WooCommerce: Sending Tracking Numbers with Order Completion Emails (Even if You’re a Tech Newbie!)
So, you’ve got a WooCommerce store, which is fantastic! You’re making sales, and that’s even *better*. But are you providing the *best* possible customer experience? One crucial element that often gets overlooked is automatically including tracking numbers with your order completion emails. Think of it as the digital equivalent of handing your customer a receipt and saying, “Here’s how you can watch your package make its way to you!”
This article will guide you through how to achieve this, even if you’re not a coding whiz. We’ll break down the process into simple steps and explain *why* it’s so important.
Why Bother with Tracking Numbers in Order Completion Emails?
Imagine you ordered a new gadget online. After a few days, you start wondering, “Where is it?” You frantically search your emails for any updates, maybe even contacting customer service. Frustrating, right? Now, flip the scenario: you receive an email with a tracking number, and you can easily check the status of your delivery. Relief washes over you. That’s the power of providing tracking information!
Here’s why it’s a must for your WooCommerce store:
- Explore this article on How To Add Api Woocommerce Improved Customer Satisfaction: Knowing where their order is reduces anxiety and increases customer satisfaction. Happy customers are more likely to return!
- Reduced Support Tickets: Providing readily available tracking information significantly reduces the number of “Where’s my order?” support requests, freeing up your time.
- Enhanced Brand Image: It shows you care about your customers and are committed to providing a seamless shopping experience. Think of it as adding that extra sprinkle of delight to your service.
- Builds Trust: Transparency breeds trust. Customers appreciate knowing they can monitor their order’s progress.
- Competitive Advantage: In today’s competitive e-commerce landscape, small details like this can set you apart.
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “AfterShip Tracking.”
- Click “Install Now” and then “Activate.”
- Most plugins have a settings page where you can customize things like:
- Which order statuses trigger the email (usually “Completed”).
- The email subject and body (some allow customization).
- Supported shipping carriers.
- AfterShip typically automatically detects tracking from popular carriers, so often minimal setup is needed.
- When fulfilling an order, go to your WooCommerce > Orders page.
- Open the specific order.
- Look for the tracking number fields (often provided by the plugin within the order details or via a metabox).
- Enter the tracking number and select the shipping carrier.
- Mark the order as “Completed.”
- No Coding Required: Perfect for non-technical users.
- Handles Carrier Integrations: Most plugins support numerous shipping carriers, automatically detecting the appropriate tracking URL.
- Customization Options: Many plugins offer customization options for email templates and other settings.
- Less Prone to Errors: Reduces the risk of errors associated with custom code.
- Updates and Support: Learn more about How To Add Woocommerce Shop Announcement Plugins are typically maintained and updated by developers, ensuring compatibility and security.
How to Automatically Include Tracking Numbers: Two Easy Methods
There are primarily two ways to automatically include tracking numbers in your WooCommerce order completion emails:
1. Using a WooCommerce Shipping Tracking Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)
2. Using Custom Code (For the More Adventurous)
Let’s explore both.
Method 1: Using a WooCommerce Shipping Tracking Plugin
This is the easiest and most beginner-friendly approach. Several fantastic plugins are available that seamlessly integrate with WooCommerce and automate the process.
Real-Life Example: Imagine a baker who makes custom cakes. They ship these cakes across the state. Using a plugin, when they mark an order as “Completed” and add the tracking number from FedEx or UPS, the customer automatically receives an email with that tracking link. No extra work for the baker!
Here’s how to use a plugin (using a popular, free option as an example – *AfterShip Tracking*):
1. Install and Activate the Plugin:
2. Configure the Plugin (Typically Minimal):
3. Add Tracking Number to the Order:
4. The Magic Happens! The plugin will automatically send an email to the customer containing the tracking number and a link to track their package.
Why this is the preferred method:
Method 2: Using Custom Code (Advanced – Proceed with Caution!)
This method involves adding custom code to your `functions.php` file (or a custom plugin). It’s only recommended if you’re comfortable with PHP and understand the risks involved. Incorrect code can break your website! Always back up your site before making changes to your `functions.php` file.
