Most online shoppers check on their order at least once after buying. Without a way to do that, they email support instead, and “where is my order” tickets pile up while trust in your delivery process erodes. Order tracking closes that gap directly.
The Problem Without It
No tracking updates means customers are left guessing, which reliably produces a flood of status-check emails and quietly erodes confidence in whether the package is coming at all. That uncertainty doesn’t just affect the current order, it makes people less likely to buy again.
The Fix: Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce
Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce (confirmed active, v2.7.4, ~$65-70/yr) is the official extension for this: add tracking details to an order and WooCommerce handles surfacing them to the customer automatically.
What It Covers
- Direct WooCommerce integration, no complex setup.
- Multiple carriers: UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, and others, plus a custom-provider option for anything not listed.
- Customer-facing display in order confirmation emails and the My Account page.
- Automated updates, no manual follow-up required once it’s set.
Setting It Up
Step 1: Install and Activate
Purchase from WooCommerce.com, upload via Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin, and activate.
Step 2: Find the Shipment Tracking Panel
WooCommerce > Orders, open the order, and scroll to the new Shipment Tracking panel on the edit screen.
Step 3: Add Tracking Info
- Choose the carrier from the dropdown, or select Custom Provider and enter their tracking URL if it’s not listed.
- Enter the tracking number from the carrier.
- Optionally add the shipping date.
- Optionally preview the link to confirm it actually resolves correctly.
Step 4: Save and Complete
Click Save Tracking, then mark the order Completed. WooCommerce sends the tracking email automatically at that point, no separate step needed.
Step 5: Multiple Shipments (Optional)
For orders split across shipments, click Add Tracking Number to add each additional entry. Customers see everything in their order email and under My Account > Orders.
Also read: How to Add a Free Shipping Limit in WooCommerce.
Best Practices
Add tracking numbers as soon as they’re available, delay defeats the purpose. Stick with carriers that actually deliver accurate, timely updates, a tracking link that shows stale data is worse than no tracking at all. Customize the notification emails to match your branding for a more polished impression. And place a real test order yourself so you experience the actual flow before rolling it out.
Why This Is Worth Doing
- Fewer support tickets asking about order status.
- Better retention, informed customers are more likely to come back.
- A more credible storefront overall.
- Repeat purchases from shoppers who trust your shipping process.
Final Thoughts
Order tracking is a small addition with an outsized effect on trust: customers who can see their order moving toward them file fewer complaints and come back more often. Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce gets this running without custom development.