# How to Check WooCommerce Order Shipping Status: A Beginner’s Guide
So you’ve made a sale on your WooCommerce store – congratulations! Now, your customer wants to know where their order is. This guide will show you how to easily check the shipping status of an order in WooCommerce, whether you’re using a built-in shipping method or a third-party plugin.
Understanding WooCommerce Order Status and Shipping Information
Before we dive into how to check shipping, let’s clarify the different order statuses you might encounter in WooCommerce:
- Pending: The order has been placed but not yet processed.
- Processing: The order is being prepared for shipment.
- On-hold: The order is awaiting further action, like payment confirmation.
- Completed: The order has been shipped and delivered.
- Cancelled: The order has been cancelled.
- Refunded: A refund has been issued for the order.
- WooCommerce Shipping Tracking: This plugin automatically adds tracking information to orders.
- Advanced Shipment Tracking: This plugin offers more advanced features like automated email notifications.
- Check your shipping settings: Ensure your WooCommerce shipping settings are correctly configured.
- Review your shipping method: Make sure you’ve chosen a shipping method that provides tracking numbers.
- Contact your shipping carrier: If you’re having trouble accessing tracking information, contact your shipping carrier directly.
The shipping status is usually tied to the overall order status. A “Completed” order generally implies the shipment is on its way, but you’ll need to look for more specific details.
Method 1: Checking Shipping Information Directly in WooCommerce Orders
This is the most straightforward method.
1. Log in to your WooCommerce dashboard.
2. Navigate to Orders. You’ll see a list of all your orders.
3. Find the specific order you need to check. You can use the search bar or filter by date, status, etc.
4. Click on the order number. This will open the order details page.
5. Scroll down to the “Shipping” section. This section will display the shipping method used, the shipping address, and, crucially, the tracking number (if available).
Real-life example: Imagine a customer, Sarah, ordered a handmade scarf. You’d locate her order in your WooCommerce dashboard, click on it, and then in the “Shipping” section, you’d find the tracking number provided by your shipping carrier (like USPS, FedEx, or DHL). You can then copy this number and paste it into the carrier’s website to check the exact location of her package.
Method 2: Using WooCommerce Order Details Page
The order details page offers a comprehensive overview of the order. Information like the shipping method and tracking number are directly visible. If the order status is “Completed” and the shipping information is absent, it might signify you need to manually update it using method 3.
Method 3: Manually Updating Shipping Information (if necessary)
Sometimes, the shipping information isn’t automatically updated. This might happen if you’re managing shipping manually or using a plugin that requires manual input.
Here’s how you can manually add or update shipping information:
1. Open the order details page as described in Method 1.
2. Locate the “Shipping” section.
3. You might find fields for “Tracking number,” and “Shipping Carrier.” Enter the relevant information here. Save changes when finished.
Important Note: Always ensure you have the correct tracking number and carrier details before updating the order. Providing incorrect information can lead to customer confusion.
Method 4: Using WooCommerce Extensions/Plugins
Many WooCommerce extensions enhance shipping management. These plugins often provide more detailed tracking and automation features. For example:
The specific process for checking shipping status will vary depending on the plugin you’re using, but they generally offer a centralized dashboard or improved integration with shipping carriers.
Troubleshooting
If you’re still struggling to find the shipping information, consider these points:
By following these steps, you can confidently check the shipping status of your WooCommerce orders and keep your customers informed about the whereabouts of their purchases. Remember, clear communication is key to excellent customer service!
