If you run a store, mini warehouse, or fulfillment centre, “dispatch” is the moment everything becomes real, the moment an order leaves your space for delivery.

In this guide, We’ll break down the meaning of dispatch in warehousing, the full dispatch process in warehouse, and a simple workflow mirroring ours, that you can apply.

warehouse fulfilment center

Dispatch Warehouse Meaning

Dispatching in a warehouse means the outbound process of preparing an order and releasing it from the warehouse to a rider or courier for delivery.

That usually includes: confirming the order, allocating stock, picking items, packing, labeling, documenting the outgoing stock, and handing it over for delivery.

Important Read To Understand Dispatch Holistically: What is Dispatch in Logistics? Definition, Process & Why It Matters


Step-by-Step Dispatch Process in Warehouse

Running a small stockroom or a proper fulfillment centre, the steps don’t change much. What changes is how strict you are with checks, documentation, and tracking.

Here’s the practical warehouse dispatch process you can standardize in 2026:


1. Order comes in (Order capture)

Order enters your system from; Website checkout, Instagram/WhatsApp order, B2B call-in order, Marketplace, etc.


2. Confirm payment + delivery terms

  • Is it paid?
  • Is it Cash on Delivery?
  • Is delivery fee paid or “pay on arrival”?
  • Any important delivery instructions?


3. Stock allocation (Reserve the item)

Stock allocation means you “hold” the items for that order so you or your staff don’t mistakenly promise the same last unit to two customers.

In bigger setups, a WMS (Warehouse Management System) handles this automatically.


4. Picking (Collect items from storage)

This is where accuracy matters most. Ensure the; Order ID, SKU / product name, Quantity, and Variations (size/color), etc, are correct to avoid mistakes.

Picking can be:
  • Single order picking: pick one order at a time (best for low volume).
  • Batch picking: pick multiple orders in one walk (best for higher volume).


5. Quality check (Before packing)

Quick checks save you returns:
  • Correct item + correct variation
  • Condition is okay (no stains, cracks, leaks)
  • Expiry date (for consumables)


6. Packing (Protect the item + make it deliverable)

Packing is not decoration. It’s protection and professionalism.

In warehouse operations, packing includes choosing the right carton/poly mailer, adding protective material, sealing, and preparing the final parcel for labeling and shipping.


7. Labeling + documentation

This is where the order becomes trackable.

Typical label information:
  • Customer name + phone
  • Delivery address
  • Order ID
  • Package count (1/1, 1/2, 2/2)

This can be done digitally or on paper or both.


8. Courier handover (Dispatch handoff)

This is the actual “dispatch moment.”


9. Inventory deduction + status update

Once it leaves your warehouse, stock should reduce immediately.

Status updates you can use:
  • Order Processing
  • Dispatched (In Transit)
  • Delivered / Failed delivery

“Update inventory” and “communicate status” as part of completing the order properly.


A Simple Real-World Dispatch Workflow In Nigeria

Here's what happens behind the scenes when an order comes in for small operations:
  1. Order confirmed (item, address, phone number and possibly payment or payment method). In this stage someone usually calls to confirm dispatch readiness from the customer before proceeding.
  2. Storekeeper allocates stock
  3. Picker or storekeeper picks (correct SKU/quantity) then Pack and label the items properly
  4. Rider handover, the package is given to a dispatch an in-house rider or 3PL courier. (Sign-out in a dispatch register)
  5. Inventory deduction + mark as dispatched
This “pick, pack, ship” flow is the core of outbound fulfillment. After dispatch, delivery is the ultimate goal and if this simple processes are followed, successful deliveries follow almost all the time.


Dispatch Checklist For Small Warehouses & Fulfillment Centres

  • ✅ Order confirmed (item, address, phone)
  • ✅ Payment confirmed / COD confirmed
  • ✅ Stock allocated
  • ✅ Picked correctly (SKU + quantity)
  • ✅ Quality checked
  • ✅ Packed securely
  • ✅ Labeled with order ID + customer details
  • ✅ Dispatch register signed at handover
  • ✅ Inventory updated
  • ✅ Customer notified: “Dispatched”


Final Thoughts

Dispatch in a warehouse is not a fancy concept. That’s why small mistakes here can turn into big losses.

If you want your dispatch process to run efficiently in 2026, focus on the basics first, everything else becomes easier: faster deliveries, fewer returns, less back-and-forth, and a team that actually knows what “dispatch” means in practice.