Why parcelLab?
Discover why parcelLab is the go-to post-purchase partner for top retailers across the globe
A Shipment Tracking API (Application Programming Interface) is a powerful tool that bridges your ecommerce platform with shipping carriers’ tracking systems.
Shipment tracking APIs are especially useful for ecommerce, because orders typically go through several stages and transit points before they make it to their final destination. A shipment tracking API fetches these updates and presents them on your platform in real-time, so your customers are kept informed on the status of their orders.
Essentially, this API enables merchants to implement parcel tracking automation and streamline their processes for providing order updates to customers.
Ultimately, a shipment tracking API helps you offer a better customer experience—which is where the real value lies. A shipment tracking API goes beyond parcel tracking; it’s about providing transparency to customers, instilling trust, and cultivating brand loyalty.
Enhance customer engagement with parcelLab's comprehensive tracking solutions.
And in an age where customer experience is paramount, winning the post-purchase journey is a must. In fact, research by McKinsey found that 76% of consumers will switch brands if they’re unhappy with the retail experience.
The inner workings of shipment tracking APIs can vary, depending on the applications involved. Broadly speaking, however, here are some of the key steps involved.
Steps to integrate shipment tracking API | Description |
---|---|
Obtain API access | May involve creating an account with the API provider |
Review API documentation | Go through the API documentation and identify the steps and requirements for making API requests |
Programming | Create the code to integrate into the API |
Testing | Run tests to ensure that the API is working correctly |
Deployment | Go live with the API integration and monitor its performance |
The exact steps to integrate a Shipment Tracking API into your ecommerce platform may vary depending on the specific API and the applications that you’re using—i.e., your ecommerce platform, order management system, ecommerce marketing automation software, etc.
At parcelLab, for example, the API setup is part of the process for implementing our post-purhase experience platform. The parcelLab team also does the heavy lifting when it comes to setting up the data transfer via RESTful API.
Integrate easily with our robust Shipment Tracking API for a unified post-purchase platform.
Other providers may have a more self-serve set up, which may involve the following steps.
Having the right API is crucial because it can significantly enhance the overall efficiency and user experience of your ecommerce platform. It can also make you more efficient so you can reduce ecommerce business expenses.
Firstly, it elevates operational efficiency by automating updates and connecting disparate systems, like your ecommerce platform and a shipping carrier’s tracking system. This increased transparency not only leads to higher customer satisfaction but also helps maintain a positive standing with entities like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which advocates for transparent business practices.
And if you do business across borders, aligning your processes with the guidelines set by the Department of Commerce can facilitate smoother international transactions—and having the right shipment tracking API can make this easier.