Setting Up Order Tracking for Australian Customers on Shopify

Table of Contents

• Setting Up Store Location & Currency for Australia
• Setting Up Order Tracking, Customer Emails, and Shipments
• Creating Shipping Labels for Australia
• Managing Domestic and International Shipments
• Best Practices for Customer Satisfaction
• Order Tracking FAQs
• Conclusion

If you own a Shopify store in Australia, you are likely experiencing the excitement of receiving orders from cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as more remote areas. However, with this excitement often comes customer inquiries about order statuses, delivery times, and tracking information.

To enhance the post-purchase experience for your customers, it’s crucial to implement effective order tracking specifically designed for the Australian market. This not only builds trust but also reduces customer inquiries and improves overall satisfaction.

This guide will provide you with essential steps and tips to keep your customers informed from checkout to delivery, regardless of their location in Australia.

Setting Up Store Location & Currency for Australia

Before processing orders, ensure that your Shopify store is configured correctly for the Australian market. This includes setting the store location, currency, and shipping zones.

1. Set Your Store Location

To ensure accurate shipping rates and taxes, set your store location to Australia.

1. Navigate to Settings > Store details.
2. Enter your Australian address under Store address.
3. Set the country to Australia.
4. Save your changes.

2. Enable the Australian Dollar (AUD)

Setting your store currency to AUD helps local customers feel more comfortable and trust your store.

1. Go to Settings > Store currency.
2. Select AUD – Australian Dollar.
3. Save your changes.

3. Set Up Shipping Zones

Customise your shipping settings based on location.

1. Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Under General shipping rates, click Manage rates.
3. Click Create shipping zone, name it “Australia”, and select Australia from the country list.
4. Add relevant rates (flat rate, carrier-calculated, or free shipping for specific amounts).

Tip: Consider separate rates for metropolitan and remote areas to ensure accurate delivery costs.

Setting Up Order Tracking, Customer Emails, and Shipments

Ensure your store is equipped to handle order tracking effectively.

1. Select Reliable Shipping Carriers

Choose shipping partners that offer reliable tracking and timely deliveries.

• Australia Post: Trusted nationwide coverage.
• Sendle: Eco-friendly option for metro deliveries.
• CouriersPlease: Cost-effective for domestic shipments.
• Aramex/Fastway: Good for regional routes.

2. Add Tracking Numbers to Orders

To keep customers informed, add tracking numbers to each order and send confirmation emails.

1. Go to Orders and select the order to fulfil.
2. Click Fulfil item(s).
3. Enter the tracking number and select the carrier.
4. Click Fulfil items.

Shopify will automatically notify customers with tracking information.

3. Enable Shipping Confirmation Emails

Ensure customers receive notifications when their orders are shipped.

• Go to Settings > Notifications.
• Activate Shipping confirmation and Shipping update.
• Customise email content to include expected delivery times.

4. Create a “Track My Order” Page

Make it easy for customers to find their tracking information.

1. Go to Online Store > Pages > Add Page.
2. Title it “Track My Order”.
3. Add a tracking form from your app or embed Shopify’s tracking feature.
4. Link this page in your store’s navigation.

5. Consider Using a Third-Party Tracking App

For enhanced tracking capabilities, consider integrating a third-party tracking app.

• AfterShip: Supports tracking for over 700 couriers.
• Parcel Panel: Offers branded tracking pages.
• Track123: Automation features for an improved experience.

6. Customise Notifications for Australian Clients

Include local information in your notifications, like typical delivery times and contact hours.

Creating Shipping Labels for Australia

Once your tracking and shipping are set up, create shipping labels directly within Shopify.

1. Set Up Shipping with Australia Post

Start by creating a MyPost Business account with Australia Post for discounted shipping labels.

• Create your account at auspost.com.au.
• In Shopify, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
• Click Add carrier and select Australia Post to connect your account.

2. Buy and Print Shipping Labels

To purchase labels:

• Navigate to Orders.
• Select the order to fulfil and click Create shipping label.
• Choose Australia Post as the carrier and enter package details.
• Review costs and purchase the label.
• Print the label directly.

Tip: Use a thermal label printer for efficiency.

3. Automate Tracking Updates

When a label is purchased, tracking information is automatically linked to the order and customers will receive shipping confirmation.

Managing Domestic and International Shipments

If you ship internationally, set up separate shipping zones for accurate rates.

1. Create Separate Shipping Zones

Define zones for domestic and international shipping to ensure clarity.

2. Choose Appropriate Carriers

Select carriers based on the shipping region and service required.

• Domestic: Australia Post, Sendle.
• International: DHL, FedEx.

3. Handle Customs and Documentation

Provide accurate customs declarations for international orders to avoid issues.

Best Practices for Customer Satisfaction

To enhance customer satisfaction, follow these best practices:

• Set clear delivery expectations at checkout.
• Send prompt notifications when orders are shipped.
• Use reliable carriers with strong local presence.
• Offer free or flat-rate shipping options.
• Provide a clear return policy that suits Australian standards.
• Align support hours with Australian time zones.
• Request customer feedback after delivery.

Order Tracking FAQs

1. How do I set up order tracking on Shopify for Australian customers?

Enable shipping confirmation emails, add tracking numbers during order fulfilment, and consider third-party tracking apps.

2. Can I customise the “Track My Order” page?

Yes, you can create a dedicated page and embed tracking forms or use apps for branding.

3. Should I create separate shipping zones for metro and remote areas?

Yes, this helps set accurate rates and delivery expectations.

4. What are the best carriers for shipping in Australia?

Australia Post is widely trusted, but alternatives like Sendle and CouriersPlease are also effective.

5. How can I change my store currency to AUD after making sales?

You will need to contact Shopify Support for assistance with currency changes after sales.

Conclusion

Implementing effective order tracking is essential for Australian Shopify store owners to provide a seamless customer experience. By properly setting up your store location, currency, and shipping options, you can ensure that your customers receive timely and accurate information. This not only reduces inquiries but also fosters trust and promotes repeat business.