Efficient Order Tracking for Drop Shipping Stores
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Drop Shipping?
- How to Track Orders Using the AliExpress WooCommerce Plugin
- 3.1 Basic Tracking
- 3.2 Advanced Tracking with Tracking Add-On
- How to Enter Tracking Information Manually
- Synchronizing Tracking Information with AliExpress and Chrome Extension
- Configuring Automatic Changes in WooCommerce Order Status
- 6.1 Tracking Code Order Status Option
- Additional Options for Tracking Orders with WooCommerce AliExpress Shipping Tracking Module
- 7.1 Tracking Service Options
- 7.2 Redirecting to External Tracking Services
- 7.3 Tracking on Your Own Site
- 7.4 Activating Additional Features with AfterShip Integration
- Managing Tracking Codes and Information
- 8.1 Viewing Tracking Codes and Information
- 8.2 Manually Updating Tracking Code Information
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to the Alley To Woo YouTube channel! In this video, we will explore the world of drop shipping from AliExpress and introduce you to the Alley To Woo plugin, a powerful solution for drop shippers. Specifically, we will discuss how to track orders using the AliExpress WooCommerce plugin and delve into its basic and advanced tracking functionalities. By the end of this video, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to efficiently manage and track your drop shipping orders.
What is Drop Shipping?
Before we dive into the details of order tracking, let's first understand the concept of drop shipping. Drop shipping is a business model where the retailer does not keep products in stock. Instead, they partner with a supplier who handles the inventory, packaging, and shipping of the products directly to the customers. Drop shipping has gained popularity among entrepreneurs due to its low upfront costs and minimal risk involved. With the rise of platforms like AliExpress, drop shippers can easily find a wide range of products to sell without the need for a physical store.
How to Track Orders Using the AliExpress WooCommerce Plugin
3.1 Basic Tracking
The AliExpress WooCommerce plugin offers built-in tracking functionality that simplifies order tracking for drop shippers. When you navigate to the orders page in your WooCommerce dashboard, you will find a tracking number field for each order. Initially, this field is empty. However, after fulfilling an order, the Chrome extension integrated with the plugin automatically receives the order's ID from AliExpress, known as the external order ID. This ID is then associated with the corresponding WooCommerce order.
Once the external order ID is received, a tracking button appears next to the respective order. By clicking on this button, you can check the tracking information or obtain the tracking number for that order. It is important to note that a single order can have multiple external order IDs and tracking numbers if necessary.
3.2 Advanced Tracking with Tracking Add-On
For more advanced tracking capabilities, the AliExpress WooCommerce plugin offers the option to install a special tracking add-on. This add-on unlocks additional features and options for tracking orders. To enable the add-on, you can navigate to the WooCommerce settings and locate the newly added "AliExpress Tracking" tab. Under this tab, you will find options related to tracking codes.
The add-on allows you to choose a tracking service and generate tracking links for your users. By default, the tracking service is not specified, resulting in non-generated links and a lack of tracking information for users. However, you can easily select a service from the available options such as AfterShip, 17track, or CnTrack. Once a service is chosen, the tracking links will be displayed on various pages, including the order page, user account, notification emails, and the administrative panel.
During the tracking process, users will be redirected to the corresponding service's website, where they can access detailed information about the route of their order. For those who prefer not to redirect to an external site, the plugin allows you to configure tracking on any page of your website. This can be achieved by using a special shortcode and selecting the desired page in the plugin's settings.
Additionally, the add-on integrates with AfterShip, offering advanced features such as automatic synchronization of tracking numbers every 24 hours and courier detection based on the tracking code. To utilize these features, you will need to register an account on the AfterShip website and obtain a special API key.
How to Enter Tracking Information Manually
Despite the automated tracking capabilities of the AliExpress WooCommerce plugin, there may be instances where you need to manually enter tracking information. This can be done on the order editing page. Simply input the external order ID and corresponding tracking numbers in the provided fields. It is crucial to ensure that you are logged into your AliExpress account and have the Chrome extension installed in your browser for the tracking information to synchronize properly.
Synchronizing Tracking Information with AliExpress and Chrome Extension
To ensure seamless synchronization of tracking information, it is essential to be logged into your AliExpress account and have the Chrome extension installed in your browser. This allows the plugin to receive the external order ID and remember it within the properties of the WooCommerce order. The tracking numbers associated with an order will be fetched automatically when available. By keeping this synchronization intact, you can easily manage and track your drop shipping orders.
Configuring Automatic Changes in WooCommerce Order Status
6.1 Tracking Code Order Status Option
Within the WooCommerce AliExpress shipping tracking module, you have the option to configure automatic changes in the order status based on tracking codes. This provides a convenient way to keep your customers informed throughout the order fulfillment process. By enabling this feature, you can customize the order status based on the tracking code's status updates. For example, you can set specific order statuses for "shipped," "delivered," "cancelled," or any other relevant status.
