For any eCommerce business to thrive, giving customers a positive experience is non-negotiable. Delivering on customer expectations is how you turn one-time shoppers into lifelong customers.
Part of meeting customer expectations is managing their expectations. In the age of Amazon and other online giants, customers have come to expect a certain level of shipping speed. Especially when it comes to tracking accuracy from their online purchases.
To meet this expectation, e-commerce stores need a shipping solution that lets them track shipments.
Shipment tracking allows store owners to track their orders. This enables them to keep customers informed about the status of their purchases. This builds trust and customer satisfaction, leading to repeat business and customer loyalty.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different shipping solutions available for eCommerce stores. Particularly how shipment tracking can help improve the customer experience.
Table of Contents
What is Shipment Tracking?
Shipment tracking means monitoring the movement of a package or shipment from its origin to its destination.
This is done by assigning a unique tracking number to the shipment. It allows the store owner or shipping company to track the shipment’s progress and whereabouts.
Tracking numbers are typically assigned to shipments by the shipping company. With it, the shipping company will provide the store owner with the tracking information that can be used to track the shipment’s progress.
Most tracking information includes:
- The date and time the shipment was sent.
- The expected delivery date.
- The current location of the shipment.
- The status of the shipment.
How Does Shipment Tracking Work?
Shipment tracking is a system that allows businesses to keep track of their shipments as they move through the supply chain. The system uses a combination of the following to track shipments from point A to point B:
- Barcodes
- Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags
- GPS technology
Here’s a more in-depth look at how it works:
Barcodes
Barcodes are machine-readable codes that are used to track packages as they move through the shipping process. When a package is shipped, a barcode is generated and affixed to the package. The barcode contains the destination, sender, tracking number, and other vital data. As the delivery progresses, scanners read the barcode and update the package’s position.
RFID tags
An RFID reader reads RFID tags. RFID tags contain a chip that stores information about the shipment. They also have an antenna that allows them to communicate with the RFID reader.
RFID readers can track packages in real time. This explains why they are often used in conjunction with GPS technology.
GPS technology
Packages are tracked in real-time using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. GPS tracking devices are affixed to packages and use satellite signals to determine their location.
The location data is then transmitted to a central database, where businesses can access it. GPS tracking is handy for international shipments, as it can help companies to keep track of their shipments even if they are out of sight.
TrackMage uses these technologies to provide our customers with real-time shipment tracking. Our platform integrates with major shipping carriers. Thereby enabling businesses to track their shipments from a single dashboard. We also help our customers get great reviews without any hassle.
Why is it important to track shipments?
There are many benefits of tracking shipments, but here are some of the most important ones:
Improved customer experience
One of the main reasons why shipment tracking is so important is because it can help improve your customer’s experience. When customers purchase from your store, they want to know when their order will arrive.
If people can’t see where their order is, customers might get mad and leave bad reviews.
Negative reviews can hurt your business in several ways. They can damage your reputation, make it harder to attract new customers, and lead to lower sales.
That’s why it’s crucial to provide your customers with tracking information and keep them updated on the status of their shipments.
Shipment tracking can also help you resolve customer service issues more quickly. If a customer is having trouble with their order, you can use the tracking information to figure out where the problem is and take action to fix it.
This will help keep your customers happy and reduce their chances of leaving negative reviews.
Boosts sales
Shipment tracking can also help you increase sales. Customers are more likely to buy from a store again if it gives them personalized experiences, like tracking information.
80% customers are more likely to give business to a company that offers personalized experiences. According to a study completed by Epsilon.
The study found that customers are willing to pay more for shipping if they can track their shipments. Many customers said they would be willing to pay up to $5 extra for shipping if they could track the progress of their delivery.
When customers know they can track their order, they are more likely to purchase from your store. They will also be more inclined to tell their friends and family about it. This word-of-mouth marketing can help you attract new customers and grow your business.
Increases efficiency
Another benefit of shipment tracking is that it can help you increase the efficiency of your business. You can accurately plan your inventory and staffing when you know the whereabouts of your shipments.
This will help you avoid overstocking or understaffing, which can lead to lost sales and frustrated customers.
Shipment tracking can also help you identify issues with your supply chain. If you notice that shipments are constantly being delayed, you can take steps to fix the problem. This will help you improve your business and keep your customers happy.
Enhances Your Company’s Competitiveness
Adding a shipment tracking feature to your store has become a necessity. Today, customers expect tracking information from businesses. They are likely to take their business elsewhere if you don’t provide it.
ComScore found that 44% of customers said they would shop with a store if they could track their shipment.
It would help if you offered shipment tracking to give your business a competitive edge. Shipping software like TrackMage can help you provide tracking information to your customers.
You can also add tracking information to your website or email marketing campaigns.
No matter how you do it, offering shipment tracking will help you attract and retain customers. Utilizing this tool will help you expand your business and maintain a leading position against others in your field.
Boosts Customer Loyalty
Shipment tracking can help you improve customer satisfaction. If your customers are happy with their purchase, they are more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your store to their friends.
On the other hand, if they are unhappy with their purchase, they may leave negative reviews and never shop with you again. That’s why it’s essential to provide tracking information and keep your customers updated on the status of their shipments.
When you provide tracking information, you let your customers know that you care about their experience with your store. This will help build trust and customer loyalty, leading to repeat business and increased sales.
Tracks and reports delays and issues
Shipment tracking can also help you track delays and issues with your shipments. If you notice that shipments are constantly being delayed, you can take steps to fix the problem. This will help you improve your business and keep your customers happy.
