Table of Contents
What does e-commerce order tracking mean?
E-commerce order tracking is a system that enables customers to monitor the progress and status of their online orders in real-time. It provides them with updates on the whereabouts of their packages, estimated delivery dates, and any potential delays. This feature helps alleviate the common question, "Where is my order?" that often arises in the e-commerce industry and streamlines the communication process between businesses and customers.
By implementing order tracking, businesses can proactively address customer inquiries and reduce post-purchase anxiety. Instead of repeatedly answering individual queries about order status, customers can independently track their packages, saving both parties valuable time and resources. With access to real-time updates, customers gain a sense of control and transparency over their orders, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
Here's Why E-commerce Order Tracking Is Important.
Main reasons for providing e-commerce order tracking
E-commerce order tracking is a valuable tool that contributes to customer loyalty, positive brand perception, and long-term business success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Enhanced customer satisfaction
The ability to provide real-time access to order status information is not just about enhancing transparency within the company; it also has a profound impact on customers' lives. By offering customers the convenience of tracking their orders in real time, businesses empower them to effectively manage their time and schedules. Knowing exactly when their package will arrive allows customers to plan their day accordingly, ensuring they are available to receive their order or make necessary arrangements. When customers have a positive experience with the shopping and delivery process, they are more likely to develop a strong affinity for the brand and become repeat customers.
Additionally, satisfied customers often become advocates for the brand, spreading positive word-of-mouth recommendations to their friends, family, and social networks. This organic form of marketing not only expands the customer base, but also builds a community of loyal customers who have a genuine connection with the brand.
Recognizing and prioritizing the fulfillment of shoppers' needs should be a fundamental aspect of any e-commerce company's strategy. By focusing on delivering exceptional customer experiences through real-time order tracking, businesses can foster customer loyalty, drive repeat purchases, and harness the power of positive word-of-mouth promotion. Ultimately, the ability to provide real-time order status information is a key differentiator in the competitive e-commerce landscape, shaping the success and growth of businesses.
Costs saving
Selling a greater quantity of products or services will likely result in an increased influx of inquiries. Addressing various inquiries, including general requests, complaints, questions, and issues, may demand significant time and resources—both human and financial. This could also involve manually providing order status updates to every customer.
This is an additional justification for implementing e-commerce tracking. It has the potential to decrease the volume of unnecessary emails, negating the need to hire additional staff and allowing you to redirect your customer support efforts. This, in turn, frees up valuable time and resources that can be allocated to other critical tasks or processes, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.
Streamlined e-commerce order processing and effectiveness
Lastly, implementing an order tracking system empowers you with greater control over the entire shipping process, leading to improved work efficiency for your customer support team. With access to comprehensive tracking information, the assigned personnel can closely monitor each stage of the package's journey and promptly address any potential issues that may arise.
In the absence of an order tracking system, critical information may be lost or delays in response times may occur. By integrating order tracking, you can significantly reduce such occurrences, demonstrating your commitment to taking responsibility for your service. This not only resolves potential issues more efficiently but also adds substantial value to your business, instilling confidence in your customers and fostering stronger customer relationships.
Strategies for delivering optimal e-commerce order tracking
Ensure that each order is accompanied by a tracking number
A tracking number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each new order, allowing customers to track their package's progress and determine its whereabouts during the delivery journey.
Typically, the tracking number is provided to customers along with order confirmation and is often sent via email. Some companies even make it a clickable hyperlink that directs customers to a tracking website, streamlining the process and enhancing convenience.
The tracking number serves as a crucial component in the entire e-commerce order tracking process. Without it, customers would not be able to monitor their dispatched items. It is therefore essential to inform customers about the tracking number and provide instructions on how to use it effectively for locating their packages.
Enable customers to conveniently track orders on the website
E-commerce order tracking can be accomplished through various methods, such as using dedicated apps or visiting the websites of specific carriers. For instance, if you are in search of DHL tracking information, you can simply enter your tracking number on their official website to access the latest updates on your order status.
Nevertheless, in today's world of convenience and efficiency in e-commerce, there is another effective way to enhance parcel tracking. It involves incorporating an order tracking page directly on your online store.
By offering this feature, you eliminate the need for customers to take additional steps and search for information elsewhere outside your store. This not only saves them time but also minimizes confusion, thereby enhancing their overall brand experience. Moreover, it provides another reason for customers to visit your website, where you can captivate their attention with new offers and promotions.
Make the order tracking feature easily noticeable
The presence of an order tracking feature is a valuable asset for any online store, and it deserves proper recognition by ensuring its visibility in your store. Avoid burying it among other categories that might require customers to exert extra effort beyond their expectations. Ensure that the order tracking page is conveniently positioned and easily noticeable, preventing unnecessary frustration and reducing the likelihood of customers abandoning it altogether, which could potentially lead to customer support issues.
Provide detailed tracking instructions for parcels in the confirmation email
Regrettably, not all customers will revisit your store or the carrier's website to track the location of their packages. Some may prefer to retrieve the order tracking number or follow a direct link for tracking purposes. That's why it is crucial to include explicit instructions on how to track orders in your order confirmation emails.
By doing so, you not only provide a convenient solution for customers seeking order tracking information but also create awareness about the availability of this service during their shopping experience in your store. Furthermore, if customers were previously unaware of the order tracking option, this serves as an opportunity to inform them about the availability of order tracking while shopping at your store.
Communicate the estimated arrival date to your customers
The projected delivery date holds significant importance for customers when making online purchases, alongside shipping costs. Ideally, it should be prominently displayed on the product page, as its presence or absence can directly impact the customer's decision to proceed with the checkout process.
This becomes even more crucial during peak shopping seasons, such as the holiday period, when timely delivery of gifts is highly anticipated. In addition to enabling customers to effectively manage their time, showcasing the estimated delivery date can also yield several benefits for the company.
By displaying the estimated delivery date, you can:
- Stimulate impulse purchases and drive overall sales
- Foster customer trust by providing a clear understanding of the delivery process
- Minimize the influx of customer inquiries, resulting in time savings for customer support.
Maximize the benefits of automated notifications
Harnessing the power of automation is essential when it comes to providing order status updates. This is a process that lends itself well to automation, benefiting both you and your customers. By implementing automated order status notifications, you can reduce the need for additional resources while enhancing your customer's experience with your brand.
Typically, these automated notifications encompass various stages, including order confirmation emails (sent immediately after a customer places an order), updates on order status changes (such as when the carrier takes possession of the package), notifications about possible delays, and delivery confirmations.
By keeping customers consistently informed through automated order status notifications, you not only provide them with peace of mind but also sustain and potentially heighten their excitement every time they see your store's name on their screen.
Conclusion
E-commerce order tracking plays a pivotal role in this process. With the rapid growth of competition and the e-commerce industry as a whole, customer expectations are continuously on the rise. It has become increasingly common for customers to expect the ability to track their orders and stay informed about any changes along the way.
By providing real-time order status updates and ensuring a fast and reliable delivery process, you not only reduce the likelihood of buyer's remorse but also establish a key driver for overall e-commerce success. Keeping customers informed and satisfied throughout the post-purchase journey significantly increases the chances of their continued loyalty and engagement with your business. DocShipper is ready to respond to your needs with our logistics services and more. Contact us!
