How to Add Tracking Number on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In the world of ecommerce, delivering an exceptional customer experience is paramount. Did you know that 70% of customers track their packages once they make a purchase? That’s right; tracking numbers have become an integral part of the online shopping journey. When customers can easily monitor the status of their orders, their trust in a brand grows, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat purchases.

At ShipAid, we understand that reliable delivery is the foundation of customer trust and business growth. Our mission is to empower ecommerce merchants by ensuring every package is protected and every order is a revenue opportunity. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the process of adding a tracking number on Shopify, exploring its significance, the steps involved, and how this simple act can transform your post-purchase experience.

We will cover the following key areas:

1. Why Tracking Numbers Matter: Understanding the importance of providing tracking information to customers.
2. Adding Tracking Numbers During Fulfillment: Step-by-step instructions on how to add tracking numbers when fulfilling orders.
3. Adding Tracking Numbers to Fulfilled Orders: What to do if you receive a tracking number after fulfilling an order.
4. Automating the Tracking Process: Exploring tools and methods to streamline tracking number updates.
5. Best Practices for Communicating Tracking Information: Tips on effectively notifying customers about their order status.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to add tracking numbers on Shopify, along with insights into the best practices that can enhance your customer experience.

Why Tracking Numbers Matter

Tracking numbers serve as a bridge between you and your customers, fostering transparency and trust. When customers have access to real-time tracking information, they feel more in control of their purchases. This control translates into higher satisfaction rates and increased customer loyalty.

Moreover, providing tracking numbers can reduce customer inquiries about order statuses. Instead of reaching out with questions about their packages, customers can simply track their orders online. This not only saves time for your customers but also allows you to focus on other critical areas of your business.

Furthermore, according to a recent survey, 93% of customers consider tracking information essential when making online purchases. By neglecting to provide this information, you risk losing potential sales and customer trust. At ShipAid, we believe that every package matters, and robust shipping protection—including tracking—is crucial for both customer satisfaction and business revenue.

Adding Tracking Numbers During Fulfillment

Adding tracking numbers during the order fulfillment process is a straightforward task that can greatly enhance your customers’ experience. Here’s how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to Your Shopify Admin Panel: Start by logging into your Shopify account.

2. Navigate to the Orders Section: On the left-hand side menu, click on “Orders.” This will take you to a list of all your recent orders.

3. Select the Order You Want to Fulfill: Click on the specific order that you wish to fulfill.

4. Fulfill Items: In the order details, find the “Unfulfilled” section. Click on “Fulfill items(s)”.

5. Enter Tracking Information:

   • In the “Tracking number” field, enter the tracking number provided by your shipping carrier.
   • Shopify may automatically recognize the tracking number format and suggest the corresponding shipping carrier from a dropdown menu. If it does not, you can select the appropriate carrier manually.

6. Send Shipment Details: If you want to send a shipping confirmation email to your customer after you fulfill the order, check the “Send shipment details to your customer now” option. This will notify them of their package’s tracking information.

7. Click Fulfill Item(s): Once you have entered all necessary information, click on “Fulfill item(s)” to mark the order as fulfilled.

Why This Matters

By following these steps, you ensure that your customers receive timely updates about their orders. This proactive communication can significantly reduce customer anxiety and improve overall satisfaction. Plus, it reinforces your brand’s reliability and commitment to excellent service.

Adding Tracking Numbers to Fulfilled Orders

Sometimes, you may receive a tracking number after an order has already been marked as fulfilled. Fortunately, Shopify allows you to add tracking numbers to fulfilled orders easily. Here’s how:

Steps to Add Tracking Numbers Post-Fulfillment

1. Access Your Shopify Admin: Log in to your Shopify account.

2. Go to the Orders Section: Click on “Orders” from the left-hand menu.

3. Select the Fulfilled Order: Locate the order that you want to add a tracking number to and click on it.

4. Add Tracking Number:

   • In the “Fulfilled” section, click on “Add tracking.”
   • Enter the new tracking number in the field provided. Shopify may auto-detect the carrier based on the tracking number format.
   • If the carrier is not detected automatically, you can select it manually from the dropdown menu.

