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In the era of e-commerce, providing a seamless post-purchase experience is as critical as the shopping experience itself. Among the multitude of services e-commerce platforms offer, Shopify stands out not only for its user-friendly design but also for its robust order tracking capabilities. If you're running a Shopify store, understanding how to add a tracking number to your orders is vital. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to ensure every customer knows exactly where their purchase is, enhancing satisfaction and trust in your brand.
Introduction
Have you ever experienced the anticipation of waiting for an online order to arrive? It's a feeling we've all had at some point. The ability to track an order not only eases this anticipation but also increases transparency and trust between the seller and buyer. For Shopify store owners, adding a tracking number to orders is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the customer experience. Whether you're a seasoned Shopify user or new to the platform, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to seamlessly integrate tracking numbers into your order fulfillment process.
Understanding Shopify’s Tracking System
Before diving into the "how," it's crucial to understand the importance of Shopify's tracking system. With the rise of online shopping, customers expect to be kept in the loop about their order status. By integrating tracking numbers into Shopify orders, customers receive real-time updates, reducing the number of inquiries about order status and showing your commitment to customer service.
Adding Tracking Numbers Before Fulfillment
If you already have a tracking number before fulfilling an order, Shopify allows you to add this information during the fulfillment process. This addition ensures that the tracking number is included in the shipping confirmation email sent to the customer. Here’s how to add a tracking number before fulfilling an order:
- Navigate to the "Orders" section in your Shopify admin.
- Select an order that is either "Partially fulfilled" or "Unfulfilled."
- On the order’s Fulfillment page, enter the tracking number in the "Tracking information" section.
- Shopify may automatically recognize the carrier based on the tracking number format. If it doesn't, or if it selects the wrong carrier, you can manually select the correct one from the Shipping carrier dropdown menu.
- If you have multiple tracking numbers, you can click "Add another tracking number" and follow the same steps.
It’s important to note that if your shipping carrier is not fully supported by Shopify, or if you're using a carrier not listed, you will need to manually enter the Tracking URL provided by your carrier.
Adding Tracking Numbers After Fulfillment
Sometimes, you might receive the tracking number after an order has already been fulfilled. Shopify covers this scenario as well, allowing you to add the tracking number post-fulfillment. This is particularly useful as it enables you to send an updated shipping notification email to your customer with the tracking information included. Here are the steps:
- In your Shopify admin, go to "Orders."
- Click on the order number you wish to add a tracking number to.
- In the "Fulfilled" section, click on "Add tracking."
- Enter the tracking number and select your carrier. If Shopify does not automatically recognize the carrier, you can select it manually from the Carrier dropdown menu.
- If necessary, you can add more than one tracking number by repeating the above steps.
Managing Order and Shipping Email Templates
To ensure your customers automatically receive an email with a link to their order status page, it’s vital to set up your email templates correctly. Shopify’s templates are designed to include these links by default. However, if you have customized your email templates, you may need to add the {{ order_status_url }} Liquid code to include a link to the order status page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add tracking numbers for orders fulfilled with third-party apps?
Yes, you can add tracking numbers for orders fulfilled using third-party apps. You'll need to enter the tracking information manually if the app does not automatically sync this information with Shopify.
What if my shipping carrier is not supported by Shopify?
If your shipping carrier is not fully supported, you can still add tracking information by selecting "Other" from the carrier dropdown menu and manually entering the tracking URL provided by your carrier.
How can customers track their orders?
Once a tracking number is added to an order and an email notification is sent, customers can track their order via the order status page link included in the email. This provides them with real-time updates on their shipment.
Can I add multiple tracking numbers to a single order?
Yes, Shopify allows you to add multiple tracking numbers to a single order, provided they are all from the same carrier. This is especially useful for orders that are shipped in multiple packages.
How do I ensure my customers receive tracking updates?
Make sure your email templates are correctly set up to include the order status page link. Additionally, you can enable shipping updates via SMS if supported by Shopify for your region.
Adding tracking numbers to your Shopify orders not only keeps your customers informed but also significantly enhances their shopping experience. By following the detailed steps provided in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and transparent order tracking process that will boost your store’s credibility and customer satisfaction.
