaction and experience.

Set expectations, reassure customers, and keep them informed—automatically. When you build a strong post-purchase flow, you reduce support requests, build loyalty, and create a branded journey your customers will remember.

Start with your order confirmation. Then layer in tracking updates, feedback requests, and long-term relationship building. Automation makes it all possible—and sustainable.