5. Add Additional Tracking Numbers (if necessary): If you have more than one tracking number, you can click “Add another tracking number” to input them.

6. Send Notification Email (Optional): If you want to notify the customer of the new tracking information, make sure to check the option to send a notification email.

7. Save Changes: Click on “Save” to finalize the addition of the tracking number.

The Impact of Post-Fulfillment Tracking

Adding tracking information even after fulfillment allows you to maintain transparency with your customers. It empowers them to track their packages without needing to reach out for updates, thereby enhancing their overall shopping experience.

Automating the Tracking Process

For high-volume ecommerce businesses, manually entering tracking numbers can become cumbersome. Fortunately, there are tools and methods available to automate this process. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Third-Party Fulfillment Services

Using third-party fulfillment services like ShipBob, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), or similar platforms can simplify the tracking process. These services often integrate seamlessly with Shopify and automatically update tracking information in your store. This means you won’t have to manually input tracking numbers, saving you valuable time.

Shopify Apps

There are various apps available in the Shopify App Store that can help automate the tracking process. Apps like AfterShip or Tracktor allow you to sync tracking information directly from your shipping carriers, automatically notifying customers of their order status.

By integrating these tools, you can ensure that your customers always receive the most accurate and timely tracking information without additional manual effort.

Best Practices for Communicating Tracking Information

Communicating tracking information effectively is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Timely Notifications:

Always notify customers as soon as their orders are fulfilled and tracking numbers are available. This immediate communication reinforces trust and transparency.

2. Clear Messaging:

Ensure that your tracking emails are clear and concise. Include all relevant information, such as the tracking number, a link to the carrier’s tracking page, and estimated delivery dates.

3. Use Branded Communication:

Sending tracking notifications through branded emails enhances your brand’s image. A well-designed, branded email can improve the customer experience and make communications feel more personal.

4. Encourage Customer Engagement:

Encourage customers to reach out if they have questions regarding their order status. Providing excellent customer service throughout the shipping process can lead to higher satisfaction rates.

5. Leverage Social Proof:

Share positive reviews and testimonials from customers who have had great experiences with your shipping process. This can build trust with new customers.

Conclusion

Understanding how to add tracking numbers on Shopify is essential for any ecommerce merchant looking to enhance their customer experience. By providing clear and timely tracking information, you foster trust, reduce customer inquiries, and ultimately drive sales.

At ShipAid, we are committed to empowering ecommerce merchants like you by ensuring that every package is protected and every order is a revenue opportunity. Our innovative shipping protection solutions, including our Delivery Guarantee and intuitive Resolution Portal, safeguard shipments and convert lost packages into profits.

As you refine your post-purchase experience, we encourage you to explore our interactive demo and see how our shipping protection works in real time. You can start by visiting our demo page here.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can create a robust tracking process that not only meets customer expectations but exceeds them, paving the way for lasting customer loyalty.

FAQ

How do I add a tracking number for an unfulfilled order?

To add a tracking number for an unfulfilled order, navigate to the “Orders” section in your Shopify admin, select the order, and click on “Fulfill items.” Enter the tracking number in the provided field and fulfill the order.

Can I add tracking numbers after fulfilling an order?

Yes, you can add tracking numbers even after an order is marked as fulfilled by going to the order details and selecting “Add tracking.”

Are there apps available to automate the tracking process?

Yes, various apps in the Shopify App Store can help automate tracking updates and notifications, such as AfterShip or Tracktor.

Why is it important to provide tracking numbers?

Providing tracking numbers improves customer trust and satisfaction, reduces inquiries, and enhances the overall shopping experience.

What should my tracking notification emails include?

Your tracking notification emails should include the tracking number, a link to the carrier’s tracking page, and an estimated delivery date.

By following the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can enhance your order fulfillment process and improve your customers’ overall experience. Together, we can ensure that every package matters and that your ecommerce business continues to thrive.