Tracking shipments

Tracking shipments is an essential part of ensuring customer satisfaction and keeping your business operations running smoothly. Offering shipment tracking not only helps customers stay informed about their order status but also reduces inquiries related to order whereabouts. Here’s a guide on how to manage shipment tracking for your Tradeit store:

1. Importance of Shipment Tracking #

Providing tracking for shipments offers multiple benefits for both your customers and your business:

a. Improved Customer Experience #

• Customers can monitor their package’s journey, giving them peace of mind.
• Reduces the number of customer inquiries regarding order status.

b. Increased Transparency #

• Tracking provides transparency, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and trust.

c. Reduced Customer Service Workload #

• Automated tracking notifications can cut down on customer service requests, allowing your team to focus on more important tasks.

d. Helps with Problem Resolution #

• Tracking data makes it easier to identify where and when issues like delays or lost packages occur, helping to resolve problems faster.

2. Choosing a Delivery Company with Tracking Services #

Ensure the delivery company you choose offers reliable tracking services. Most major carriers provide detailed tracking options, but the level of service can vary:

a. Domestic Delivery Tracking #

• Zimpost, Swift, and other local couriers in Zimbabwe typically offer tracking for domestic shipments, though the level of detail may vary (e.g., simple status updates vs. real-time location tracking).

b. International Delivery Tracking #

• Companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS provide robust tracking for international shipments, with real-time updates and delivery timelines. Economy shipping services, such as DSV Untracked, may offer limited or delayed tracking.

c. Economy Shipping Services #

• Economy services may offer basic tracking, often showing limited progress until the package reaches its destination country.

3. Integrating Shipment Tracking with Your Tradeit Store #

For smooth operations, it’s important to integrate tracking systems directly into your Tradeit seller dashboard. Many delivery companies allow integration or manual entry of tracking information.

a. Automated Tracking Integration #

• If your delivery company offers an API, you can integrate it with Tradeit’s platform, automatically adding tracking numbers to orders when shipments are processed.

b. Manual Entry of Tracking Information #

• If automated tracking isn’t available, you can manually add tracking numbers to orders. In your Tradeit dashboard:
  • Navigate to the order details page.
  • Input the tracking number provided by the delivery company.
  • Ensure the customer is notified via email or SMS with the tracking number.

c. Third-Party Tracking Platforms #

• You can also use third-party tracking platforms like AfterShip or TrackMyParcel to manage and consolidate tracking from various delivery companies.

4. Keeping Customers Updated on Shipment Status #

To enhance the customer experience, it’s important to keep customers informed about their shipment’s progress.

a. Automatic Notifications #

• Set up automatic email or SMS notifications for key stages of the shipping process, such as:
  • Order dispatched.
  • In transit.
  • Out for delivery.
  • Delivered.

b. Real-Time Tracking Links #

• Provide customers with a direct link to track their order in real time. Many delivery companies offer tracking links that you can send to customers via email or through the Tradeit system.

c. Order Tracking Page #

• Consider creating an order tracking page within your Tradeit store where customers can enter their tracking number to view the status of their order. This can be implemented via tracking widgets or plugins provided by your delivery service.

5. Managing Delays or Lost Packages #

Even with tracking in place, shipping delays or lost packages can happen. It’s important to handle these situations quickly and professionally.

a. Monitoring Delays #

• Use the tracking system to monitor shipments. If a package hasn’t moved for an extended period, contact the delivery company to investigate.

b. Communicating with Customers #

• If there’s a delay or issue with delivery, inform your customer as soon as possible. Transparency is key in managing customer expectations.

c. Filing Claims for Lost or Damaged Packages #

• If a package is lost or damaged, you may need to file a claim with the delivery company. Tracking information is crucial in such cases, as it helps determine where and when the problem occurred.

d. Offering Solutions to Customers #

• When a package is delayed or lost, offer solutions such as resending the product, issuing a refund, or providing a discount for future purchases to maintain customer goodwill.

6. Tracking Analytics and Insights #

Shipment tracking data can also offer valuable insights into your business’s shipping performance:

a. On-Time Delivery Rates #

• Analyze how frequently packages are delivered on time. If you notice consistent delays with a particular courier, it may be time to reconsider your shipping partner.

b. Customer Satisfaction #

• Use tracking performance as part of your customer feedback process. Prompt deliveries are directly linked to positive reviews and repeat business.

c. Identifying Trends in Delays #

• Tracking analytics can help identify regions or delivery services with higher instances of delayed shipments, allowing you to optimize shipping routes or switch providers.

7. Example: Using Shipment Tracking on Tradeit #

Scenario:
You ship both locally and internationally using a mix of Zimpost for local deliveries and DHL for international orders. Here’s how you manage tracking:

1. Domestic Orders:
   • When shipping via Zimpost, you manually input the tracking number provided by Zimpost into your Tradeit dashboard.
   • Customers are automatically sent an email with the tracking number, and they can use the link to check the progress of their delivery.
2. International Orders:
   • For international orders via DHL, you use DHL’s API integration with Tradeit, which automatically uploads tracking information to the customer’s order history.
   • The customer receives real-time updates at key delivery milestones, including when the package arrives at customs.
3. Customer Communication:
   • In cases where the tracking shows a delay, you proactively reach out to the customer to inform them of the situation and offer to monitor the delivery.

Final Thoughts #

Offering shipment tracking is an essential service for your Tradeit store, as it provides transparency and trust for your customers while helping you manage logistics effectively. By choosing the right delivery company, integrating tracking with your system, and keeping customers informed, you can improve the overall shopping experience and ensure your business runs smoothly.