Understanding Order Tracking and Its Various Statuses in eCommerce

The eCommerce industry is rapidly growing, and customer satisfaction is at its core. From the moment customers click the “Order Now” button, they eagerly await their package’s arrival and often check its status. A modern and transparent order tracking page can set your business apart from the competition.

As technology advances, order tracking has become essential for providing a superior post-purchase experience. Customers now expect real-time updates and wish to monitor their packages at any time.

Let’s explore the basics of order tracking, its significance, and how it can benefit your business.

What Is Order Tracking in eCommerce?

Order tracking allows you and your customers to monitor the real-time status of an order, from the moment it leaves your warehouse to its final delivery. This includes various statuses, which we will discuss in detail:

• Packed
• Picked
• Shipped
• In Transit
• Out for Delivery
• Delivered
• Undelivered
• Early Delivery
• Delayed Delivery
• Return Initiated
• On Hold
• Misrouted
• Damaged
• Lost

By offering transparency through order tracking, you build customer trust and foster brand loyalty. A well-managed tracking system also helps reduce risks like Returns to Origin (RTOs) by identifying potential delays or cancellations in advance.

Types of Order Tracking Systems

As consumer demands evolve, different tracking systems have emerged. Here’s an overview of the most common types:

Automated Order Tracking System

These systems operate independently and require minimal human input. They track shipments, manage orders, and send real-time updates and alerts.

Automated systems are ideal for high-volume eCommerce businesses, helping streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.

Manual Order Tracking System

If you’re a small or medium-sized business, a manual order tracking system might be more cost-effective. In this system, you handle data entry, order updates, and customer communication manually.

Although this method is still widely used, many businesses are transitioning to automated systems for greater efficiency.

Hybrid Order Tracking System 

Hybrid systems combine the best of both worlds. They automate tasks like data entry and shipment tracking while still requiring you to handle customer inquiries and manage order fulfillment. 

Why Should Order Tracking Matter to You? 

For many years, online businesses have provided customers with a tracking page that has continuously improved. But why is this necessary?

Improve Customer Satisfaction 

Your customers expect more than just an estimated delivery date. They want detailed updates, such as whether their package is packed, dispatched, or out for delivery.

A comprehensive tracking system helps you increase transparency and elevate customer satisfaction.

Predict Delays and Resolve them Proactively

Tracking systems help you predict delays and address them before they impact delivery times. With real-time updates, you can identify issues in your supply chain and resolve them quickly, enhancing the overall customer experience. 

Reduce RTO (Return to Origin)

RTOs can be a significant challenge. Without an efficient tracking system, your customers may miss deliveries because they aren’t aware of their package’s status.

Providing transparent tracking details enables your customers to make arrangements for successful delivery, reducing the risk of returns.

How Does Order Tracking Work? 

Order tracking begins as soon as your customer places an order and you start preparing the shipment. With advanced technology and synchronised communication channels, every step of the shipment process is recorded and displayed on the tracking page.

You can also send real-time updates to your buyers via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.

Common Stages of Order Tracking 

Here are the key stages your customers will see when tracking their orders:

Packed

The order has been packed, sealed, and is now ready for shipment. The item is fully prepared to be handed over to the courier for delivery, ensuring it meets all required packing standards.

Picked

The order has been picked up from your warehouse and is ready for delivery. This status indicates that the item is now in possession of the courier and on its way to the next stage of transit.

Shipped

The package has left your warehouse and is in transit. This status means the parcel has been picked up by a courier and is on its way to the courier’s central hub for further processing and sorting before reaching its destination.

In Transit

The package is currently on its way to the destination. It’s being transported from the courier’s central hub to the final delivery location, ensuring it’s progressing through the various transit stages.

Out for Delivery 

The parcel has arrived at the courier service’s central hub in the buyer’s city and is now out for delivery. A delivery executive has picked up the parcel and is on their way to the final destination.

Delivered

The package has successfully reached its destination. After reaching the local courier hub, the parcel was collected and delivered to the buyer. This status confirms the successful handover of the package. 

Undelivered

This status appears when a delivery attempt has failed. While every business aims to minimise delivery failures, they could still happen due to various reasons such as incorrect address, the buyer not being available, or other delivery-related issues.

Early Delivery 

Early delivery occurs when the package arrives before the estimated delivery date. This happens when the courier service successfully delivers the item earlier than expected, reducing the risk of undelivered orders.

Delayed Delivery 

Delayed delivery happens when the courier service fails to deliver the package by the estimated delivery date. The delay could be due to reason

Return Initiated 

This status appears when a buyer requests a return after receiving the product. It indicates that the seller has accepted the return request and the return process has been initiated to handle the item’s return. 

On Hold 

The order is temporarily on hold due to issues such as warehouse delays, incomplete payments, or inventory problems. This is a temporary status, and the situation will be resolved as soon as the issue is cleared.

Misrouted

Misrouted status occurs when the package is sent on the wrong route by mistake. This situation is corrected when the courier service reroutes the parcel to its proper destination after re-sorting the parcels at the hub. 

Damaged 

The package has been damaged during transit, often due to mishandling. In these cases, the buyer may either cancel the order for a refund or replacement, or be provided with a reimbursement for the damaged goods.

Lost

The “lost” status is triggered when the shipment goes missing in transit. The buyer may be reimbursed for the lost package if it was prepaid or asked to cancel the order and place a new one. 

Sometimes, these stages can confuse your customers. By providing clear, real-time updates, you improve their understanding and their experience.

How Good Is Your Order Tracking System? 

An effective order tracking system is essential to make your eCommerce business a success. It not only builds trust and loyalty but also reduces risks like RTOs. Whether you opt for an automated or hybrid tracking system, streamlining operations can provide your customers with a seamless experience.

Investing in a modern, branded order tracking page will help you drive more repeat sales. Result? More loyal customers and long-term business growth.