Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Importance of Tracking Numbers
- Seamless Integration: Adding Tracking Numbers During Fulfillment
- Adding Tracking Numbers Post-Fulfillment
- The Post-Purchase Experience & Order Status Pages
- Customization and Shopify Support
- Troubleshooting Tips
- Conclusion
- FAQ Section
Introduction
Have you ever eagerly awaited a package, constantly refreshing the tracking page to see if it has moved? In the world of e-commerce, the ability to track an order not only satisfies customer curiosity but also builds trust between the buyer and the retailer. For Shopify store owners, integrating tracking numbers into order management is a pivotal step in ensuring customer satisfaction. This post will not only introduce you to the significance of tracking numbers but also guide you through the process of adding them to Shopify orders, enhancing the post-purchase experience for your customers.
Knowing the status of an order is essential, and the right system can help you foster confidence in your business operations. By the end of this guide, you'll have gained a thorough understanding of the nuts and bolts of adding and managing tracking information on Shopify. Get ready to empower your order fulfillment process and step up your shipping game.
The Importance of Tracking Numbers
Before diving into the detailed how-to, it's essential to acknowledge the critical role tracking numbers play in the ecommerce ecosystem. They are not mere sequences of digits but crucial elements that maintain supply chain transparency, enhance customer experience, and even reduce anxieties associated with online shopping. By adding tracking details to orders, Shopify merchants can significantly improve customer engagement and overall satisfaction, leading to better reviews and repeat business.
Seamless Integration: Adding Tracking Numbers During Fulfillment
When a customer places an order, they're met with anticipation, expecting updates at every stage. As a Shopify store owner, your first opportunity to add a tracking number comes at the point of fulfillment.
- On your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to the 'Orders' section to view a list of orders awaiting fulfillment.
- Select the order you wish to fulfill, ensuring its status is 'Partially fulfilled' or 'Unfulfilled.'
- Within the 'Unfulfilled' section, click on 'Fulfill item(s)' which takes you to the fulfillment page.
- Here, in the 'Tracking information' section, enter the tracking number supplied by your shipping carrier.
At this stage, Shopify's intelligent design attempts to recognize the tracking number's format and auto-selects the appropriate carrier. If this doesn't happen, or the selection is incorrect, simply choose the correct carrier from the dropdown menu.
In situations where multiple tracking numbers are involved, use the 'Add another tracking number' feature, ensuring all numbers are linked to the same carrier for cohesive tracking. For unsupported carriers or when choosing 'Other,' manually enter the tracking URL provided by the carrier for direct access to tracking updates.
Adding Tracking Numbers Post-Fulfillment
Perhaps the tracking number was not available during the initial fulfillment, or you opted for an external shipping service after the fact. Here’s how to add a tracking number retrospectively:
- Head back to 'Orders' and click on the relevant order number.
- In the 'Fulfilled' section, select 'Add tracking.'
- Enter the tracking number in the 'Edit tracking' dialog box that appears.
- The platform will attempt to match the number format to a shipping carrier. If it doesn’t, you can select the appropriate carrier from the corresponding dropdown menu.
- If your selected carrier is not natively supported, or if 'Other' is your pick, it’s vital to enter the full tracking URL manually.
Remember, transparency is key. If you opt not to send a shipping update notification to your customer, uncheck the corresponding option before saving your changes.
The Post-Purchase Experience & Order Status Pages
Once the order is out for delivery, customers should be able to track their packages effortlessly. Shopify's default email notifications typically include a link to the order status page. However, if you have customized email templates, you might need to manually insert the {{ order_status_url }} Liquid tag to ensure your customers can seamlessly access shipping updates.
Customization and Shopify Support
Sometimes, achieving the desired level of customization requires beyond-basic actions. In many cases, Shopify's expert community has grand ideas that extend Shopify's basic functionality. For instance, to include tracking information on the 'My Accounts' page, similar to popular online marketplaces, you may need to delve into the store's Liquid code or enlist the help of a Shopify Expert Designer. These are specialized tasks meant for those well-versed in web development languages.
Troubleshooting Tips
Occasionally, you might encounter hiccups, such as tracking numbers not being added automatically when they're supposed to (a primary feature when using Shopify Shipping). Before raising the alarm, verify the details in your order's XML through the URL (/admin/orders/your-order-number.xml) by searching for "tracking." If the field <tracking-numbers type="array"/> doesn’t have corresponding details, you may need to void the label and reassess or pursue manual steps to include a tracking number. This could indicate either an overlook during the fulfillment process or an error from the carrier.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, where customer experience is the cornerstone of success, mastering the skill of editing and appending tracking numbers in Shopify is not just beneficial – it's virtually imperative. We've demystified step-by-step how to ensure that your Shopify orders carry this valuable piece of information and how it could potentially enhance your brand's reputation and induce customer loyalty.
FAQ Section
Q: Why is adding a tracking number to an order important? A: A tracking number is essential for providing customers with real-time updates on the whereabouts of their orders, increasing transparency, and enhancing customer trust and satisfaction.
Q: Can I add tracking numbers to Shopify orders in bulk? A: Shopify allows bulk actions for various order management functions. However, for accurate tracking, numbers are usually appended to each order individually, depending on specific logistical details.
Q: What should I do if the tracking number isn’t available at the time of fulfillment? A: You can fulfill the order without the tracking number and add it later when it becomes available. Follow the post-fulfillment steps to update the order with the tracking information.
Q: Will customers automatically receive tracking updates? A: Yes, if their email addresses are included in the order details. Shopify sends email notifications with order status updates, including a link to the tracking information.
Q: What if the carrier I’m using isn’t supported by Shopify? A: For carriers not supported by Shopify, manually input the full tracking URL provided by your carrier when updating the order to ensure customers can still track their packages.
