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AutomationJuly 27, 2025

Automated delivery tracking: eliminate 80% of 'where is my package' calls

Customers receive an SMS at every stage of delivery. 'Where is my order' calls drop by 80%.

By Gildas Garrec·4 min

Automated delivery tracking: eliminate 80% of 'where is my package' calls

Customers receive an SMS at every stage of delivery. 'Where is my order' calls drop by 80%.

Table of contents: As a small business owner or independent tradesperson, you're always looking for practical ways to save time, cut costs, and stay competitive. This solution is one of the tools we recommend most at KRIGER-KORLOFF-BROTHERS for its immediate, measurable impact.

The problem this solves

Every day, small businesses and tradespeople lose time and money on tasks that technology can automate. Spending 1–2 hours a day answering 'where is my package' questions is exactly what this solution eliminates. Time spent on these tasks is time not invested in business development, customer relationships, or innovation.

The solution: AfterShip, Boxtal API, or Zapier + carrier API

Cost: €20–50/month Replaces: 1–2 hours/day answering 'where is my package' questions Estimated savings: €300–600/month

AfterShip is one of the most accessible tools in this category. It can be set up in a few hours, requires no advanced technical skills, and the return on investment is visible from the very first month.

How it works

The tool integrates with your existing systems (email, calendar, CRM, accounting software) and automates repetitive tasks. The AI learns from your patterns and improves over time. You stay in control of the decisions that matter — the AI handles the rest.

Key benefits

  • 24/7 availability: the tool keeps working even when you're out in the field or enjoying your weekend
  • Zero data entry errors: the system never gets numbers or dates wrong
  • Scalability: volume can triple with no significant added cost
  • Full traceability: everything is logged and instantly retrievable

Real-world example: SMB e-commerce

An organic food e-commerce store processing 50 orders a day was spending 1.5 hours every morning responding to 'where is my package' emails and calls. With AfterShip, customers now automatically receive an SMS at every stage: order confirmed, being prepared, shipped (with tracking number), out for delivery, delivered. 'Where is my order' calls dropped from 25 per day to 5. The time saved was redirected to marketing.

How to implement this solution

Step 1: Assessment (1 day)

Evaluate how much time you currently spend on this task. Track your hours over a typical week. Multiply by your fully-loaded hourly cost. That's your baseline cost.

Step 2: Free trial (1–2 weeks)

Most tools offer a 14-day free trial. Test on a limited scope with no risk. Compare against your current process.

Step 3: Rollout (1–2 weeks)

If the trial is conclusive, deploy the solution across the whole team. Train users — this typically takes no more than 1–2 hours.

Step 4: ROI measurement (months 1–3)

Measure actual gains against your baseline cost. Adjust settings as needed. In most cases, ROI is visible within the first full month.

Alternatives and comparison

Several solutions exist in this category: AfterShip, Boxtal API, or Zapier + carrier API. The right choice depends on your size, budget, and existing tech stack. For a business with fewer than 20 employees, the simplest solution is often the best — team adoption matters more than advanced features.

Available funding to finance this investment

As a French SMB, you may be eligible for several support schemes:

  • France Num: digital vouchers ranging from €500 to €6,500 for SMB digitalization
  • Crédit Impôt Innovation (CII): reclaim 20% of your innovation expenses
  • OPCO: funding for training related to the tool
  • BPI France: innovation loans and digital transformation grants
Go further: check out our SMB Digital Transformation: the ultimate 2026 guide for a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Conclusion

With an investment of €20–50/month and savings of €300–600/month, the math speaks for itself. This solution is one of those quick wins that every small business or tradesperson should prioritize. The risk is virtually zero thanks to free trial periods, and the results are immediate and measurable.

Identify your automation gains: request your free audit.
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