Tracking number updates might seem like a small detail until you’re managing dozens of orders and answering frustrated customer messages. In dropshipping, tracking isn’t just about logistics; it’s about trust, satisfaction, and protecting your store’s reputation.
That’s where automation makes a difference. AutoDS handles tracking number updates with a system designed to keep your buyers informed and your store running smoothly.
In this article, we’ll explore why this feature is essential for any serious dropshipper, how AutoDS simplifies the process from end to end, and how it stacks up against other top tools. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a tracking update solution and which platform delivers it best.
Tracking number updates are critical for efficient order management, accurate delivery timelines, and customer trust in dropshipping.
AutoDS automates tracking sync from major suppliers and offers manual input options when needed, ensuring flexibility across fulfillment sources.
AutoDS’s built-in tracking converter simplifies logistics by turning long, foreign carrier codes into formats recognizable by local couriers.
Real-time order status updates and customizable customer notifications help reduce “Where’s my order?” messages and boost buyer confidence.
Compared to Spocket, Zendrop, and DSers, AutoDS provides deeper automation, wider supplier coverage, and more control over tracking workflows.
Why You Should Use A Tracking Number Updates Tool
Managing orders manually might work when you’re just starting out, but as your store grows, so does the complexity. A reliable tracking tool removes the need to chase suppliers for shipping details or notify buyers one by one. Instead, it keeps everything in sync automatically, helping you avoid mistakes, delays, and unnecessary support headaches.
Shipping visibility is especially important in dropshipping, where the fulfillment process is out of your hands. Real-time info keeps customers in the loop and your operations steady. It also lets you spot issues early, like stuck deliveries or missing scans, before they turn into problems.
Beyond efficiency, automation builds trust. Buyers expect timely communication and clear information. When your store delivers both effortlessly, it strengthens your brand and lightens your workload.
In short, a tracking number updates tool isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a growth enabler, a service enhancer, and a time-saver in one. For dropshippers looking to run things smarter (not harder), it’s essential.
AutoDS Tracking Number Updates Feature
Already convinced that tracking updates matter? Good, because here’s where AutoDS takes over and makes it effortless.
The AutoDS Tracking Number Updates feature automates the entire process of syncing tracking info between your suppliers, store, and customers. Goodbye to chasing emails or copy-pasting codes. As soon as a tracking number is available, AutoDS fetches it, syncs your order status, and (if enabled) notifies your buyer, without you lifting a finger.
Here’s what makes the feature stand out:
- Full automation: AutoDS automatically detects and updates tracking numbers for every incoming order, removing the need for manual input and reducing human error. The platform supports automation with major suppliers like Amazon (US, UK, DE, FR), AliExpress, Walmart, and Home Depot. For others, tracking numbers can be added manually or forwarded via email.
- Multi-platform and multi-supplier support: Works across Shopify, eBay, and other major selling channels, whether your store is API-connected or not. While automation is seamless for many suppliers, flexibility is built for those requiring manual tracking input.
- Tracking number conversion: Converts native tracking numbers from carriers like Amazon Logistics (TBA) into formats accepted by platforms such as eBay, using services like QTrack.
- Automated customer messaging: Sends up to three customizable messages: after purchase, once tracking is updated, and as a feedback request. This keeps your customers informed and engaged.
- Real-time status updates: Order statuses update instantly when tracking changes, so you always know what has been shipped, is in transit, or has been delivered.
- Transparent tracking logs: Gives you access to the full update history of each order, supporting transparency and simplifying dispute resolution.
- Manual overrides and flexibility: Allows manual entry of tracking numbers or forwarding of supplier emails in cases where full automation isn’t available.
Bottom line? The AutoDS feature turns one of dropshipping’s most repetitive tasks into a seamless workflow. That means fewer errors, happier customers, and more time to focus on growing your store.
🆕 Beginner’s Tip: To enable tracking sync, make sure your AutoDS orders are marked as “fulfilled” and linked to a supported supplier.
