Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Adding Tracking Numbers Before Fulfilling an Order
- Adding Tracking Numbers After Fulfilling an Order
- Enhancing Tracking Functionality with Apps
- FAQ
- Conclusion
In the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape, providing a seamless and transparent post-purchase experience has become pivotal. Among many facets that contribute to customer satisfaction, the ability to track orders in real-time stands out. This is where Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform, plays a crucial role by enabling store owners to add tracking numbers to their orders. If you're looking to elevate your customers' shopping experience by implementing this feature, you've stumbled upon the right guide. Let's dive deep into the process of adding a tracking number to Shopify orders and explore how it can transform your e-commerce business.
Introduction
Imagine the peace of mind your customer feels when they can track the journey of their purchased item right from dispatch to delivery at their doorstep. This transparency not only builds trust but also significantly reduces the barrage of “where’s my order?” queries that flood your inbox. Shopify recognizes this and has streamlined the process of adding tracking numbers to orders, thus enabling real-time shipping updates from carriers.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn the step-by-step process of adding tracking numbers both before and after order fulfillment. You'll also discover the benefits and best practices for leveraging this feature to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Additionally, we provide insights into customization options and third-party apps that can further enrich the tracking functionality. By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped with the knowledge to implement this feature, thereby offering your customers an unforgettable shopping experience.
Adding Tracking Numbers Before Fulfilling an Order
Fulfilling an order on Shopify is a straightforward process, made even more efficient with the ability to add tracking numbers during the fulfillment stage. Here’s how:
- Navigate to your Shopify admin panel and select 'Orders'.
- Choose an order with a fulfillment status of 'Partially fulfilled' or 'Unfulfilled'.
- In the 'Unfulfilled' section, click on 'Fulfill item(s)' to open the fulfillment page.
- Enter the shipment's tracking number in the 'Tracking information' section.
- Shopify will often recognize the tracking number format and automatically select a shipping carrier. If it doesn't or selects incorrectly, you can manually choose your carrier from the 'Shipping carrier' dropdown menu.
- If you have more than one tracking number for the order, click on 'Add another tracking number'.
It is crucial that all tracking numbers are from the same carrier. If your shipping carrier isn’t fully supported by Shopify, or if you've chosen 'Other' from the shipping carrier menu, you'll need to enter the tracking URL manually. Ensure the complete URL provided by your carrier is entered accurately for seamless tracking.
Adding Tracking Numbers After Fulfilling an Order
Sometimes, you might receive a tracking number after an order is fulfilled. Here’s how to add it:
- In your Shopify admin, navigate to 'Orders'.
- Select the relevant order.
- In the 'Fulfilled' section, click on 'Add tracking'.
- Enter the tracking number in the 'Edit tracking' dialog.
- Similar to the pre-fulfillment process, Shopify might recognize the carrier. If not, choose the appropriate carrier from the dropdown menu.
For both processes, if you wish not to send a shipping update to the customer, uncheck the option 'Send notification email to customer' before saving.
Enhancing Tracking Functionality with Apps
While Shopify offers a robust tracking solution, leveraging third-party apps can elevate the tracking experience. Apps like Trackr integrate seamlessly with Shopify, enabling a branded tracking page on your store. This allows customers to track their shipments directly from your website, thus reducing the need for them to navigate away. Moreover, Trackr supports over 900 carriers globally and offers customizable email notifications for various shipment statuses.
FAQ
Can I add tracking numbers to orders fulfilled by third-party apps?
Yes, most third-party fulfillment apps integrated with Shopify allow you to add tracking numbers that are automatically synced with your Shopify orders.
Is it possible to customize the tracking page on my Shopify store?
While Shopify provides a default order status page that includes tracking information, for more sophisticated customization, like adding a branded tracking page, you may need to use third-party apps like Trackr.
How do customers access their order tracking information?
Once a tracking number is added and the order is fulfilled, Shopify sends a shipping confirmation email to the customer, which includes a link to their order status page with the tracking information.
Can I add tracking numbers for orders fulfilled outside Shopify?
Yes. Regardless of how the order is fulfilled, as long as you have a tracking number, you can add it to the order in Shopify. This ensures that customers always have access to tracking information through their order status page.
Conclusion
Implementing order tracking on Shopify is more than just a convenience—it's a necessity in today's competitive e-commerce environment. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the additional functionalities offered by third-party apps, you can significantly enhance your customers' post-purchase experience. A transparent and informative order tracking process not only satisfies customers but also builds loyalty and trust towards your brand. Start implementing this feature today and set your Shopify store apart from the competition.