Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Importance of Sending Tracking Numbers
- How to Send Tracking Numbers in Shopify
- Best Practices for Sending Tracking Numbers
- FAQ
Introduction
Have you ever placed an online order and found yourself constantly refreshing the tracking page to see when your package will arrive? It's almost like a modern-day ritual for e-commerce consumers. The anticipation of waiting for your order adds to the excitement of receiving it. From a business perspective, providing your customers with their tracking numbers is not just about fulfilling an order; it's about enhancing their shopping experience and building trust. Especially if you're managing a Shopify store, understanding how to send a tracking number to customers can significantly impact your customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into why sending tracking numbers to your Shopify customers is crucial and how you can effectively manage this process. Whether you are fulfilling orders yourself or using a third-party fulfillment service, this post will equip you with the knowledge to streamline your shipping notifications and ensure your customers stay informed every step of the way.
The Importance of Sending Tracking Numbers
Sending tracking numbers to your customers isn't just a courtesy; it's a crucial part of your e-commerce strategy. It reassures your customers that their items are on the way, reducing the anxiety associated with online shopping. Moreover, it minimizes the number of inquiries about order statuses, saving time for both you and your customers. Most importantly, it enhances the customer experience, encouraging repeat purchases due to the transparency and reliability of your service.
How to Send Tracking Numbers in Shopify
Shopify simplifies the process of sending tracking numbers to your customers, whether you're adding them before fulfillment or after the order has been fulfilled. Here's an insightful look at both methodologies:
Before Fulfilling an Order
- Shopify Admin Setup: From your Shopify admin, navigate to the 'Orders' section.
- Selecting the Order: Click on the order number that is either 'Partially fulfilled' or 'Unfulfilled'.
- Entering Tracking Information: In the 'Unfulfilled' section, click 'Fulfill item(s)', leading you to the Fulfillment page. Here, enter the tracking number in the 'Tracking information' section. Shopify will typically recognize the format and automatically select the carrier. If not, you can manually select your shipping carrier.
- Adding Multiple Tracking Numbers: Should you have more than one tracking number for an order (all of which must be from the same carrier), click on 'Add another tracking number' and proceed to enter the additional numbers.
- Finalizing Fulfillment: Once all information is correctly inputted, click 'Fulfill item(s)' to finalize the order fulfillment process.
After Fulfilling an Order
- Shopify Admin Access: Navigate to the 'Orders' section within your Shopify admin.
- Order Selection: Click on the pertinent order number you wish to add a tracking number to.
- Adding Tracking Post-Fulfillment: Click 'Add tracking' in the 'Fulfilled' section.
- Inputting the Tracking Details: Enter the tracking number and select the carrier accordingly. Similar to the pre-fulfillment process, you have the option to add multiple tracking numbers if needed.
- Customer Notification: Optionally, you can choose whether to send a shipping update notification to your customer. Save your changes to update the order information.
Automated and Third-Party Solutions
While Shopify provides seamless native options for sending tracking numbers, there are instances where automation or third-party services can enhance efficiency. Apps like Multi Carrier Shipping Label automatically send live tracking updates to customers, reducing manual entry for store owners. Moreover, for dropshipping models, apps like Oberlo update order fulfillment and tracking information in Shopify, which then communicates these updates to customers.
Best Practices for Sending Tracking Numbers
- Timeliness is Key: Ensure tracking numbers are sent as soon as they are available to keep your customers informed.
- Accurate Carrier Selection: Correctly matching the tracking numbers with their carriers ensures customers can effectively track their shipments.
- Communication Clarity: Make sure the tracking information is sent through clear and accessible channels, such as email or SMS notifications.
- Customer Service Ready: Have a system in place to address any shipping inquiries or issues that arise post-tracking number dissemination.
FAQ
Q: Can Shopify automatically send tracking numbers to customers? A: Yes, Shopify can automatically send tracking numbers to customers for orders fulfilled using Shopify Shipping or integrated carriers that provide tracking information.
Q: What happens if I input the wrong tracking number? A: You should quickly correct the error by updating the order information with the correct tracking number and informing the customer of the mistake to ensure transparency.
Q: Can I send tracking numbers for orders fulfilled by third-party services? A: Yes, you can manually enter or use apps that integrate with Shopify to automatically update and send tracking numbers for orders fulfilled by third-party services.
Q: How can I ensure my customers receive their tracking numbers? A: Regularly check your email notification settings and confirm that your tracking numbers are being added correctly to each order. Testing your order fulfillment and notification process can help identify and rectify any issues.
By understanding and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can streamline your shipping process, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster a transparent relationship with your buyers. Remember, the key to a successful e-commerce business lies in not just fulfilling orders but ensuring your customers are informed and confident about their purchases from the moment they checkout to the time they receive their items.
