Shipping and Tracking

Proper shipping and tracking management is crucial for successful transactions on Ruxaby. Accurate tracking information protects both buyers and sellers while ensuring smooth order progression through the smart contract lifecycle.

Tracking Information Requirements

Mandatory Information

For All Orders:

Shipping carrier name (UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, etc.)
Complete tracking number
Estimated delivery date
Shipping method (standard, expedited, overnight)
Date of shipment

Additional Recommended Details:

Package weight and dimensions
Insurance and signature requirements
Special handling instructions
Delivery address confirmation

Supported Carriers

Major International Carriers:

UPS (United Parcel Service)
FedEx (Federal Express)
DHL Express
TNT Express
Aramex

Regional and National Carriers:

USPS (United States Postal Service)
Royal Mail (United Kingdom)
Canada Post
Australia Post
Deutsche Post (Germany)
La Poste (France)

Local and Alternative Carriers:

Regional courier services
Same-day delivery services
Freight and LTL carriers
International postal services

Submission Process

Timing Requirements

Critical Deadlines:

Submit tracking within 24 hours of shipment
Update any changes to shipping method immediately
Notify of delays as soon as they’re known
Provide delivery confirmation within 48 hours of receipt

Smart Contract Integration:

Tracking submission changes order status from “Pending” to “Processing”
Delivery timeline calculations begin upon tracking submission
Auto-confirmation countdown starts based on estimated delivery
Late submissions may trigger buyer concern and potential disputes

Through the Platform

Step-by-Step Process:

Access your order management dashboard
Select the specific order requiring tracking update
Choose “Add Tracking Information”
Select carrier from dropdown or enter custom carrier name
Input complete tracking number
Set estimated delivery date
Add any special notes or instructions
Submit and verify information accuracy

Verification System:

Platform automatically validates tracking number format
Cross-references with carrier APIs when available
Sends confirmation notifications to buyers
Updates smart contract with tracking data

API Integration for Power Sellers

Automated Tracking Updates:

Integration with major carrier APIs
Bulk upload capabilities for multiple orders
Real-time status updates
Exception handling for delivery issues

Benefits:

Reduced manual work for high-volume sellers
Faster buyer notifications
More accurate delivery predictions
Improved customer satisfaction

Best Practices for Dispute Prevention

Accurate Delivery Estimates

Conservative Estimates:

Add 1-2 buffer days to carrier estimates
Account for weekends and holidays
Consider seasonal shipping delays
Factor in customs processing for international orders

Regional Considerations:

Research typical delivery times to buyer’s location
Understand local postal service reliability
Account for address verification delays
Consider geographic challenges (rural, remote areas)

Package Protection

Proper Packaging:

Use appropriate packaging materials for product type
Ensure adequate protection against damage
Include handling instructions for fragile items
Photograph packaging process for evidence

Insurance and Signatures:

Purchase shipping insurance for high-value items
Require signature confirmation when appropriate
Use tracking services that provide delivery photos
Consider adult signature requirements for restricted items

Communication Excellence

Proactive Updates:

Notify buyers immediately upon shipment
Send tracking information via platform messaging
Alert buyers of any shipping delays or issues
Provide estimated delivery windows

Responsive Support:

Monitor tracking status regularly
Respond quickly to buyer tracking questions
Coordinate with carriers to resolve delivery issues
Maintain professional communication throughout

International Shipping Considerations

Customs and Documentation

Required Information:

Accurate customs declarations
Product value and country of origin
Detailed item descriptions
Recipient contact information

Common Issues:

Customs delays and inspections
Import duty and tax responsibilities
Address format differences
Language barriers in delivery

Delivery Challenges

Address Verification:

Confirm international address formats
Verify postal codes and region information
Understand local delivery customs
Provide alternative contact methods

Tracking Limitations:

Some carriers have limited international tracking
Customs processing may pause tracking updates
Final mile delivery may use local partners
Delivery confirmation may be delayed

Handling Delivery Issues

Common Problems and Solutions

Delivery Attempts Failed:

Contact buyer to arrange alternative delivery
Coordinate with carrier for pickup options
Update platform with resolution attempts
Document all communication efforts

Package Lost or Damaged:

File insurance claims promptly with carriers
Provide buyers with claim reference numbers
Offer replacement or refund options
Maintain records of all damage reports

Wrong Address Delivery:

Work with carrier to redirect package
Coordinate address correction with buyer
Consider reshipping to correct address
Document address verification process

Platform Notifications

Automatic Alerts:

Delivery confirmation notifications
Exception alerts for delivery problems
Late delivery warnings
Return to sender notifications

Manual Updates Required:

Notify platform of carrier-confirmed delivery issues
Update buyers on resolution efforts
Request delivery window extensions when necessary
Provide alternative solutions promptly

Smart Contract Integration

Status Progression

Tracking Submission Impact:

Order Status: Pending → Processing
Smart Contract: Starts delivery countdown
Buyer Notification: Automatic tracking email sent
Auto-Confirmation: Begins estimated delivery + buffer period

Delivery Confirmation:

Carrier Confirmation: Package delivered
Platform Verification: Tracking status updated
Smart Contract: Eligible for fund release
Buyer Action: Manual confirmation or auto-confirmation timer

Timeline Calculations

Automatic Confirmations:

Based on estimated delivery date + buffer period
Typically 3-7 days after estimated delivery
Prevents indefinite order holds
Protects sellers from unresponsive buyers

Dispute Windows:

Buyers can report issues until auto-confirmation
Extended dispute window for international orders
Special handling for carrier-confirmed delivery problems
Grace periods for documented shipping delays

Advanced Tracking Features

Real-Time Updates

Carrier Integration:

Automatic status updates from carrier APIs
Push notifications for major status changes
Delivery photo integration where available
Exception handling for unusual delivery situations

Buyer Visibility:

Direct links to carrier tracking pages
In-platform tracking status display
Estimated delivery range updates
Delivery attempt notifications

Analytics and Insights

Seller Performance Metrics:

Average delivery time by shipping method
On-time delivery percentage
Customer satisfaction ratings
Dispute rate by shipping carrier

Optimization Opportunities:

Cost-effective shipping method analysis
Delivery time improvement suggestions
Popular destination shipping patterns
Seasonal shipping performance trends

Regulatory Compliance

Shipping Regulations

Prohibited Items:

Research carrier and destination restrictions
Understand international shipping prohibitions
Comply with hazardous material regulations
Verify age restrictions for certain products

Documentation Requirements:

Maintain shipping records for tax purposes
Comply with export/import documentation
Provide necessary customs forms
Keep insurance and tracking receipts

Effective shipping and tracking management protects both parties in a transaction and significantly reduces the likelihood of disputes. Sellers who invest in proper shipping practices build better reputations, achieve higher customer satisfaction, and enjoy smoother transactions on the Ruxaby platform.