How to Add Tracking Numbers to WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide

Shipping is a crucial part of any successful WooCommerce store. Customers want to know where their order is, and providing tracking numbers is key to building trust and reducing customer service inquiries. This guide will walk you through adding tracking numbers to your WooCommerce orders, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Why Add Tracking Numbers?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand the *why*. Adding tracking numbers offers several significant benefits:

• Increased Customer Satisfaction: Customers appreciate transparency. Knowing their package is on its way and can be tracked alleviates anxiety and fosters positive feelings towards your brand. Imagine ordering something online and having no idea when it will arrive – frustrating, right?
• Reduced Customer Support Tickets: Many customer service inquiries revolve around order status. Providing readily accessible tracking information significantly reduces these inquiries, freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.
• Improved Brand Reputation: Reliable shipping with accurate tracking boosts your store’s reputation and builds customer loyalty. Positive word-of-mouth and online reviews are invaluable.
• Easier Dispute Resolution: In the rare case of a shipping problem, a tracking number provides concrete evidence to resolve any disputes quickly and efficiently.

Methods for Adding Tracking Numbers in WooCommerce

There are several ways to add tracking numbers to your WooCommerce orders, ranging from manual entry to using plugins. Let’s explore the most common approaches:

1. Manually Adding Tracking Numbers (For Small Orders)

If you only have a few orders to process, you can manually add the tracking numbers directly within WooCommerce.

• Locate the Order: Go to your WooCommerce dashboard, navigate to Orders, and find the relevant order.
• Add the Tracking Number: Click on the order to open its details. You’ll find a section to add the tracking number and usually a field to select the shipping carrier. Enter the tracking number provided by your shipping carrier. Ensure accuracy!
• Update the Order: Save your changes. This will usually update the order status and make the tracking number visible to the customer.

Example: Let’s say you shipped an order via USPS and received tracking number “9400110165931026784066”. You would enter this number in the designated field in the WooCommerce order details.

Limitations: This method is time-consuming and impractical for large volumes of orders.

2. Using WooCommerce Shipping Plugins (Recommended for Most Users)

For efficient tracking management, a WooCommerce shipping plugin is your best bet. These plugins automate the process and often offer additional features.

• Popular Plugins: Many plugins are available, including ones that integrate directly with popular shipping carriers like USPS, FedEx, and DHL. Research and choose a plugin that meets your needs and budget. Look for reviews and features such as automated tracking number generation, email notifications, and shipping label printing.
• Plugin Installation: Once you’ve chosen a plugin, install it through your WooCommerce dashboard (Plugins > Add New). Follow the plugin’s instructions for setup and configuration. Most plugins provide clear guidance, but you may want to consult their documentation if you get stuck.
• Configuration: Plugins typically require you to connect your shipping accounts to automatically pull tracking information or to manually enter it during order processing.

Example: The “EasyPost Shipping” plugin allows you to connect your EasyPost account and automatically generate and add tracking numbers to your orders.

3. Using a Third-Party Shipping Service (Advanced Option)

Services like ShipStation or Shippo integrate with WooCommerce and handle shipping label creation, tracking, and more. These are powerful solutions for businesses that process a high volume of orders. However, they often come with monthly fees.

Sending Tracking Information to Customers

Most plugins will automatically email customers their tracking information once you add it to the order. If not, you can create a custom email notification within WooCommerce to ensure customers receive their tracking details promptly.

Conclusion

Adding tracking numbers to your WooCommerce orders is crucial for customer satisfaction and business efficiency. Whether you choose the manual method, a plugin, or a third-party service, the key is to select a solution that suits your business size and workflow. By providing accurate and accessible tracking information, you’ll build trust with your customers and elevate your WooCommerce store’s reputation.