How AutoDS Tracking Updates Work: A Simple Step-by-Step
Setting up automatic tracking updates with AutoDS is surprisingly easy, and once it’s running, you barely have to lift a finger. Here’s how it works in practice:
1. Activate the Orders Processor Add-on: Head to Settings → Plans & Addons and enable the Orders Processor to allow AutoDS to process orders and update tracking numbers automatically.
2. Forward your tracking emails (optional): If you’re not using the Fulfilled by AutoDS service, forward your supplier’s tracking emails to the unique address found under Settings → Store Settings → Orders tab. This keeps your tracking data in sync.
3. Update your Order ID (if needed): If you manually processed an order, just input the order ID, and AutoDS will fetch and sync the tracking number. With Automatic Orders or FBAutoDS, this step is handled for you.
4. Watch the magic on the Orders Page: As your supplier ships the product, tracking info appears automatically in your AutoDS dashboard and syncs with your store. No copy-pasting, no delays.
Once it’s live, AutoDS takes care of everything. Your customers stay informed, your store stays professional, and you get to focus on growing your business.
AutoDS vs Spocket: Tracking Number Updates
Now that we’ve covered how AutoDS handles tracking number updates, how does this feature measure up against other popular dropshipping platforms? Let’s explore why AutoDS is a better alternative to Spocket and how each handles automation, syncing, and customer communication.
AutoDS vs Spocket: Automation & Syncing of Tracking Numbers
Spocket offers automatic order forwarding and provides tracking updates once a package leaves the supplier’s warehouse, but it doesn’t explicitly automate full tracking number syncing across selling platforms. The model relies on shorter shipping windows to reduce tracking friction.
AutoDS, on the other hand, syncs tracking numbers automatically from a wide variety of suppliers and converts complex codes into platform-friendly formats, ensuring seamless updates across all major platforms.
🔄 Final Word: AutoDS supports cross-platform syncing and complex tracking conversion that Spocket doesn’t emphasize.
AutoDS vs Spocket: Order Status Updates
Spocket keeps customers informed of shipment progress but doesn’t spotlight order status syncing as a core feature. It leans on fast fulfillment (2–7 days) to reduce reliance on detailed status updates.
AutoDS updates order statuses in real time across its platform and your store, moving each order through its fulfillment stages with precise timing and automation.
📦 Final Word: AutoDS automates real-time order status updates that Spocket handles more passively.
AutoDS vs Spocket: Customer Notifications
Spocket allows buyers to track their orders via links, but doesn’t highlight structured, automated customer messaging during the shipping process. The emphasis is more on speed and supplier quality than communication flow.
AutoDS delivers up to three automated messages: after purchase, during tracking, and post-delivery feedback, enhancing customer experience and reducing support workload.
📬 Final Word: AutoDS enables automated customer messaging that Spocket doesn’t systematize.
AutoDS vs Spocket: Platform & Supplier Compatibility
Spocket focuses on fewer, high-quality US/EU suppliers than AutoDS, and connects mainly with Shopify and WooCommerce. This suits sellers who prioritize fulfillment speed over variety.
AutoDS integrates with a broader supplier pool than Spocket and supports platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok, and more, opening up dropshipping to diverse models.
🌐 Final Word: AutoDS supports more suppliers and platforms than Spocket’s focused integration approach.
AutoDS vs Spocket: Ease of Use
Spocket prides itself on being beginner-friendly, with a clean layout and standardized supplier processes that reduce friction. But when it comes to handling less typical scenarios (like unsupported tracking flows), Spocket offers fewer documented solutions or user controls.
AutoDS, conversely, is optimized for full-spectrum usability: it’s just as intuitive, but adds clearer fallback options and multi-channel adaptability for users managing diverse workflows.
🧭 Final word: AutoDS supports both standard and custom tracking flows, while Spocket limits flexibility in edge cases.
AutoDS vs Zendrop: Tracking Number Updates
Next up is Zendrop, known for its focus on US and EU suppliers and faster shipping options. Let’s see how AutoDS excels Zendrop, side by side.
AutoDS vs Zendrop: Automation & Syncing of Tracking Numbers
Zendrop automates order fulfillment and syncs tracking numbers once a supplier ships the product, but early-stage automation may still require some seller input, like confirming fulfillment or handling delays in tracking updates.
