Why parcel tracking is essential for online businesses

In the fast-paced world of online business, keeping track of packages and parcels can be daunting. With so many logistics processes to handle and deliveries to make, it's no surprise that businesses often struggle to keep a clear overview of their parcels' whereabouts.

When parcels go missing or are delayed, it means not only downtime for your business but also the potential loss of customers and revenue. At this point, it becomes quite evident that your operation needs an effective solution to keep track of inbound and outbound parcels.

In this article, discover why parcel tracking is critical for the success of online business and how a labelling system can streamline your delivery operations.

The staggering cost of damaged or undelivered parcels

It’s official: the cost of damaged, lost or stolen deliveries are taking a huge toll on eCommerce businesses – big and small. According to recent research by fintech innovator Ship-Safely, nearly one in three Australian consumers have suffered from damaged or missing parcels in 12 months - including doorstep theft.

In an era of record-breaking online shopping, Ship-Safely's survey revealed that 82% of Australians made an online purchase, spending a total of $63.8 billion last year. Unfortunately, between May 2021 and April 2022, a staggering $224.3 million worth of goods went missing or were damaged, with Adelaide topping the list of cities most affected, followed by Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

The same research also uncovered that most customers held merchants responsible for their delivery problems. Additionally, over 40% of the respondents expressed their willingness to pay for extra shipping protection, as it guarantees the safe arrival of their goods and peace of mind.

With these findings in mind, the need to stay on top of your parcels has never been greater.

Can trackable deliveries attract more customers?

Nowadays, customers expect convenience and accessibility at all times - and that means trackable deliveries are no longer optional, they're essential. By providing customers with updated information on the progress of their parcels, you're not just offering convenience – you're building trust and loyalty.

Moreover, trackable deliveries provide businesses with the opportunity to offer a more personalised experience to customers by sending push notifications and real-time updates, which can lead to repeat purchases.

By providing real-time updates on the status of a customer's order, businesses can build credibility, strengthening their relationships with customers. Moreover, a delivery tracking system allows businesses to identify and address any issues in the delivery process in a timely manner, minimising the risk of customer dissatisfaction.

This proactive approach to customer service can help businesses differentiate themselves from competitors and create a lasting impression on customers. This, in turn, can attract more customers who prioritise speed and convenience in their purchasing decisions.

Label printers play an important role in tracking parcels

In the logistics and shipping space, keeping an accurate track of parcels is essential to any business's success. For this reason, label printers have become an indispensable tool for companies seeking to stay on top of their shipments.

By printing out labels with crucial information such as product names, order numbers and shipping destinations, label printers help organisations keep a thorough record of their stock and parcels. This eliminates the need for manual tracking, which can be tedious and prone to errors.

Label printers also work seamlessly with delivery tracking software, making them simple to integrate into existing architectures.

Take for instance, Brother’s Titan TJ-4420TN - an Industrial Label Printer that helps relieve busy supply chains with a high-volume printing solution, capable of producing more than 10,000 labels a day. Whether it's tracking incoming or outgoing parcels, this robust machine offers unrivaled reliability and durability that ensures every package is accurately labelled and accounted for.

For warehouses where mobility is key, a portable solution like the RJ-4250WB Bundle-Pack enables staff to print labels from wherever they are on the floor. This includes barcodes, shipping labels and delivery reports that may be placed on or inside a customer-facing package. With the ability to print labels up to 102mm (4 inches) in width, this mobile device ensures speed, accuracy and efficiency.

5 benefits of using label printers for shipping workflows

Here are five reasons why label printers are a must-have for any business shipping operation.

1. Automation: With a labelling solution, your parcel tracking system is automated, meaning you can streamline your processes and optimise efficiency. Label printers can be integrated into your inventory management system, allowing for real-time updates of package location and status. This automation ensures that each package has a unique label that is traceable, making it easy for employees to locate and track
2. Improved Accuracy: Using the manual method of tracking parcels is not only time-consuming but can also lead to errors in recording the details of each package. Label printers help eliminate the risks associated with manual tracking, as it is automated, meaning the packages are traced at every stage. It is a reliable method that ensures accuracy in package handling
3. Enhanced Security: Theft of parcels is commonplace. For businesses, this can lead to the loss of valuable goods, which ultimately results in a loss of profits. A proper labelling strategy can tackle this issue by customising barcode formats to include specific security details of each parcel, ensuring that the contents are not tampered with or opened. It enhances security by ensuring an audit trail for every package. In case of loss, theft or damage, an accurate record of each package is available
4. Real-time Tracking: Enhance visibility into your parcel tracking efforts by enabling you to trace packages from dispatch to delivery. It also includes information on when it was received and by whom, ensuring maximum accountability in your business processes. Real-time tracking ensures that you always know where every package is and any updates in status and location, allowing for quicker resolution of any issues that may arise
5. Cost-Effective: A labelling system that incorporates hardware with software can be much more cost-effective than employing additional employees to manually track parcels. This reduces the risk of human error and the possibility of package loss, while also ensuring the operational aspects of tracking parcels run smoothly, allowing your business to run efficiently. Additionally, when discrepancies occur with package delivery, the system can determine how long it took for a package to pass through each phase, ultimately saving your business time and money

Parcel labelling do’s and don’ts

Accuracy in parcel labelling is critical to avoid package misplacement, losses, and delivery delays. Whether you’re running a small business or large enterprise, there are simple yet crucial steps to take and mistakes to avoid when labelling packages.

Do’s

• Use clear and legible fonts: When printing labels, ensure that the text is readable, preferably with a font size of 12 points. Clear and concise text enhances readability and reduces the risk of confusion
• Include complete information: The label should include essential information such as the recipient's name, address, phone number, and email address (if applicable), as well as the return address
• Match label details with the package contents: Ensure that the label matches the package's contents and instructions. This helps carriers know how to handle the package and reduces the risk of delays or delivery errors
• Ensure labels are flat: During shipping, parcels and packages undergo various handling processes, including sorting, stacking, and moving on conveyor belts. If the labels are wrinkled or folded, it is difficult for automated scanning systems to read them accurately, leading to delays and shipping errors

Don’ts

• Improper placement of the label: Avoid placing the label on a taped area or over any other label, barcode, or QR code as it increases the risk of the label peeling off during transit
• Overcrowded labels: Overcrowding the label with irrelevant details such as marketing messages, additional information, and stickers, can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Keep it clear and concise
• Inaccurate information: Double-check all information before printing the label. Ensure that the shipment details, including the destination and return address, are correct. Inaccurate details can lead to lost shipments, delivery delays, and additional costs
• Avoid handwritten labels: With the prevalence of automated sorting equipment in the logistics industry, the clear legibility of printed labels is crucial for quick and efficient processing. Such labels are also more durable and water-resistant, reducing the likelihood of smudging or fading during transit

By avoiding common mistakes, including checking accuracy, providing all pertinent details, and investing in high-quality label printers, you can ensure your parcels arrive at their destination on time and in the right condition.

Improve your delivery tracking efforts with Brother

Modern businesses handle numerous packages, and label printers can provide an easy way to eliminate inefficiencies and optimise operations, while also increasing productivity and profitability.

With Brother's team of experts, finding the perfect combination of user-friendly devices and workflows for your business is effortless. Our extensive network of industry partners across Australia, along with our Software Development Kits (SDKs), allows us to tailor device recommendations based on your current needs and future strategies.

Contact Brother today and talk to one of our experts to discuss a labelling or mobile printing deployment that can take your parcel tracking efforts to new heights.