Shipping is a vital part of order fulfillment. However, it’s entirely out of the seller's control because a third party fulfills the task. Thus, it’s understandable if both sellers and buyers grow anxious while the package is on its way.
Fortunately, Amazon offers a tracking system to aid sellers and buyers in monitoring their parcels. Find out the answers to some of the most common questions related to Amazon fulfillment services tracking.
Tracking packages is an essential part of global supply chain management. What was once only a competitive advantage is now an industry norm to make the fulfillment process more efficient.
With the technological resources available today, a courier can’t function without a tracking system. Specifically, here are the ways Amazon fulfillment services tracking contributes to the industry.
The rise in technological innovations has made people crave instant gratification. Real-time package updates provide a sense of security for clients. Monitoring the packages relieves client anxiety and assures them that their parcels will arrive no matter what. Tracking also takes off a burden from the customer service team because the automated system can relay the shipments' status to the buyers (be it about the estimated delivery date or anticipated delays).
Tracking and tracing packages is not only beneficial to buyers, but it also helps sellers troubleshoot once a problem arises. Tracking enables sellers to trace a package if it goes missing and investigate if it gets damaged.
Because packages are scanned at every stop, the seller will know where to start looking by checking in which stops the package was scanned. In addition, tracking information also includes the address and delivery notes. These pieces of information can be crosschecked to verify whether a package is truly missing or just delivered to the wrong address.
Shipping is a global industry and is open to almost every country. When you are selling from another country, say, Amazon US shipping to Canada, international customers may feel extra cautious doing business with you.
Tracking generally increases the legitimacy and reliability of your business because it shows customers complete transparency. It can help eliminate their doubts and ultimately give them a better customer experience.
As all Amazon sellers know, the key to success in the platform is to put the customers first. A good customer service experience is a foolproof way to earn positive reviews, achieve five-star ratings, increase customer retention, build customer loyalty and, ultimately, claim your spot in the precious Buy Box.
Aside from the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fee of $1.49 per item sold for individual selling plans or $29.99 per month for professional selling plans, sellers also have to pay a fulfillment fee per order, which depends on the product's category, size and weight.
On the buyer's side, the shipping fee is part of what they pay for when they check out their items. The price will depend on Amazon's standard shipping rates plus the customer's chosen delivery service (whether standard or priority).
How much is Amazon shipping? Local standard shipping costs $4.99, with an additional $1.99 per kilogram in excess. A different rate applies to some items, including books and DVDs. For Amazon international shipping, you can expect around $7.49–7.99 for standard shipping and up to $14.98 for priority shipping.
Once your orders have been shipped, you can track the packages in real time by clicking the Track Order button next to your items. However, note that you cannot track some international packages. Also, tracking packages shipped through regional carriers may not be reflected in real time. If the shipping information provided is not accurate, contact the courier for updates.
As mentioned earlier, tracking information may not always be up to date or available. For example, during peak season, the scanning of packages has to be done in bulk. In this case, updates may not be reflected on the website until the first scan (can be in the regional hub or the local hub or on the day of the delivery itself).
Other reasons can be because the sellers did not provide the tracking information or because Standard International is inherently not trackable.
If these packages are not delivered on the estimated delivery date, try waiting for a day or two before reaching out. Due to various reasons, a one- to two-day delay in shipping is almost unavoidable. You should reach out to the courier or to Amazon if your package is still not available after two days.
When the tracking website says that a package you didn't receive has been delivered, it can be either because there was a mistake in the shipping information or there was a delivery attempt, but you were not available to receive the package.
To address this issue, you must first verify if you provided the correct address. Also, note if you indicated that your package can be left on your doorstep or with any proof of delivery. Check safe places in your home where the package could've been left or ask neighbours who could have received the package on your behalf.
You should also look for a “Sorry we missed you” card. This card is left in place of the package if it is deemed significant, if it needs a signature or if there are no safe locations in your home to leave the parcel.
If you received this notice, know that there will be another delivery attempt the next day. Amazon Canada fulfillment services allow three delivery attempts within three consecutive days. If the package is still not delivered by then, it will be returned to Amazon to be refunded.
Due to differences in processes, codes and communication styles, couriers may say the same thing differently. For example, if UPS says, “A UPS shipping label has been created,” it means your parcel is already in transit. If UPS says, “Same day will call,” it means the package is already available for pickup.
If you find your courier's notices too technical, you can always crosscheck them against Amazon's tracking page. Amazon strives to communicate the information to the customers in the simplest terms possible.
A package is considered undeliverable
All parcels labelled as undeliverable will be returned to Amazon for a refund. Should you decide that you still need the items, you can place another order while ensuring that your address is accurate and that you're available to receive the item on the day of the delivery.
In shipping, it's all about earning customers’ trust. Nothing is worse for them than accepting a damaged good (except not receiving the item they’ve been waiting for altogether). Prove your brand's good reputation by choosing a shipping partner that can provide fast, cheap and reliable shipping. Visit Stallion Express today for a free consultation so that we can get you started.
Nicasio is the co-founder of Stallion Express - the leading eCommerce shipping company in Canada. Through his unique experiences in tech and digital marketing, he is on a journey to disrupt the logistics industry.
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