PayPal Jumps into Parcel Tracking Fray with New App Feature

PayPal has unveiled a new functionality within its app, offering a package tracking feature to enable users to instantly check the delivery status of their online purchases.

This feature takes away the hassle of keying in order numbers into carrier websites or sifting through email inboxes to locate delivery details. Instead, PayPal is employing Gmail integration to automatically compile shipping details for tracking. Users without a Gmail account linked to their PayPal can manually input the tracking data.

To keep the users abreast of the delivery process, PayPal's app will send live notifications whenever there is a change in the delivery status or updates to the order. The feature also includes a live map to visually track the package.

Interestingly, utilizing PayPal's package tracking feature incurs no additional fee. The tracking capability can also be applied to purchases not processed through PayPal.

An official PayPal representative conveyed the company's aims to TechCrunch, stating its commitment to enhancing products, delivering smart shopping experiences and extending the value of customers' money. The new tracking feature was portrayed as an expansion of their post-purchase services, giving users more convenience and choice in managing their purchases.

The newly launched feature nudges PayPal into direct rivalry with e-commerce heavyweights Shopify and Amazon, who both offer package tracking services. Shopify's 'Shop' app provides real-time updates on order status and delivery, with live map tracking, similar to PayPal's new feature. Amazon's 'Map Tracking' feature also gives the customers a real-time location of the driver and intimates when the delivery is nearing.

It's worth noting that Google also introduced a Gmail feature recently, showcasing tracking information as a status appearing beneath the email subject.

In conclusion, PayPal's move to introduce a package tracking feature within their app is a clear indication of the company's strategic intentions to enhance their customer shopping experience. With similar features being implemented by other digital companies like Gmail, it's evident that the e-commerce industry is moving towards greater transparency to boost customer engagement and satisfaction.