AutoDS, by contrast, pulls tracking numbers as soon as they’re available, updates them automatically across your stores, and includes proprietary systems to convert tracking codes when needed, creating a more seamless and hands-off workflow.
🔄 Key Takeaway: AutoDS delivers deeper, earlier-stage automation that Zendrop’s fulfillment-based syncing can’t match.
AutoDS vs Zendrop: Order Status Updates
Zendrop provides real-time tracking info once the order ships, but doesn’t emphasize instant order status syncing across platforms, which may leave gaps if suppliers delay updates.
AutoDS keeps all platforms in sync with live order statuses, ensuring accurate updates from purchase to delivery with minimal need for manual intervention.
📦 Key Takeaway: AutoDS offers instant, multi-platform order syncing that Zendrop doesn’t consistently ensure.
AutoDS vs Zendrop: Customer Notifications
Zendrop sends basic automated notifications around shipment and delivery, but doesn’t offer broader messaging flows or customization options.
AutoDS allows sellers to automate up to three customer messages (covering confirmation, shipping updates, and feedback requests), helping to build trust and reduce inquiries.
📬 Key Takeaway: AutoDS enables richer customer messaging flows that Zendrop keeps more minimal.
AutoDS vs Zendrop: Platform & Supplier Compatibility
Zendrop works mostly with vetted US/EU suppliers and integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce. While reliable, this narrower setup limits global reach and multichannel scaling.
On the contrary, AutoDS connects with a far broader supplier network (including Amazon, AliExpress, Walmart, and Home Depot) and supports eBay, TikTok, Facebook Marketplace, Wix, and more.
🌐 Key Takeaway: AutoDS supports broader supplier and platform coverage than Zendrop’s regional focus allows.
AutoDS vs Zendrop: Ease of Use
Both AutoDS and Zendrop offer smooth user experiences with clean dashboards and automated tracking processes. However, while Zendrop requires the seller to confirm fulfillment in certain cases, AutoDS delivers a more hands-off flow, automatically syncing tracking numbers from a wider supplier base and allowing users to manage exceptions with minimal effort.
🧭 Key Takeaway: AutoDS eliminates manual bottlenecks that Zendrop still occasionally requires sellers to handle.
AutoDS vs DSers: Tracking Number Updates
Finally, how does AutoDS surpasses DSers, a top choice for AliExpress dropshipping?
AutoDS vs DSers: Automation & Syncing of Tracking Numbers
DSers automatically syncs tracking numbers from AliExpress suppliers and pushes updates directly to platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix. Updates can continue syncing for up to 7 days after generation, ensuring any supplier-side changes are also reflected.
AutoDS, however, automates tracking number updates across a broader range of suppliers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. It fetches tracking info in real time and enhances platform compatibility using its proprietary QTrack system, especially helpful when dealing with Amazon’s complex TBA numbers.
🔁 Verdict: AutoDS supports more supplier types and converts complex tracking formats that DSers doesn’t handle.
AutoDS vs DSers: Order Status Updates
DSers handles order status transitions within its dashboard and your store, syncing statuses multiple times daily and tracking shipments from multiple suppliers in a single order.
AutoDS pushes order status changes immediately across both its platform and your selling channels, offering more instant and synchronized updates with zero delays.
📦 Verdict: AutoDS updates statuses in real time, while DSers uses timed sync cycles that may lag behind.
AutoDS vs DSers: Customer Notifications
DSers alerts customers automatically when tracking numbers are available, and provides updates at key delivery milestones to reduce “Where’s my order?” messages.
AutoDS goes a step further with three pre-set customer messages: right after purchase, upon tracking update, and a follow-up feedback request, automating not just information, but relationship-building.
📬 Verdict: AutoDS offers more customizable touchpoints that help improve customer satisfaction beyond simple tracking updates.
AutoDS vs DSers: Platform & Supplier Compatibility
DSers is highly optimized for AliExpress, with strong support for Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix, but limited beyond that ecosystem.
AutoDS supports automatic tracking updates from a more diverse supplier pool and a wider range of platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. For unsupported suppliers, manual input or email parsing keeps the workflow intact.
