Are you new to the world of dropshipping and confused about the term “shipped”? As a dropshipper, understanding this term is crucial as it determines the success of your business.

In this article, we will explain what “shipped” means in dropshipping and why it’s important to track the status of your orders.

We’ll also discuss the different stages of the shipping process, and how to distinguish them from one another.

So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dropshipper, keep reading to learn more about the shipping process in dropshipping.

What Does It Mean When Your Order Is ‘Shipped’?

As someone who frequently shops online and receives deliveries, I understand the importance of knowing the status of my orders. 

Hence, when it comes to dropshipping, the status of an order can be particularly important, as there are multiple stages involved in the process. One status update that often causes confusion is ‘shipped’. So, what does “shipped” mean exactly?

Now, what does it mean when I get the info “your order has been shipped”?

 When an order is marked as ‘shipped‘, it means that your order has been shipped or handed off to a delivery courier and is in transit to the customer’s location. 

For instance, take a look at this tracking order example to understand the order shipped meaning. The logistics company shipped the order. So, now the order will be in transit.👇

As a dropshipper, customers often ask me questions about shipping status updates, especially when there are delays or unexpected changes in the estimated delivery time. It can be frustrating to not know exactly where your package is or when it will arrive.

For this reason, it’s important for us, dropshippers, to provide clear and accurate information about what each status update means, and what customers can expect.

Do you have a better view of what does shipped mean? Let’s learn more!

👉 Learn about What DAP Means? – Understand Delivery At Place In Shipping

Is ‘Shipped’ The Same As “In Transit” In Dropshipping?

Now, once we explained the order shipped meaning, let’s see what “in transit means. 

‘In transit’ means that the package is between the origin and destination and may have several stops along the way. Or, it is moving through the various stages of the shipping process and getting closer to its final destination.

So, ‘in transit’ signifies that the package is moving along the logistics process, and is making its way from the origin location to the final destination terminal.

However, it’s important to note that just because a package is marked as ‘shipped,’ it doesn’t mean that it has reached the final destination terminal.

Therefore, this means that it is still moving, and this is what implies ‘in transit’ status. It signifies that the package is on its way to the final destination.

Furthermore, the “in transit” status connects the dots between the package’s origin location and the final destination terminal. Thus, it indicates that the package is in the process of reaching the final destination, and it’s not sitting idle somewhere in between.

For instance, let’s look at this order tracking information. Once the order has been shipped, it went through multiple stops, like “departed from the storing center”, “arrived at departure transport hub”, etc.👇

Also, if you look at the dates and times through the different departures, you can see the delays in the order.

To give an example, I had a customer who received a notification that their package was marked as ‘in transit.’ However, after a few days, the customer reached out to me, stating that the status had not changed. Upon investigating, I found out that the package had been held up due to bad weather conditions. While the package was still marked as ‘in transit,’ it had not made any progress.

👉  READ: Sustainable Ecommerce Shipping in Dropshipping: How UK-China Freight Forwarders are Making a Difference.

Is ‘Shipped’ and ‘Out for Delivery’ The Same In Dropshipping?

Furthermore, one common source of confusion is the difference between the ‘shipped’ and ‘out for delivery’ statuses. So, as a dropshipper, here’s how I tend to explain this! 👇

Firstly, as I previously mentioned, when a package is marked as ‘shipped’, it means that the supplier has handed it off to the shipping carrier, and it is now in transit to the customer’s location. This can take several days, depending on the carrier and the distance between the supplier and the customer.

Now that you know what does shipped mean, let’s make a difference with the ” out for delivery” status.

On the other hand, ‘out for delivery‘ means that the package has arrived at a local facility or delivery hub and is being transported to the customer’s address. This typically means that the package will be delivered that day, although there can be delays or unforeseen circumstances that might cause further delays.

Hence, it’s essential to distinguish between these statuses since they have different implications for the delivery process. 

Let’s assume that a customer places an order for a new phone case from an online retailer. The supplier processes the order and marks it as ‘shipped’, but the customer mistakenly believes that it will be delivered the same day.

Also, a few days later, the package is marked as ‘out for delivery’, and the customer receives a notification that it will arrive later that day. Therefore, there may be disappointment or frustration when they realize that it will take longer.

Therefore, as a dropshipper, it’s crucial to provide clear and accurate information about each status update and what customers can expect.

💡 READ: Wholesale or Dropshipping: What’s The Difference & How Do They Work?

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What Is The Difference Between ‘Shipped’ And ‘Delivered’?

When it comes to the terms ‘Shipped’ and ‘Delivered,’ it’s essential to clarify what they mean to avoid misunderstandings and keep customers satisfied.

The” Shipped” status confirms that the product has left the manufacturer or supplier and has been picked up by a courier to deliver it to the customer. 

On the other hand, ‘Delivered‘ means that the package has been physically handed over to the customer. This message indicates that the package has reached its final destination, and the customer has taken possession of the item.

It’s crucial to understand that despite the shipping confirmation, the delivery process can be complex and have several middlemen involved. Couriers and logistics centers can come into play to help move the package from the manufacturer to the customer, and the time it takes to arrive can vary depending on many factors.

For instance, I once had a customer who ordered an item that took longer than expected to arrive. After confirming with the shipping carrier, I found out that the package had been delayed due to unexpected circumstances. By communicating with the customer, letting them know the situation, and offering compensation, the customer was satisfied and willing to continue doing business with me.

