How to Use Chatbots for Order Tracking in 2024

The integration of chatbots for order tracking has become an essential tool for businesses aiming to streamline their customer service operations. These automated assistants handle inquiries about order statuses quickly and efficiently, freeing up human agents to tackle more complex tasks. This automation ensures that customers receive instant updates on their purchases, enhancing their overall experience with the brand.

Statistically, businesses that utilize chatbots for order tracking have seen a significant reduction in customer service operational costs. Reports indicate a 30% decrease in customer inquiries directed to human agents, underscoring the efficiency of chatbots in managing routine inquiries and providing timely updates. This shift not only optimizes resource allocation but also improves customer satisfaction rates.

Why Should You Use a Chatbot to Check Order Status?

Using a chatbot to check order status in an e-commerce setting offers a streamlined approach to managing customer inquiries. This method integrates directly into your e-commerce, allowing customers to retrieve real-time updates instantly without human intervention. This efficiency significantly enhances customer satisfaction by providing immediate information.

Moreover, implementing a chatbot for order tracking can reduce the workload on your support team. By automating responses to routine customer order queries, the system allows your team to focus on more complex customer service issues. This optimization of resources not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures that your order-tracking system is reliable and effective in meeting customer expectations.

Benefits of Using Chatbots for Order Tracking

Using chatbots for online order tracking offers several benefits that enhance both customer service efficiency and customer satisfaction:

Immediate Response: Chatbots provide instant responses to customer inquiries about order statuses, eliminating wait times associated with human agent interactions. This instant feedback is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and trust, especially when customers are seeking quick updates about their purchases.

Reduced Workload for Customer Service Teams: By automating responses to routine queries about order statuses, chatbots significantly reduce the volume of calls and emails that need to be handled by customer service staff. This allows team members to focus on more complex issues that require human intervention, thus optimizing team productivity and effectiveness.

Availability: Chatbots are available 24/7, which means customers can check on their orders at any time, regardless of business hours. This around-the-clock service capability is particularly beneficial for businesses with an international customer base across different time zones.

Cost Efficiency: Implementing chatbots can lead to substantial cost savings by minimizing the need for a large customer service team. Automation reduces the labor costs associated with handling large volumes of simple queries, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to optimize their operations.

Enhanced Customer Experience: With the ability to provide quick and accurate information, chatbots improve the overall customer experience. They help in building a positive brand image by ensuring that customers feel valued and well-supported throughout their post-purchase journey.

3 Apps to Keep Track of Customer Orders

Here are three apps designed to help businesses keep track of customer orders:

AfterShip

• About & Features: AfterShip provides automated tracking and delivery updates for numerous carriers worldwide. It integrates with e-commerce platforms to provide end-to-end tracking visibility.
• Pros: Enhances customer experience with proactive updates; supports multiple carriers seamlessly.
• Cons: Pricing can be a bit steep for small businesses.
• Pricing: Offers a free basic plan, with paid plans starting at $9/month, increasing based on tracking numbers and feature requirements.

ShipStation

• About & Features: ShipStation is a web-based shipping solution for e-commerce retailers. It consolidates orders from multiple selling channels, offers discounted postage rates, and automates shipping processes.
• Pros: Streamlines order management and shipping; offers excellent integrations with e-commerce platforms and carriers.
• Cons: May be complex to set up and navigate initially.
• Pricing: Plans start at $9 per month, with more advanced features available in higher-tier plans.

Shiprocket

Shiprocket is a shipping and logistics platform that simplifies the management of shipping, tracking, and delivery operations.

About & Features: Shiprocket offers a centralized dashboard for managing orders across multiple channels, automated shipping rate calculation, and integration with a wide range of courier services. It provides detailed analytics to optimize shipping costs and improve delivery times.

Pros: Offers a wide range of courier options and bulk shipping discounts; user-friendly interface with efficient tracking capabilities; supports integrations with major e-commerce platforms.

Cons: Users may experience occasional delays in pickup and delivery; some find the interface clunky for specific tasks.

Pricing: Starts at a basic plan with zero subscription fees and charges per shipment; higher-tier plans offer additional features and lower per-shipment rates, with enterprise solutions available for larger businesses.

How to Automate Customer Order Tracking?

Automating customer order tracking can significantly enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here’s how to implement an automated system:

1. Choose the Right Software:
   Start by selecting a robust order management system that integrates well with your existing e-commerce platform. Look for features like real-time tracking, automated updates, and seamless integration with shipping carriers.
2. Integrate with Your E-commerce Platform:
   Ensure the chosen system integrates seamlessly with your e-commerce platform. This integration allows for automatic syncing of order information, which updates in real time as customers make purchases and orders are processed.
3. Set Up Automatic Notifications:
   Configure the system to send automatic notifications to customers at critical stages of the order process, such as order confirmation, dispatch, and expected delivery dates. These updates can be sent via email, SMS, or through mobile app notifications, depending on the customer’s preference.
4. Monitor and Optimize:
   Continuously monitor the performance of your automated tracking system. Use customer feedback and system analytics to identify areas for improvement. Regular updates and maintenance will ensure the system remains efficient and continues to meet customer expectations.

How to Use an AI Chatbot to Take Orders?

Using Manifest AI, a GPT-4 powered AI shopping assistant, can significantly enhance the online shopping experience on Shopify stores. Here's a straightforward guide on how to utilize Manifest AI to take orders effectively:

1. Installation and Integration:
   • Install Manifest AI from the Shopify App Store.
   • Automatically connect it to your Shopify store, allowing it to sync data within minutes.
2. Customer Interaction:
   • Customers can start by asking queries directly to the chatbot.
   • The AI will recommend products based on these interactions. For a more tailored experience, customers can engage in a quiz. The chatbot analyzes their answers to understand their needs better and suggests suitable products accordingly.
3. Order Placement and Tracking:
   • Customers can also inquire about the status of their orders through the chatbot.
   • Once they decide to purchase, the chatbot facilitates the completion of the payment process, allowing them to place orders instantly.
4. Seamless Integration with Other Tools:

Manifest AI integrates smoothly with other popular tools such as Gorgias, Zendesk, Yotpo, Omnisend, and BIK, enhancing its functionality and the overall customer service experience.

Conclusion

Utilizing chatbots for order tracking in 2024 represents a significant advancement in customer service technology. These automated systems provide immediate, accurate updates on order statuses, reducing the workload on human agents and enhancing customer satisfaction. By integrating chatbots, businesses can offer a more responsive and efficient service experience. This technology not only streamlines operations but also aligns with modern consumer expectations for quick and easy access to information, making it an essential tool for any forward-thinking business.