You can also use shipment tracking to resolve customer service issues more quickly. If a client is dissatisfied with their purchase, you can use tracking information to see where the shipment is and when it will be delivered. This will help you resolve the issue more quickly and satisfy your customers.
Develops a data-driven shipping approach
Another benefit of shipment tracking is that it can help you create a data-based shipping strategy. When you have data on your shipments, you can see what’s working and what’s not. This will help you optimize your shipping process and make it more efficient.
You can also use data from shipment tracking to create marketing campaigns. For example, if you notice that many shipments are being delivered to the same city.
You can establish a data-driven targeted marketing campaign for that city. This will save you money while also aiding your growth.
Shipment tracking can also be used to negotiate better rates with shipping companies. When you have data on your shipping costs, you can show shipping companies that you are a good customer and deserve lower rates.
Helps You Manage Your Inventory
Shipment tracking can help you manage your inventory when you know what’s being shipped. It can also help you to better plan for your inventory needs. This will help you avoid overstocking or understaffing, which can lead to lost sales and frustrated customers.
Shipment tracking can also be used to plan for future sales. For example, if you know that a particular product is widespread and is being shipped to many customers, you can order more in advance.
This will help you avoid stockouts and keep your customers satisfied.
Offering delivery tracking is an excellent approach to boost your business. It will help you:
- Attract and retain customers
- Track delays and issues
- Create a data-based shipping strategy
- Manage your inventory
If you are not offering shipment tracking, now is the time to start. Your customers will thank you for it.
What are the steps in order tracking?
Order tracking is the process of monitoring the journey of an order from the moment it’s placed until the moment it’s delivered to the customer.
For eCommerce merchants, this process begins when a customer adds an item to their shopping cart. The process doesn’t end until the package arrives at your customers’ doorstep.
Some steps must be completed between these two points to ensure a smooth delivery. Follow these simple steps to keep your customers happy and track their satisfaction. Let’s discuss those steps now.
Step 1: Order Entry
The first step of order tracking is order entry. This is when the customer places an order on your website or through your call center. In order entry, you will need to collect the following information from the customer:
- Name
- Contact information
- Address
- Payment information
- Items ordered
- Quantity of each item
This information will be entered into your system so that you can begin processing the order.
Step 2: Order Processing
The second step of order tracking is order processing. This is when you check to see if the items the customer ordered are in stock and if they are, you will begin gathering those items for shipment.
If we are out of stock on any of the things the customer ordered, you will need to contact them and let them know when their order is expected to arrive.
During this step, you will also generate a packing slip and invoice for the order.
Step 3: Shipping
The third step of order tracking is shipping. This is when you ship the orders to your customers. You will need to print out a shipping label for each package and ensure it gets delivered to the right person. You should also keep track of your shipping costs to stay within your budget.
Depending on your business, you may use UPS, FedEx, or even the United States Postal Service for shipping. Our platform integrates with over 100+ shipping carriers worldwide.
Step 4: Delivery
The fourth step of order tracking is delivery. This is when the customer receives their order. Once the customer has received their order, you should send them a confirmation email or call them to ensure they are satisfied with their order. If there are any problems with the order, this is also an excellent time to resolve those issues.
Step 5: Returns/Refunds
The fifth and final step of order tracking is returns/refunds (if necessary). Unfortunately, not every order will go smoothly, and there will be times when a customer needs to return an item or cancel their order entirely.
Processing a return or refund as soon as possible each time this happens is a great way of keeping your customers satisfied.
These five steps will help ensure that your customers are happy with their purchases and that your business is running smoothly. Order tracking may seem like a lot of work, but it’s well worth it in the end!
How do tracking tools benefit consumers?
Tracking tools are vital as they provide your customers transparency and assurance at every stage of their purchase. Many online shoppers have come to expect some form of shipment tracking, whether through email updates or a tracker on the store’s website.
There are several benefits that consumers enjoy when merchants offer tracking tools:
- They can see the status of their order at any time
- Receive updates about delays or changes in shipping
- Feel confident that their purchase is being monitored
Shipment tracking also benefits merchants. It is vital for building trust with their customers and receiving positive reviews. In today’s competitive e-commerce market, shipment tracking has become essential to business.
Do you offer shipment tracking in your store? If not, consider adding it to improve the customer experience and build trust with your buyers.
FAQs
What is a shipping status tool?
The shipping status tool helps businesses to show customers where their order is. It shows if the order is being shipped and when it will arrive.
It provides customers with transparency and peace of mind throughout the purchase process. It can also help merchants receive positive reviews and build trust with their customers.
Where do I find my tracking number?
A tracking number is a code assigned to an order as it is processed. This number can be used to track the order’s progress through the shipping process.
How do I track a freight shipment?
A freight shipment can be tracked by contacting the carrier shipping the order. The carrier will provide you with a tracking number that can be used to track the order’s progress.
What is the meaning of tracking your order?
Tracking your order means monitoring the progress of your purchase through the shipping process. This includes receiving updates about delays or changes in shipping and seeing the status of your order at any time.
Final Thoughts
Order tracking is essential to the e-commerce industry. It plays a vital role in providing customers transparency and peace of mind throughout the purchase process. It can also help merchants receive positive reviews and build trust with their customers.
Offering shipment tracking in your store is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition. If your store does not have shipment tracking, you should add it. This will make the customer experience better and make people trust your store more.