So, to sum it up, the ‘Delivered’ status means the package has physically reached the customer. With a complex logistics process and several middlemen involved, managing customer expectations and providing excellent communication is essential.

What To Do If You Think Your Package Is Lost?

As someone who has worked in the eCommerce industry for several years, I know that losing a package can be a massive headache for businesses. Not only does it lead to unhappy customers, but it can also cause significant costs and problems for your business.

Therefore, I will provide tips on what to do if you think your package is lost, so you can take action and avoid any potential issues that may arise. 👇

1. Contact the shipping carrier

The first step to take if your package is lost is to contact the shipping carrier. Provide them with the tracking number and any other relevant information they may need to locate your package.

2. Check with neighbors

Sometimes, packages are delivered to the wrong address by mistake. Check with your neighbors to see if they received your package by mistake.

3. Contact the sender

If the package was sent by someone else, contact the sender and let them know that the package is lost. They may be able to file a claim with the shipping carrier on your behalf.

4. File a claim

If the shipping carrier is unable to locate your package, you may be able to file a claim for reimbursement. Be sure to provide all necessary documentation and follow the carrier’s specific claim process.

5. Consider package insurance

If you frequently ship valuable items, consider purchasing package insurance to protect against loss or damage during shipping.

6. Keep records

Keep a record of all communication with the shipping carrier, sender, and any other parties involved in the shipping process. This will help you provide the necessary information if you need to file a claim or take legal action.

7. Take action quickly

Don’t wait too long to take action if your package is lost. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to locate the package or file a claim for reimbursement.

👉 Check out Dropshipping Taxes and Payments – Must-Know Facts.

Now, let’s see how to track your “shipped” orders.

How Can I Track The Order As The Seller?

As a seller, tracking your orders is essential to ensuring that your customers are satisfied and that your business runs smoothly. Luckily, there are a variety of tools and methods available to help you track your shipments.

🔸 Third-Party Logistics Providers

One option is to use third-party logistics providers who specialize in shipping and can offer tracking services. 

Third-party logistics providers help in tracking orders by providing real-time updates on the “shipped” status, allowing you to keep your customers informed and ensuring that the orders are delivered on time. 

In my opinion, one of the best third-party logistic providers for tracking orders is UPS (United Parcel Service). Thus, it offers a range of tracking options, including real-time tracking, delivery alerts, and package rerouting.

Additionally, UPS has a user-friendly mobile app and online portal that allows customers to easily track their orders from anywhere.

💡 Tip: I recommend you to check the 21 Best 3PL Companies For Handling Your Dropshipping Logistics.

🔸 Real-time Order Tracking Software

Order tracking software is a powerful tool that helps you keep track of your orders from start to finish. This software allows you to monitor the status of each order, from the moment it is placed to the moment it is delivered to the customer.

One of the key benefits of order tracking software is that it allows you to monitor the progress of each order in real-time. Plus, you can provide your customers with real-time updates on the status of their orders. 

One great order-tracking software, which I recommend using is Shippo. It is a SaaS platform that simplifies the order fulfillment process for dropshippers. It creates a seamless connection between you and your shipping operations, making fulfillment easier.

Plus, by utilizing its customized API, the platform integrates with online enterprises and links them with top global carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS (priority mail, etc.), and more.

👉 Check out the 39 Must-have Shopify Tools for Your Dropshipping Store In 2024.

🔸 Customers Feedback

Additionally, customer information can be a valuable resource for tracking packages, as customers may update you on the status of their delivery.

Plus, by collecting information like order numbers, tracking numbers, and delivery dates from customers, you can better track the progress of their orders and ensure that customers reach them on time.

In addition, customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the order-tracking process. Also, by asking customers for feedback on their experience with tracking their orders, you can identify areas for improvement.

👉 Read about Testimonial Advertising: 11 Proven Examples To Sell More, and learn how to leverage them for promoting your dropshipping business.

Plus, when you make it clear to customers what does shipped mean, and all other stages of the shipping process, you can make sure they are satisfied. 

How Can The Customer Track Their Order?

As a seller, I know how important it is to have clear communication with our customers regarding their orders. One way we can minimize inquiries is by providing customers with tracking options. In today’s age of online shopping, being able to track orders has become an essential part of the customer experience.

Thus, to access tracking information, customers can log in to their account on the seller’s website. Here, they can find the tracking number under the order details section. Also, from there, they can input the tracking number into the carrier’s website to see the delivery status.

For example, I order from AliExpress very often. So, if I want to see the order status, I simply navigate to My Profile. Then I go to the “Orders” section. Hence, here I can see all my orders. And, by clicking on ” Order details” I get access to the order tracking info.👇

In my experience, tracking information has been a game-changer for both sellers and customers. For example, I once shipped a package to a customer using real-time tracking. I was able to see that the package was out for delivery in the morning, and by the afternoon, it had been successfully delivered.

Plus, the customer was delighted with how quickly they received their order. And, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the package had arrived safely and on time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shipping involves a complex process that includes various stages from origin to destination, each one with its challenges and obstacles, like weather conditions or delays.

Making a distinction between each stage of the shipping process can benefit both dropshippers and customers in several ways. So, what does shipped mean, and why is important to know?

For dropshippers, it allows them to have a better understanding of the order fulfillment process. Hence, by keeping track of the different stages of shipping, dropshippers can identify any potential issues or delays and take appropriate action to rectify them. 

For customers, having clear updates on the different stages of shipping can help manage their expectations and reduce anxiety about their orders. It provides them with a sense of control and information about the whereabouts of their package.