Real-Life Example: Imagine you have a custom fulfillment process and need very specific control over the email content and delivery. This method lets you tailor everything perfectly.
Here’s a basic example (this requires adapting to your specific workflow and how you capture the tracking number):
<?php add_action( 'woocommerce_order_status_completed', 'send_tracking_number_on_completion' );
function send_tracking_number_on_completion( $order_id ) {
$order = wc_get_order( $order_id );
// Replace ‘your_tracking_number_meta_key’ with the actual meta key
// where you store the tracking number for the Discover insights on How To Display Discount Banner On Woocommerce Shop order. This Learn more about How To Customize Woocommerce Checkout Page Elementor is CRITICAL.
$tracking_number = get_post_meta( $order_id, ‘your_tracking_number_meta_key’, true );
// Replace ‘your_shipping_carrier_meta_key’ with the actual meta key
// where you store the shipping carrier for the order. This is CRITICAL.
$shipping_carrier = get_post_meta( $order_id, ‘your_shipping_carrier_meta_key’, true );
if ( $tracking_number ) {
// Construct the tracking URL (you’ll need to determine this based on the carrier)
$tracking_url = ”;
if ($shipping_carrier == ‘USPS’) {
$tracking_url = ‘https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction?qtc_tLabels1=’ . $tracking_number;
} elseif ($shipping_carrier == ‘FedEx’) {
$tracking_url = ‘https://www.fedex.com/fedextrack/?tracknumbers=’ . $tracking_number;
} elseif ($shipping_carrier == ‘UPS’) {
$tracking_url = ‘https://www.ups.com/track?tracknum=’ . $tracking_number;
} else {
$tracking_url = ‘Tracking URL Not Available’; // Handle other carriers
}
$to = $order->get_billing_email();
$subject = ‘Your Order is Complete and Shipped!’;
$message = ‘Your order is complete and has been shipped! Your tracking number is: ‘ . $tracking_number . “nn”;
$message .= ‘You can track your package here: ‘ . $tracking_url;
$headers = array(‘Content-Type: text/html; charset=UTF-8’);
wp_mail( $to, $subject, $message, $headers );
}
}
?>
Important Considerations for Custom Code:
- Find the Right Meta Key: You’ll need to determine how you’re storing the tracking number and shipping carrier within the order. This usually involves using custom fields or a plugin that adds these fields. The `your_tracking_number_meta_key` and `your_shipping_carrier_meta_key` placeholders MUST be replaced with the correct keys. Inspecting the order data using a debugging tool or `var_dump($order)` can help you find these.
- Determine the Tracking URL Structure: Each shipping carrier has a different URL structure for tracking packages. You’ll need to research and implement conditional logic (like the `if/elseif` example) to construct the correct URL based on the selected carrier.
- Error Handling: Add error handling to ensure the code doesn’t break if the tracking number or shipping carrier is missing.
- Security: Be very careful when handling user input (like tracking numbers) to prevent potential security vulnerabilities. Sanitize and validate all data.
- Maintainability: Custom code requires ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure compatibility with future WooCommerce updates.
- Testing: THOROUGHLY test your code before deploying it to a live website.
Why this is generally *not* the preferred method for beginners:
- Requires PHP Knowledge: You need a good understanding of PHP to write and debug the code.
- Higher Risk of Errors: Incorrect code can break your website.
- More Maintenance: You’re responsible for maintaining the code and ensuring its compatibility with future WooCommerce updates.
- Security Concerns: Custom code can introduce security vulnerabilities if not written carefully.
- Time Investment: It takes more time to develop and test custom code.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Path for You
Adding tracking numbers to order completion emails is a *simple change* that can have a *significant impact* on customer satisfaction. For most users, using a WooCommerce shipping tracking plugin is the best and most efficient approach. It’s easy to set up, requires no coding, and provides all the necessary functionality. However, if you have specific needs and are comfortable with PHP, you can explore the custom code option. Just remember to proceed with caution and always back up your website before making any changes. Happy shipping!
