In today’s world of online shopping, one of the most exciting parts of the experience is the anticipation of receiving your order. But with so many online stores offering a range of shipping options, it can be tricky to keep track of where your package is.
Whether it’s a gift, a new gadget, or the perfect outfit, knowing how to track your online orders can give you peace of mind and help you plan. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to track your online orders with ease!
1. Check for a Shipping Confirmation Email
Once your order has been processed and shipped, most online stores will send you a shipping confirmation email. This email typically contains important details, including:
- Tracking number: A unique code that you’ll use to monitor the progress of your order.
- Carrier information: The delivery service responsible for shipping your package, such as Amazon, Ekart, Bluedart, Ecom Express, or another courier.
- Estimated delivery date: A rough time frame of when you can expect your package to arrive.
Tip: If you don’t see the email right away, check your spam or junk folder. Sometimes, shipping emails get sent there.
2. Visit the Carrier’s Website
After you have your tracking number, the next step is to visit the carrier’s website. Here’s how to track your order depending on the carrier:
- Amazon: Go to the “Your Orders” section. Enter your tracking number to get detailed updates on your package's delivery status.
- Ekart: Enter your tracking number in the “Track” section to see the latest updates on your delivery.
- Blue Dart: Use the tracking tool on the homepage to track your shipment and get real-time status.
- Ecom Express: Enter your tracking number in the "Track Consignment" section for detailed package information.
If you don’t know the carrier, you can usually find this info in your shipping confirmation email.
3. Use the Tracking Number in Your Account
If you created an account with the online store where you made the purchase, you can often track your order directly through the retailer’s website. Many e-commerce sites have a “My Orders” or "Order History" section that shows the status of your order. From here, you can:
- View your order details.
- Find the tracking number linked to your purchase.
- Click a link that will take you to the carrier’s website for real-time tracking information.
Tip: If you don’t see any tracking information under your order details, it could be because your package hasn’t shipped yet or the tracking hasn’t been updated by the carrier.
4. Track Using a Mobile App
Some major online retailers and carriers offer dedicated mobile apps to make tracking even easier. For example:
- Amazon has an app that shows order updates, including shipment tracking.
- Ekart, Bluedart, Ecom Express all offer apps where you can input your tracking number and receive push notifications when your package status changes.
Using these apps can make it even more convenient to track your package, especially if you’re constantly on the go.
Tip: Enable notifications on your mobile app to get real-time updates on your delivery status.
5. Monitor Progress and Delivery Date
Once you’ve entered your tracking number, you’ll see updates on your package’s journey. These updates might include:
- Package received by carrier: This means the carrier has received the package from the seller.
- In transit: The package is on its way to the delivery address.
- Out for delivery: The package is scheduled to arrive that day.
- Delivered: The package has arrived at the delivery address.
Some carriers even include detailed location data (such as which city your package is in), while others provide only high-level updates.
Tip: If your package is delayed, check the carrier’s website for any potential reasons, such as weather delays or logistical issues.
6. Track Multiple Orders in One Place
If you’ve made several online purchases and want to keep track of them in one place, try using package tracking apps like AfterShip. These apps allow you to input multiple tracking numbers from different carriers and monitor everything in one unified dashboard.
- AfterShip tracks over 600 carriers and sends notifications when your package status changes.
Tip: These apps can be particularly helpful for those who shop online frequently and want to keep things organized.
7. Be Aware of Delays or Delivery Issues
Despite best efforts, packages don’t always arrive on time. Sometimes, delays happen due to high shipping volumes, weather, or other unexpected issues. If your tracking shows that your package is significantly delayed or marked as "undeliverable," here’s what you can do:
- Contact the carrier: Call or chat with the customer support team of the shipping carrier to get more details about the delay.
- Reach out to the retailer: If the issue seems to be on the store’s end, reach out to the customer support team to ask for assistance, whether it's a lost package or another issue.
Tip: If your delivery window is approaching and your package hasn’t been updated in a while, it’s a good idea to check with the carrier as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Tracking your online orders doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a little patience, you can stay on top of your package’s journey from the moment it ships until it arrives on your doorstep.
Whether you’re tracking through a retailer’s website, using a mobile app, or relying on tracking services, these steps will help you stay informed every step of the way.
