This article describes how order processing works in X-Cart stores using auto integrations with API-based order submission.
The workflow described below applies to the following WD automotive integrations:
Order processing
When a customer places an order in an X-Cart store, they add products to the cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the purchase.
If the order contains products supplied by multiple warehouse distributors (WDs), X-Cart automatically splits the order into separate shipments, one per WD.
Shipping rates for each shipment are calculated according to the integration capabilities and store configuration. Depending on the integration, this may include:
real-time shipping rates retrieved via API, or
flat shipping rates configured by the store administrator
At checkout, the customer sees the shipping options and costs for each shipment. Once the order is placed:
the order data is saved in X-Cart;
the shipment structure (including product distribution by WD and shipping rates) is preserved exactly as shown at checkout;
this information is available to the administrator in the Admin area.
After an order is created in the X-Cart store, it can be submitted to the warehouse distributor (WD) via API.
Order submission may occur in one of the following ways:
Automatically, immediately after order placement, if the Submit orders to suppliers automatically setting is enabled. Order creation on the WD side — allowing the warehouse distributor to begin processing, picking, and shipping — occurs only after the order receives the “Paid” status in the X-Cart store.
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Manually, if this setting is disabled. In this case, the administrator must submit the order using the Submit order button for the specific shipment in the X-Cart admin. The order request is sent to the supplier only after the Submit order button is clicked.
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Order status updates and notifications
Once the order is submitted and created on the WD side, further processing is handled via API communication between the supplier and the X-Cart store.
The store can receive updates from the WD, including:
order status changes;
shipment updates;
tracking numbers (if assigned by the supplier).
When such updates are received, X-Cart automatically updates the corresponding order information in the Admin area. Customer notifications are sent in accordance with the notification settings configured by the store administrator.
For integrations that support tracking number retrieval via API:
tracking numbers are typically retrieved automatically as part of the integration workflow;
for some integrations (such as ATD and Wheel Pros), administrators can also request tracking numbers manually using a dedicated action in the Admin area.
Returns and refunds
Returns and refunds are handled manually. Auto integrations currently do not automate reverse logistics or financial adjustments, so any order cancellations, returns, or refunds must be processed by the store admin in coordination with the supplier’s policies and workflow.