How to Add "Track Order" Functionality to Your Shopify Store

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Order Tracking
3. Setting Up Tracking in Shopify
4. Enhancing Tracking with Shopify Apps
5. Customizing Email Notifications
6. Conclusion: The Big Picture
7. FAQ Section

Introduction

Have you ever experienced the anticipation of waiting for an online order to arrive? It's a mixture of excitement and impatience, with a dash of anxiety thrown in for good measure. In the world of eCommerce, where instant gratification is not always possible, providing customers with real-time updates on their orders can significantly enhance their shopping experience. In this blog post, we're going to explore the steps you can take to add "track order" functionality to your Shopify store, offering your customers transparency and peace of mind after they've made a purchase. You'll learn why this feature is crucial for building trust, how to set it up, and various apps that can help streamline the process.

Having a "track order" feature is essential for modern eCommerce platforms, and Shopify, being one of the leading solutions for online retail, offers a range of options for implementing this invaluable service. Whether you wish to use Shopify's built-in capabilities or integrate third-party apps, this guide will walk you through the process and help you decide which method aligns best with your store's needs.

The Importance of Order Tracking

The reality of online shopping is that the moment a purchase is made, the customer's wait begins. Here's why having a tracking system in place is a game-changer for customer service:

1. It offers peace of mind by reassuring customers about the status of their purchase.
2. It reduces the volume of customer service inquiries, saving you time and resources.
3. It encourages customers to return to your store, potentially increasing the chances of additional purchases.

Setting Up Tracking in Shopify

Shopify simplifies the process of providing tracking information to customers. When you fulfill an order in Shopify, you have the opportunity to include a tracking number which customers can use to monitor their package's journey. Shopify can automatically recognize most carrier tracking numbers and connect them to the correct carrier's tracking page.

How to Add a Tracking Number During Fulfillment

1. In your Shopify admin, go to Orders.
2. Click on the appropriate order number.
3. Navigate to the Unfulfilled or Partially fulfilled section and select Fulfill items.
4. Enter the tracking number in the Tracking information section.
5. If necessary, select the correct shipping carrier from the drop-down menu, or provide a custom tracking URL if your carrier is not supported.

After Fulfillment

In case you receive the tracking number after you've fulfilled the order:

1. From the Orders page, click the fulfilled order number.
2. Choose Add tracking in the Fulfilled section.
3. Enter the tracking number and select the accurate carrier, or provide a custom tracking URL if applicable.
4. Optionally, you can send a shipping update notification email to the customer by keeping the corresponding option checked.

Adding a tracking number to your orders is a straightforward process and one that can significantly enhance customer satisfaction by keeping them informed.

Enhancing Tracking with Shopify Apps

While Shopify's built-in functionality is useful, you may opt for an app to elevate the tracking experience. Apps like AfterShip, Parcel Panel Order Tracking, and TrackingMore empower you with additional features like branded tracking pages, automated notifications, and more. Let's look at some popular options:

1. AfterShip

Pros: Easy to use, it supports a vast array of carriers, and offers detailed analytics.

Cons: The free version is limited to 50 shipments per month.

2. Parcel Panel Order Tracking

Pros: Provides graphical analysis of order statuses and is entirely web-based.

Cons: The branding feature is usually part of the paid plan.

3. TrackingMore

Pros: With support for over 700 carriers, it boasts an impressive tracking page that entices customers back to your store.

Cons: Advanced features are limited to paid plans.

Choosing the right tracking app will depend on various factors including your budget, the number of shipments you process month-to-month, and any additional functionality you desire outside of tracking. Remember, even as you introduce these automated systems, maintaining clear and thorough communication about order statuses remains key.

Customizing Email Notifications

A crucial part of the tracking process is the automatic email notification feature in Shopify. To ensure customers are clear on where and how to track their orders, you can customize the templates for shipping confirmation emails. This is a significant touchpoint in customer interaction and should reflect your brand voice consistently.

In the shipping notification email template, consider including the following elements:

• A welcoming thank you message.
• The tracking number (hyperlinked, if possible).
• A clear CTA directing them to track their order.
• Branding elements, consistent with your online store.

Conclusion: The Big Picture

Adding a tracking functionality is not just about keeping your customers informed – it's about building trust, loyalty, and ensuring a great post-purchase experience. By choosing tools and methods that offer convenience, transparency, and reliability, you promote customer confidence. From utilizing Shopify's native features to integrating powerful third-party apps, the options available allow you to customize and optimize the order tracking process for your specific needs.

FAQ Section

Q: Is it expensive to add a tracking system to my Shopify store? A: It doesn't have to be. Shopify has built-in tracking features, and many apps offer free plans that are suitable for stores with a lower volume of shipments, making it affordable even for small businesses.

Q: Can I customize the look of my tracking page? A: Yes, several apps allow you to customize the tracking page to keep it consistent with your brand image.

Q: Does adding a tracking page require coding knowledge? A: For basic implementation, no coding is necessary. However, deeper customization or unique solutions may require some HTML/CSS expertise.

Q: Can I use my own courier if it's not supported by Shopify? A: Yes, you can manually add tracking URLs for carriers that aren't automatically supported by Shopify. Customers can use these links to check the status of their deliveries on external sites.

Q: Will I be notified if there's an issue with a delivery? A: Yes, most tracking apps notify store owners of any significant status changes or delivery issues so you can proactively address them.

By implementing the right tracking solutions in your Shopify store, you add considerable value by enhancing the customer journey from purchase to package receipt. A thoughtful, well-executed tracking system paves the way for improved customer satisfaction, repeat business, and streamlined operations – an undeniable win-win for both your customers and your bottom line.