The contemporary world thrives on interconnectness and speed. The courier delivery industry plays a role in this. One of the industries most recent innovations is the live tracking link for package and parcel delivery through a global position system (gps position).
The Australian courier service industry follows this global trend. Delivery times vary greatly in a country like our own. The time that people can save through parcel and package tracking services compounds this gap.
Additionally, clients and customers expect speed and efficiency throughout the delivery process. Live tracking links have become a vital step in this process. This blog provides Australian businesses with a comprehensive understanding of live tracking links and the steps needed to implement this feature effectively.
Understanding Live Tracking Links
Live tracking links ensure that a package or parcel can be tracked throughout its delivery journey. There are many reasons why a customer might want to track the transit movement of their deliverables. Often it is a combination of convenience, peace of mind, and associated costs with relatively low data and browser costs.
The technology behind modern live tracking services is relatively simple. However, the short time that it has been available has seen major innovations. Many courier services have integrated automatic messaging, AI technologies, and live GPS tracking. They include map services that track the path a delivery takes.
What Are Live Tracking Links?
Live tracking links allow customers to monitor the status of their orders in real-time. These links usually direct customers to a web page or application where they can see the current location of their shipment, estimated delivery time, and other relevant updates. Following the delivery progress through different shipping locations helps clients and business leaders with general logistics management.
Why Are They Important?
In the competitive Australian market, providing live tracking is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity. Customers are more likely to choose businesses that offer tracking services. Furthermore, with the rise of online shopping, customers want to know where their packages are at all times to avoid uncertainties.
What is Delivery Tracking?
Delivery tracking allows clients to see how their deliverable arrives at its destination. It is often done through the use of tracking devices and computer applications.
It has become increasingly popular due to its convenience. Accurately seeing when a parcel will arrive allows customers to be at the right stop at the right time. This saves time for both the customer and the delivery driver. Following the tracking status and other tracking information ensures that people are at the front door of the correct receiver’s address.
Different companies have their own item-tracking systems. Zoom2u integrates their tracking systems with their mobile app. Customers can track the route that the driver takes. They will also receive an estimated delivery time. Additionally, there are ways to contact the driver should you be unavailable.
How has Delivery Tracking Developed?
Delivery tracking has developed alongside courier services and other technological innovations. The availability of mobile phones and internet access has been the most significant breakthrough over the years.
Older delivery services used to rely on general time suggestions. They might say clients can expect their packages in three to five working days. However, the improvements in tracking systems have made these types of timeframes obsolete.
The rise of the internet allowed many businesses to better connect to their customers. It gave them the opportunity for greater communication. This helped to develop services for tracking delivery items.
Benefits of Link Tracking for Courier Services
Courier services greatly benefit from integrating live tracking links into their delivery and logistics system. Additionally, its rise in popularity has seen the technology become something of an industry standard.
The major reason for this has to do with how it enhances the customers experience. It includes them throughout the delivery process, thereby ensuring that they know where their deliverables are and what time they can expect them.
Improved Customer Experience
Offering live tracking significantly enhances the customer experience. Customers appreciate being able to check the status of their orders without having to contact customer service. This convenience can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Customers will also see that being able to track the delivery of their parcels helps them to be at the delivery spot at the correct time. They can also ensure that the location is correct throughout the transit process.
Reduced Customer Service Inquiries
With a live tracking link, customers can find answers to their questions on their own, reducing the volume of inquiries directed to customer service. This allows your team to focus on more complex issues, ultimately improving efficiency.
Additionally, some companies have integrated AI bots into their live tracking applicances. This reduction in humanpower ensures that people can be better utilised in more effective and efficient ways.
Increased Trust and Loyalty
Transparency is key in building customer trust. By providing real-time tracking information, you demonstrate that your company values communication and reliability. This fosters customer loyalty, encouraging repeat purchases.
A well functioning delivery and tracking app will likely attract new customers. This is because it has become a key feature that clients look for before they partner with a delivery company. Having a functional, well reviewed tracking system will improve your overall company.
How to Set Up Live Tracking Links
The process of setting up live tracking links will differe depending on a variety of factors both internal and external to your company. Basically, if you already have a functioning IT system then you can rely on them. If not then it is essential that you partner with a company that can set up, manage, and seek to constantly optimise the system.
We often cover the need for companies and business to partner with a suitable client in order to best fulfil their business needs. This is because it is cheaper and far more effective in the long run to parnter with the best than to try and manage everything on your own.
Integrate Tracking Solutions
Once you’ve chosen a shipping partner, you need to integrate their tracking system into your eCommerce platform. Most major platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento offer plugins or integrations for shipping and tracking solutions.
Alternatively you can partner with a company that already has these systems integrated into their logistics supply chain. A good example of how this would look is to order from a prospective client and see if their system works like you would want it to.
Set Up Notifications
After integrating the tracking system, you’ll want to set up automated notifications. This can be done via email or SMS, depending on your customer preferences. Notify customers when their order has shipped and provide them with a live tracking link.
There is a balance that one needs to achieve in order to find the right mix of too many notifications and not enough notifications. Remember that people have different preferences so be sure to find ways to cater for everyone.
Best Practices for Sending Live Tracking Links
Live tracking links, by design, are there to enhance customer satisfaction and to ensure that they have the best possible delivery service. However, as many people know, customers have varying tastes and preferences. It is difficult to satisfy them all.
That being said, there are certain features that can be used to please many people. These features tend to revolve around personalising the link for the customer. Clear instructions, as well as the ability to opt-out, are examples of this.
Timing Your Notifications
Timing is crucial. Send the live tracking link as soon as the order has shipped. You can also send reminder notifications at key points during the delivery process, such as when the package is out for delivery.
Personalising Communication
Personalized communication can significantly enhance customer engagement. Use the customer’s name in your messages and consider including additional information, like a summary of their order.
Clear Instructions for Customers
Ensure that the tracking link and any accompanying information are easy to understand. Provide clear instructions on how to use the tracking link to reduce confusion.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Technical Issues
Solution: Ensure that your eCommerce platform and shipping partner are fully integrated. Regularly test the tracking links to ensure they work properly.
Customer Confusion
Solution: Provide clear instructions on how to use the tracking link and what information can be found. Consider including a FAQ section on your website to address common questions.
Overloading Customers with Notifications
Solution: Balance the number of notifications sent. Avoid bombarding customers with updates; instead, focus on key milestones like shipping confirmation and out-for-delivery notifications.
Closing Thoughts
Sending customers a live tracking link is not just an added feature; it’s a vital part of modern customer service that can significantly enhance the shopping experience. By providing real-time updates, you build trust and foster loyalty among your customer base.
For Australian companies looking to improve their service, the steps outlined in this guide offer a clear roadmap to implementing live tracking links successfully.
Locate2u’s route optimisation helps turn hours of route planning work into seconds, helping drivers to complete all jobs as efficiently as possible. Locate2u can help save your business time and money, while improving customer support.
FAQs
Q: How can I choose the right shipping partner for live tracking?
A: Look for carriers that have a strong reputation, offer reliable tracking services, and integrate well with your eCommerce platform.
Q: What tools are available for automating live tracking notifications?
A: Popular options include AfterShip, ShipStation, and Parcel Perform, which offer various features to help automate the tracking process.
Q: How often should I send tracking updates?
A: It’s best to send updates at key milestones, such as when the order is shipped and when it is out for delivery, to avoid overwhelming customers.