Additionally, you can choose to display these custom order statuses both to your customers and within the administrative panel. This ensures clarity and transparency throughout the order tracking journey.
Additional Options for Tracking Orders with WooCommerce AliExpress Shipping Tracking Module
7.1 Tracking Service Options
The WooCommerce AliExpress shipping tracking module offers multiple tracking service options to cater to diverse user preferences. By default, the tracking service is not specified, meaning that tracking links are not generated. However, you can choose from three available tracking services: AfterShip, 17track, or CnTrack. Each service has its own benefits and may appeal to different drop shippers based on their individual requirements.
7.2 Redirecting to External Tracking Services
When tracking orders using the WooCommerce AliExpress plugin, you have the flexibility to redirect users to external tracking service websites. By selecting a tracking service, your customers will be redirected to the corresponding service's site, where they can access comprehensive tracking information. This redirection provides a seamless experience for customers, allowing them to effectively monitor the progress of their orders.
7.3 Tracking on Your Own Site
If you prefer not to redirect users to external tracking service websites, the WooCommerce AliExpress shipping tracking module offers the option to track orders directly on your own website. This can be accomplished by adding a special shortcode to a page of your choice and configuring the necessary settings. Tracking information will then be displayed on the selected page, simplifying the tracking experience for both you and your customers.
7.4 Activating Additional Features with AfterShip Integration
By integrating with AfterShip, the WooCommerce AliExpress plugin unlocks a range of additional features and capabilities. AfterShip provides an advanced tracking platform that enhances order tracking for drop shippers. With AfterShip, you can activate features such as automatic synchronization of tracking numbers every 24 hours and courier detection based on the tracking code. To leverage these features, you will need to register an account on the AfterShip website and obtain a unique API key.
Managing Tracking Codes and Information
8.1 Viewing Tracking Codes and Information
The WooCommerce AliExpress shipping tracking module includes a dedicated page where you can view all the tracking codes associated with your AliExpress orders. This list provides valuable information such as the tracking code, the name of the courier service, the estimated delivery date, and the tracking status. The tracking status field indicates whether an order is newly published, delivered, canceled, or encountered an error.
8.2 Manually Updating Tracking Code Information
In the event that tracking code information needs to be updated manually, the WooCommerce AliExpress plugin offers a convenient editing function. Through this function, you can easily modify the carrier field, allowing for manual changes to the courier service associated with the tracking code. This flexibility ensures accurate tracking information and enables you to keep your orders up to date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Alley To Woo plugin provides drop shippers with a comprehensive solution for tracking orders from AliExpress. Whether you opt for the basic tracking functionality or integrate advanced options with the AfterShip add-on, this plugin offers a seamless and efficient way to manage and track your drop shipping business. By leveraging the power of the AliExpress WooCommerce plugin, you can streamline your order fulfillment process, keep your customers informed, and ultimately boost your success in the drop shipping industry. Visit our website AliToWoo.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on the latest training videos and resources for drop shippers.
Highlights:
- Explore the world of drop shipping from AliExpress with the Alley To Woo plugin
- Efficiently track orders using the AliExpress WooCommerce plugin
- Basic tracking and advanced tracking with the AfterShip add-on
- Manual entry of tracking information
- Synchronize tracking information with AliExpress and the Chrome extension
- Configure automatic changes in WooCommerce order status
- Additional options for tracking orders with the WooCommerce AliExpress shipping tracking module
- Redirecting to external tracking services or tracking on your own site
- Manage tracking codes and information for better order management
- Streamline your drop shipping process with the Alley To Woo plugin
FAQs:
Q: Can I track my AliExpress orders using the AliExpress WooCommerce plugin?
A: Yes, the plugin offers built-in tracking functionality that allows you to track your AliExpress orders directly from your WooCommerce dashboard.
Q: How can I manually enter tracking information for an order?
A: You can manually enter tracking information on the order editing page by inputting the external order ID and corresponding tracking numbers.
Q: Can I synchronize tracking information without being logged into my AliExpress account?
A: No, it is essential to be logged into your AliExpress account and have the Chrome extension installed for proper synchronization of tracking information.
Q: How can I configure automatic changes in the WooCommerce order status based on tracking codes?
A: By enabling the "Tracking Code Order Status" option in the WooCommerce settings, you can customize the order status based on the status updates of the tracking codes.
Q: Can I track my orders on my own website instead of redirecting to external services?
A: Yes, the WooCommerce AliExpress shipping tracking module allows you to track orders on your own site by adding a special shortcode to a page of your choice and configuring the necessary settings.
