Delivery Notifications: A Complete Guide For Businesses And Consumers

Have you ever got really irritated, waiting around for a package delivery? Or if you run a business, is your workflow interrupted by customers calling in, wanting to know where their orders are? If you don’t recognize those situations, you’re lucky! If you’re like the rest of us, delivery notifications are the answer to your problems. 

Read on to find out more about how delivery notifications work and the different kinds available. We’ll also share tips for how to set up notifications.

💡Pro tip: If you want to skip the explanations and just get going with notifications in your delivery business, try Routific’s customer notifications feature with our 7-day free trial, or ask for a demo. No credit card details needed!

What is a delivery notification?

Delivery notifications are automated real-time updates that inform customers about their order status. The messages are sent directly from the shipper’s delivery management software via email, SMS, or through a mobile app. Dispatchers and delivery managers can see the same information.

Delivery status messages are typically sent at key moments during the delivery process:

• When an order is scheduled for delivery;
• When a package is sent out for delivery from a warehouse, depot or store;
• If there are any changes to the delivery schedule;
• When the driver or delivery agent is approaching;
• If a delivery cannot be completed for any reason;
• When the order has been successfully delivered. 

Businesses can choose which notifications to send, depending on what type of delivery service they offer and what they know about their customers. From a customer point of view, most people want to know an estimated time of delivery/arrival (ETD or ETA), and when the delivery has arrived. Some delivery notifications might include photo proof of delivery for extra peace of mind.  

Types of delivery notification

We said above that delivery notifications can be sent via SMS, email or via a mobile app. Here are more about the pros and cons of the different types of notifications.

1. SMS delivery notifications

SMS delivery notifications are text messages sent directly to mobile phones. They provide instant updates on the delivery status of a package, from dispatch to successful delivery.

Advantages

• Immediate and direct communication, ensuring recipients are always informed.
• No need for an internet connection or app installation.
• High open and read rates compared to other notification methods.

Disadvantages

• Limited message length, which may restrict the amount of information provided.
• Some users may find frequent SMS messages intrusive or annoying.
• Can be expensive for businesses to send.

2. Email delivery notifications

Email notifications can include detailed information about the shipment, such as tracking numbers, estimated delivery dates, and courier contact details.

Advantages

• Can accommodate more detailed package tracking information and attachments (e.g. invoices).
• Easy to search, store, and reference in personal or business email accounts.
• Allows for branding and customization of shipping notifications, enhancing the customer experience.

Disadvantages

• Requires an internet connection and access to an email account.
• Lower open and read rates compared to SMS notifications.
• May get caught in spam filters or overlooked in cluttered inboxes.

In-app delivery notifications

In-app delivery shipment notifications are alerts sent through a mobile or web application, typically used by the courier or e-commerce platform handling the shipment.

Advantages

• Seamless integration with the user's existing app usage, providing a consistent experience.
• Push notifications can be customized based on user preferences.
• Access to additional features, such as real-time tracking and customer support.

Disadvantages

• Requires downloading and installing the specific app, which may deter some users.
• Reliant on an internet connection and compatible device for access.
• The effectiveness of notifications depends on the app's quality and user experience.
• Businesses need to integrate their systems with those powering the app, which can be complicated and expensive.

How do delivery notifications help consumers?

The goal of delivery notifications is to keep you as a customer informed about the progress of your shipments — both those you are expecting, and those you have sent. Depending on your courier, you be able to choose email, SMS, or in-app notifications, or a combination of all three. Here are some tips on how to get started:

1. Check with your courier about the types of delivery notifications they offer and whether there's an associated fee.
2. Set up your notification preferences based on what works best for you (e.g., email, SMS, or in-app).
3. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed, and double-check your notification settings to ensure they're up to date.

Here are direct links to the tracking pages of the largest couriers:

• FedEx
• USPS
• UPS
• DHL

A business guide to delivery notifications

Automated delivery notifications have as many advantages for business as they do for consumers. They can help to increase customer loyalty and customer satisfaction, and make last-mile delivery less stressful for everyone. 

Benefits of customer delivery notifications

• Better communication: When customers get real-time updates about where their stuff is, it builds a sense of trust and transparency.
• More successful deliveries: If the customer has accurate ETA information, they can plan to be available to receive their package, or arrange some alternative if they're unavailable. This helps to cut down on failed deliveries and the need for redelivery.
• Less anxiety: Customers who get timely updates are less likely to worry about lost or delayed packages. That means higher customer satisfaction, and fewer queries to the business.
• Increased brand loyalty: A smooth, transparent purchase experience and delivery experience can lead to higher customer retention rates.

Disadvantages of customer delivery notifications

• Notification fatigue: Customers may feel overwhelmed or annoyed if they receive too many notifications, especially if they have multiple deliveries or use different courier services.
• Privacy concerns: Some customers may be wary of sharing their contact information, such as email addresses or phone numbers, due to potential data breaches or spam. This is why it’s important to include clear information about how to unsubscribe.
• Technical issues: Delivery notifications rely on accurate tracking systems and communication channels. Technical glitches or miscommunications can lead to incorrect notifications, causing confusion or frustration.
• Cost implications: Implementing a delivery notification system can be expensive for businesses. This could lead to higher delivery fees for customers or lower profit margins for the business. 

How do delivery notifications work?

Delivery notifications rely on a variety of systems to track the progress of a shipment in real time. These include GPS tracking of drivers or vehicles, barcode scanning, and mobile apps that drivers can use to check off deliveries and capture photo or signature proof of delivery. In the background, data analysis tools and route optimization algorithms can provide accurate updates on a package's location and estimated delivery time.

How much does it cost to send a delivery notification?

The cost of sending delivery notifications depends on the courier or delivery service and how many notifications you plan to send. Most courier services do not charge for basic delivery updates, though some may impose fees if you require more advanced tracking features or detailed analytics. Additionally, if you opt to send notifications via SMS, there may be additional costs for the messaging service.

If you’re managing your own delivery operations, most route planning software like Routific now includes delivery notification options, usually for an extra fee to cover the costs.

How to send delivery notifications

There are a number of tools available to help businesses manage their delivery notifications. For example, Routific makes it easy to send a delivery tracking link to your customers in real time.

It also offers additional features such as automated route optimization and geofencing to further optimize the delivery process. Other services, such as Amazon Logistics or UPS Tracking, provide their own tracking platforms with customizable notifications for businesses. Ultimately, you'll need to decide which service works best for your needs in order to maximize the benefits of customer delivery notifications.

Wrapping it up

Delivery notifications play an integral role in providing a seamless customer experience for e-commerce businesses. By using tracking systems and automated notification services, businesses can stay connected with their customers, reduce the chances of mishandled items, and increase brand loyalty. With the right tools, sending delivery notifications is also easy and cost-effective.

If you're considering sending delivery notifications to your customers, it's important to weigh the cost and benefits carefully. While the impact of a successful notification system can be significant, it's also vital to consider potential drawbacks such as customer fatigue or privacy concerns. By taking the time to research all of your options, you'll be able to make an informed decision that best meets the needs of your business.