How to Keep Track of Shipped Items as a Small Business

Keeping track of shipped items could be the be-all and end-all of your business – get a bad reputation for shipping and delivery, and it all goes quickly downhill. Just take Evry, as an example, originally Hermes. Hermes had a terrible reputation with delivery, rebranded to Evry for a fresh start, and does just as bad under that name.

But is it really that easy? Absolutely not. Read on to learn how to keep track of shipped items as a small business.

Implement a Reliable Tracking System

Start by implementing a dependable tracking system. That can transform everything for you, and we would argue that we don’t know how you’ve survived without one.

Most shipping companies provide tracking services that integrate into your business system. We doubt you’ve been hiring your delivery drivers, so you should be partnering with a shipping company that has the best tracking services. The software should automatically update shipment status and offer real-time tracking information. ShipStation, Shippo, Ordoro, etc. are great for small businesses that deliver everything from the items with highest demand on Amazon to products from China.

Use Inventory Management Software

Shipping tracking is fine, but what about your warehouse? Inventory management software helps small businesses keep track of their shipped items and stock levels. Some useful tools include QuickBooks Commerce, TradeGecko, and Zoho Inventory help you manage stock levels, track orders, and handle returns. These programmes give deeper insights into stocks and shipment status, enabling retailers to stay on top of their shipping processes without leaving customers in the dark.

Communication With Customers

Keep customers informed about their order status through automated emails or SMS updates. Arguably, the most important part of tracking shipped items is where they are in the world and how close they are to customers – nothing makes a customer angrier than a parcel that doesn’t deliver on the date it should.

Providing tracking numbers and expected delivery dates enhances transparency, creating trust between sellers and buyers, especially if you provide the data before the consumer makes the purchase. It’ll save you time and hassle if you let them buy a product and the delivery time is too long.

Encourage your clients to reach out if they have any doubts or queries concerning their deliveries. Options such as Klaviyo or Mailchimp allow these kinds of messages to be automated. Equally important is a responsive customer care centre that takes care of any questions and complaints, which could, in turn, lead to high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. Consistent updates are a comfort to the customers and reduce the number of queries about their status. Yes, a chat system about deliveries opens you up to hassle, but it secures a better reputation.

Consider implementing a live chat feature on your website for real-time assistance and to address any shipping concerns promptly.

How Giants Like Amazon Do It

Studying how giants like Amazon go about tracking and shipping may provide useful insights – they’re a billion-dollar company and almost always deliver on time. They even do same-day delivery; it doesn’t get much better than that.

Advanced logistics systems, combined with monitoring solutions, enable Amazon to manage all its deliveries spread across the globe. Amazon uses highly complex algorithms and real-time data analytics to optimise delivery routes and project potential delays. For example, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies help Amazon estimate accurate delivery times so that buyers receive the information necessary during every stage of transportation – the countdown feature when the item is 8 stops away is one of the best!

Managing shipped items will never be easy. Technically, once the item leaves your warehouse or store, it’s in the hands of whoever you’re trusting. But, still, there are things you can do to ensure your items deliver on time and your customers are happy.