Power Sellers Unite

bobarizona · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 123

We have created a parcel tracking system for ourselves. I'm thinking of reselling this service.

Here's what it does:

It monitors the shipping progress from time of shipment to destination. If there is a problem, both me and the recipient are notified. Once the package is delivered, the recipient notified with a email "Package Delivered! Thank You for your business!"

In the past we just sent tracking and delivery confirmation numbers in hopes the buyer will monitor the shipment. I reality most do not monitor the shipment. Usually we had only found out about a problem after we receive the parcel back.

Problems solved:

1. UPS and FedEx return charges are reduced or eliminated. When there is a delivery problem I'm notified along with the recipient.

2. No bad ebay DSR or feedbacks because of shipping time

3. Eliminates or reduces "Item Not Received" disputes. UPS and FedEx do make mistake in delivery or the recipient gave the wrong address. If the recipient gets a email titled "Package Delivered! Thank You for your business!" and they don't have the package, their going to get a hold of you right away. A immediate trace can be done at FedEx & UPS while the delivery is still fresh in the mind of the delivery person. It is common for the recipient to contact the seller one month after delivery that says they never received the parcel.

Additional Benefits:

1. Better Communication Scores: No one expects a "Package Delivered! Thank You for your business!" email

2. Reduces bad feedback Package delivered emails shows you care.

What we do.

Inter customer email & tracking number. The system recognizes FedEx UPS & UPS Delivery confirmation numbers and international custom form numbers. Can't do anything with USPS international 1St Class.

Any input would be very helpful!

Thanks!

jjj525 · Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 354

I think a company called http://trackthepack.com/ already do that.

Anyway best wishes.

Stockmiser · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Posts: 1169

trackithepack.com is nice, but they don't automatically send emails to all parties. The USPS site will also do this - and you can add up to 4 email addresses to send updates, but the issue is data input. I don't have time to re-enter every tracked package and every buyer email.

Right now, I use paypal to generate the labels, then I cut/paste the tracking number into my auction management system which uses it in the automated shipping email I send (and includes a link to USPS tracking w/ the number) and records the number permanently with the order.

bobarizona, what would I have to re-enter to get automatic email updates?

bobarizona · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 123

Hello,
Good question!

For low users I think Copy & paste would be the only way.

We will have a web service set up that there would be great flexibility of how the email & tracking be entered into it. Minimal programing ability would be required.

The best way to handle the emails is a down-loadable email program that work on the clients computer rather than us send the email. This would avoid spam filters that would block the emails.

From what I see on tracthepack you have the do the work keeping tabs on tracking. Our service will focus
notifications so when there is a problem you and your buyer can fix it at minimal cost & aggravation.

CC13 · Joined: 07 May 2009 Posts: 372

The biggest issue I have had with tracking #'s is that it takes forever to input them all. If you do 50 sales a day your wasting 1 hour or more a day loading in all these tracking #'s. I just put in my listings that tracking #'s are available upon request. I would rather spend my time on sales and marketing and feel that it is big efforts producing extremely small results. As someone said earlier in this threat very few people actually check their tracking #'s anyway so what is the point? Sure you might get the odd favorable DSR score or something like that but I do not think it would make a difference in the negative/neutral/positive ratings.

bobarizona · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 123

CC13 if you are doing 50 packages a day great! You need to get some automation going. We do about 20 a day. All we do is just put the measurement in our shipping system & does the rest.

I too don't have time to input tracking numbers. I'd rather use my time in marketing. We use it also as a marketing tool because the package delivered email. Also says something like, "if I can be of more help, let me know" Many buyers respond with "yes I'm looking for..."