🌐 Verdict: AutoDS enables broader platform coverage and flexible supplier compatibility that DSers can’t match.
AutoDS vs DSers: Ease of Use
DSers is especially streamlined for AliExpress users, offering robust automation with minimal manual intervention. But beyond AliExpress, its interface and support for tracking management lose versatility, particularly when working with other suppliers or needing notification customization.
AutoDS retains simplicity while expanding capabilities. From user control over alerts to supplier-agnostic automation, it’s built to grow with your store beyond a single marketplace.
🧭 Verdict: AutoDS simplifies tracking management across store types, while DSers keeps ease of use high within AliExpress workflows.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | AutoDS | Spocket | Zendrop | DSers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automation & Syncing | Full automation for supported suppliers. Instantly fetches and updates tracking. Advanced conversion of native codes into platform-friendly numbers. | Automated for most orders; tracking provided when orders are shipped. Limited to US/EU premium suppliers, no native code conversion. | Automated syncing for most orders. Some manual confirmation may be required. | Automatic syncing mainly for AliExpress; fetches tracking on order fulfillment. |
| Order Status Updates | Instantly updates order status across all integrated platforms. Real-time progress from "ordered" to "shipped" and beyond. | Updates order status after fulfillment; real-time shipping progress. | Order statuses update when suppliers ship the order; not always instantly reflected. May need occasional manual confirmation. | Updates order status in real time up to five times per day. |
| Customer Notifications | Up to three automated messages: post-purchase confirmation, tracking update, and feedback request. Highly customizable | Tracking details shared with customers; notifications are basic and less customizable. | Sends standard shipment and delivery notifications; easy to activate, limited advanced customization. | Sends automated buyer notifications via integrated store channels (Shopify/WooCommerce); initial setup required. |
| Platform & Supplier Compatibility | Broad: Supports Amazon (US, UK, DE, FR), AliExpress, Walmart, Home Depot & more. Integrates with Shopify, eBay, WooCommerce, Facebook, TikTok, Wix, etc. | Limited primarily to US/EU suppliers. Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, BigCommerce. | Focused on US/EU suppliers. Shopify and WooCommerce integration; smaller supplier pool. | Primarily AliExpress suppliers. Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix; best for AliExpress-centric stores. |
| Ease of Use | Highly user-friendly dashboard. Set-and-forget for automated suppliers, clear manual override guides for exceptions. | Simple for routine use. Less support for edge cases or manual controls. | Intuitive interface; mostly automated, but may require manual updates for tracking sync. | Easy for AliExpress dropshippers. Store-dependent notification setup. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AutoDS send tracking updates to customers automatically?
Yes, AutoDS can send up to three automated messages to your customers: one after purchase, one when tracking updates, and one as a feedback request.
What happens if my supplier doesn’t support automatic tracking?
If your supplier isn’t supported for automation, AutoDS lets you manually add tracking numbers or forward shipping emails, so your workflow stays consistent.
How does tracking number conversion work with Amazon TBA codes?
Tracking number conversion with AutoDS uses Bluecare to turn TBA codes into platform-friendly formats, helping ensure tracking is accepted on channels like eBay.
Do I need an API-connected store to use tracking updates?
No, AutoDS tracking updates work with both API and non-API stores. Manual steps may be required for non-API setups, but the system still streamlines the process.
Final Verdict: Which Tool Does It Best?
Tracking number updates is more than a simple convenience; it is the backbone of efficient order management and excellent customer service in dropshipping.
AutoDS stands out by automating tracking syncing across a wide supplier network, converting complex tracking codes seamlessly, and delivering instant order status updates with tailored customer notifications. Compared to competitors like Spocket, Zendrop, and DSers, the platform offers deeper automation and greater flexibility, helping dropshippers save time and reduce errors.
In final terms, by choosing AutoDS, you gain an integrated system that simplifies order tracking, keeps buyers informed, and supports scaling with confidence.
🚀 Ready to streamline your order management and elevate your customer experience? Try AutoDS 14-day trial for just $1, and see how effortless dropshipping can be.
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