Shopify Shipment Tracking Guide: How to Set it Up and the Best Apps Compared

E-commerce businesses operating on the Shopify platform understand the critical role shipment tracking plays in ensuring customer satisfaction, trust, and operational efficiency. It's not just about shipping products; it's about creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to set up shipment tracking on Shopify and compare the best apps available to streamline the process.

Why Shipment Tracking Matters

Before we delve into the practicalities of setting up shipment tracking on Shopify, it's crucial to understand why it matters.

Customer Satisfaction

Data: According to a Narvar study, 96% of customers want tracking information for their online orders.

Customers in the e-commerce world crave transparency. They want to know where their orders are, how long it will take to arrive, and if there are any delays. Providing shipment tracking information enhances the overall customer experience, reduces inquiries, and boosts satisfaction.

Reduced Customer Service Workload

Data: A report by MetaPack found that 60% of customers contact customer service for tracking updates.

Without shipment tracking, customer service teams are often inundated with requests for tracking updates. This not only adds to their workload but also increases the risk of human errors. Automated shipment tracking reduces the need for customers to contact support, freeing up your team for more critical tasks.

Trust and Loyalty

Data: A study by Temando reported that 66% of shoppers would shop more often with a retailer offering better tracking options.

Transparent tracking options build trust and customer loyalty. When customers can track their orders from checkout to delivery, they are more likely to return for future purchases. It's an opportunity to differentiate your brand from competitors.

Setting Up Shipment Tracking on Shopify

Shopify offers built-in features to enable shipment tracking. Here's how you can set it up:

1. Enable Order Tracking Notifications

• In your Shopify admin, navigate to Settings > Checkout.
• Scroll down to the Order processing section.
• In the Order processing section, find the Shipping update emails.
• Select "Send a notification when the order is fulfilled."

2. Automatic Fulfillment

• When you fulfill an order, Shopify can automatically send a notification to the customer with tracking information.

3. Edit Tracking URLs

• You can customize the tracking URLs to match the carrier's tracking page format.

Comparing the Best Shopify Shipment Tracking Apps

While Shopify's built-in features are robust, you might want to explore third-party apps to enhance your shipment tracking capabilities. Here are some of the best apps in the market.

1. ShipAid

• Features: Real-time tracking, automated notifications, and branded tracking pages.
• Pros: Enhances customer experience, reduces customer service workload, and builds brand trust.
• Cons: None, it is free and includes all features upon signup.

2. AfterShip

• Features: Multi-carrier support, customizable tracking pages, and delivery date estimation.
• Pros: Integrates with 800+ carriers, supports 45 languages, and offers a free plan.
• Cons: Limited features in the free plan.

3. ParcelPanel

• Features: Real-time tracking, branded tracking pages, and customer engagement tools.
• Pros: Improves customer engagement, customizable tracking pages, and offers a free plan.
• Cons: Limited carrier integrations.

4. Trackr

• Features: Multi-carrier support, shipment protection, and detailed tracking analytics.
• Pros: Offers shipment protection, reduces refund requests, and provides advanced analytics.
• Cons: Limited carrier coverage.

5. WISMOlabs

• Features: Real-time tracking, customizable tracking pages, and analytics.
• Pros: Affordable pricing, detailed analytics, and a user-friendly dashboard.
• Cons: Limited carrier support.

Conclusion

Shipment tracking on Shopify is not just a feature; it's a vital aspect of your e-commerce operations. It enhances customer satisfaction, reduces customer service workloads, and builds trust and loyalty. Whether you rely on Shopify's built-in features or choose to enhance your tracking capabilities with third-party apps, the investment in tracking is an investment in your brand's future success.

ShipAid, in particular, stands out as a powerful solution for e-commerce brands. It not only offers real-time tracking and automated notifications but also provides branded tracking pages that reinforce your brand identity. The pros far outweigh the cons, making it a compelling choice for businesses looking to take their shipment tracking to the next level.

By prioritizing shipment tracking, your Shopify store can provide the kind of experience that keeps customers coming back for more.