To track the delivery status of a package, Shopify uses tracking numbers provided by shipping carriers. Once a store fulfills an order and ships the product, the tracking number allows both the store owner and the customer to monitor the shipment’s progress in real time.

In this guide, we will explore how to add a tracking number on Shopify, both before and after fulfilling an order, ensuring transparency and enhancing customer satisfaction.

How to Add Tracking Numbers Before Fulfilling an Order

Adding tracking numbers before fulfilling an order allows you to set everything up and ship the product seamlessly. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

• Log in to your Shopify account and navigate to Orders.

Step 2: Select the Order

• Click on the order number with a fulfillment status of Partially Fulfilled or Unfulfilled.

Step 3: Fulfill the Order

• In the Unfulfilled section, click Fulfill item(s) to access the fulfillment page.

Step 4: Enter Tracking Information

• Scroll down to the Tracking information section and enter your tracking number. 
• Shopify may auto-select the shipping carrier. If not, or if it auto-selects wrongly, choose the correct one from the Shipping carrier drop-down.

Step 5: Add Multiple Tracking Numbers (If Necessary)

• If you have multiple tracking numbers, click Add another tracking number. Ensure all are from the same carrier.

Step 6: Add Tracking URL (If Applicable)

• If your carrier isn’t fully supported by Shopify or you choose Other as your shipping carrier, you can manually enter the tracking URL. 
• This tracking number will then be shown on the order status page for your customers to see. Make sure you enter the full web address provided by your carrier, including any specific numbers or codes needed for tracking.

Step 7: Complete the Fulfillment

• Now, click Fulfill item(s) to finalize the process.

How to Add Tracking Numbers After Fulfilling an Order

Sometimes, you may fulfill an order and realize later that you need to add the tracking number. Shopify allows you to update tracking info even after fulfillment. 

Here’s how:

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

• Log in to your Shopify admin and go to Orders.

Step 2: Select the Fulfilled Order

• Click on the order number with the Fulfilling or Fulfilled status that you wish to add a tracking number to.

Step 3: Add Tracking

• In the Fulfilled section, click Add tracking.

Step 4: Enter Tracking Number

• In the Add tracking dialog, enter the tracking number.
• Shopify may recognize the format of the tracking number, and it will automatically choose a shipping carrier for you. But, in some cases, Shopify might not identify the tracking number format. When this happens, you can then choose a shipping carrier which is in the Carrier drop-down list by yourself.

Step 5: Add Multiple Tracking Numbers (If Necessary)

• If you have multiple tracking numbers, click Add another tracking number.

Step 6: Add Tracking URL (If Applicable)

• If Shopify does not support your carrier, you can then select Other from the drop-down menu in the Carrier field and enter the Tracking URL.

Step 7: Save Changes

• Uncheck Send notification email to customer if you don’t want to notify them.
• Click Save to update the order.

If you purchased a shipping label with a tracking number through Shopify Shipping, then the tracking number is added to the order automatically. You don’t have to do anything.

Bottom Line

Adding tracking numbers to Shopify orders is a simple process that doesn’t require technical skills. By following the steps above, you can keep your customers informed, which helps build trust and loyalty to your brand.

FAQs

1. Can I change the tracking number after an order is fulfilled?

Yes, Shopify allows you to edit or update tracking numbers after fulfillment. Simply access the order and update the tracking information.

2. Will customers be notified when I add a tracking number?

Yes, Shopify automatically sends an email to customers with tracking details once you input and save them.

3. What if my shipping carrier isn’t listed?

If your carrier isn’t listed in Shopify’s dropdown menu, you can still add the tracking number, but customers may need to manually track their order on the carrier’s website.

4. Can I add multiple tracking numbers to a single order?

Yes, Shopify allows you to add multiple tracking numbers if an order is split into separate shipments. You can add tracking information for each shipment.

5. Can customers track their order without a Shopify account?

Yes, customers can track their order using the tracking link provided in the Shopify order confirmation email, even if they don’t have a Shopify account.

6. How long does it take for tracking updates to show?

Tracking updates depend on the shipping carrier. Once the carrier scans the package, tracking information is updated on their website and visible to both you and the customer.

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