AutoDS Tracking Conversion: Compare and select the best option
Understand AutoDS tracking conversion methods and choose the best one for your business
Introduction
Tracking numbers aren’t just digits; they’re the backbone of buyer confidence. They give customers visibility into their order’s journey, from warehouse to doorstep.
In dropshipping, this process can be complex. Different selling channels enforce strict tracking policies, many formats (like Amazon TBA) aren’t recognized, and sellers need to balance branding while hiding supplier details.
AutoDS helps by automating tracking updates and conversions, saving time and ensuring compliance.
Benefits
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Marketplace compliance – eBay-approved formats for seller protection.
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Consistent branding – QTrack offers custom ZIP code and uniform tracking.
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Carrier reliability – BCE integrates with eBay as an authorized carrier.
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Fewer disputes – valid tracking reduces claims and flags.
- Efficiency – Automation eliminates repetitive manual work.
⚠️ Important: Always ensure converted tracking numbers match the ZIP code, city, and country defined in your eBay listings. Otherwise, your account may face reduced visibility, lower sales, or even restrictions.
Quick Jump
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
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Your AutoDS account connected to your store.
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The Order Processor add-on enabled ($9.90/mo after 14-day trial).
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Enough Auto-Order Credits for paying the tracking conversion.
👉 Learn More: AutoDS Credits
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Either the Fulfilled by AutoDS Service active or an Amazon buyer account for Auto-Order with full or semi-automation (trackings only).
👉 Learn More: AutoDS order automation options: FBA and Auto-Order (semi and full automation)
When tracking numbers are provided
In dropshipping, once an order is confirmed, the supplier is responsible for shipping it directly to the buyer. As soon as the package leaves the warehouse, a tracking number is generated. At this point, keeping the buyer informed becomes crucial — either by updating the number manually or by using automation.
Managing tracking numbers manually
When automation isn’t available or your supplier isn’t supported, you’ll need to manage tracking yourself. This includes finding the tracking number on the supplier’s website and updating it in your selling channel.
If the channel doesn’t support the supplier’s format, you can either:
- Convert the number using a tool.
👉 Learn More: How to convert your tracking numbers- the full guide - Update the buyer directly with all tracking details.
👉 Learn More: How to deal with your orders manually
Automatic tracking updates with AutoDS
Automatic updates save time and reduce human error. Instead of checking supplier sites and copying details, AutoDS handles everything.
Depending on the setup, you can choose:
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Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA): Tracking updates are 100% automated.
👉 Learn More: Automate your orders with Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) – Full Guide -
Auto-Order Full Automation: Orders placed with your buyer account are fully updated by AutoDS.
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Auto-Order Semi-Automation: You process the order manually, but tracking still updates automatically.
👉 Learn More: AutoDS order automation options: FBA and Auto-Order (semi and full automation)
In all cases, tracking information is streamlined: estimated delivery dates are shown in AutoDS, updates appear 6–12 hours after shipment, and detailed logs are available. You can also click any tracking number in the Orders Page to view details on 17Track.
👉 Learn More: How to configure automatic tracking numbers
Estimated delivery dates
Delivery times can vary depending on:
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The supplier, the buyer’s location, and the shipping method.
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Unexpected delays due to carrier problems, weather conditions, stock availability, or other external issues during fulfillment or transit.
Supplier | Estimated timeframe |
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Amazon US Prime | 2–4 business days (mainland US only) |
Amazon US Non-Prime | 7–30 business days, depending on seller and region |
Walmart / Home Depot | 4–7 business days within the US |
AliExpress / CJ Dropshipping | 30–60 business days, depending on shipping option and destination |
Print on Demand / AutoDS Sourcing / AutoDS Warehouse | Displayed directly on the product page before purchase |
Note: These timeframes are estimates only. Always set clear expectations with buyers, as final delivery depends on the supplier, carrier, and external conditions.
👉 Learn More: Supported suppliers & marketplaces
Tracking conversion options
Tracking conversion allows you to replace or mask the supplier’s original tracking number with one that is fully accepted by your selling channel. This ensures that even if the original format (for example, Amazon TBA) is not supported, your buyer can still track the order smoothly from the moment it is marked as Shipped.
Method | How it works | Supported suppliers & regions | Supported selling channels | Cost |
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QTrack |
AutoDS’ internal service with the best integration (recommended 🌟). Generates a new tracking number once the order status is Ordered. Updates the order in AutoDS to Shipped. For Amazon orders, Qtrack numbers are generated based on the actual ship date. Locates shipments from the same location and ZIP code. Most accurate: knows when the package arrived at the supplier. |
Amazon, AliExpress, Walmart, Home Depot, and other supported suppliers. Not accepted by TikTok. |
Shopify, WooCommerce, etc. eBay US accepts but shows carrier as “Other.” eBay outside US does not auto-update, but you’ll still have a valid tracking URL as proof of delivery. |
0.5 Auto-Order credit per conversion |
BlueCare Express (BCE) |
Cheapest solution, ideal for Amazon. Converts Amazon TBA or all carriers into a BCE number. Option to convert only AMZL or all carriers (FedEx, USPS, etc.). BCE does not locate shipments from the same origin/ZIP code. Orders in AutoDS will update as Delivered. |
Mainly Amazon. Not accepted by TikTok. |
Shopify and others. Since July 2024, BCE is no longer supported as an integrated carrier on eBay. |
Free for AMZL conversions. 0.33 Auto-Order credit for other carriers / manual orders |
AutoDS Tracking Generator |
Converted tracking does not follow order flow, only marks as Delivered by Amazon’s estimated date. System retries up to 3 times; if it fails, the original tracking is kept. In AutoDS: orders remain in Shipped status (notification sent when this changes). In selling channels (eBay, Shopify, etc.): orders update to Delivered. |
Amazon TBA only (US, UK, DE, FR, and AU). | eBay, Shopify, TikTok, and other supported platforms | 1 Auto-Order credit per conversion (in addition to the credit for processing if auto-ordered). |
💡 Tip: QTrack, AutoDS’ own solution, is a robust and reliable method. While some sellers worry it might affect their Top Seller status on eBay, it can help resolve disputes and keep your store active.
Recommended methods by selling channel
Selling channel | Recommended method | Why |
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eBay |
Tracking Generator (for Amazon TBA) QTrack (for other suppliers) |
BCE is no longer supported as an integrated carrier on eBay since July 2024. Use Tracking Generator for Amazon TBA to ensure compliance. QTrack works in eBay US but shows the carrier as “Other.” |
Shopify | QTrack | Works globally, masks supplier ZIP, converts to valid carriers (UPS/USPS/FedEx). |
TikTok Shop | Tracking Generator | Ensures smooth sync since it converts for all the TikTok-supported shipping carriers (e.g., FedEx). |
Amazon | Tracking Generator | Required for Amazon TBA compliance across all regions. |
Recommended methods by supplier
Supplier | Recommended method | Why |
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Amazon US/UK/DE/FR/AU (TBA) |
Tracking Generator (all channels) BCE (only if not selling on eBay) Qtrack (convert Amazon shipping carrier only to QTrack) |
Amazon TBA numbers are not accepted by most channels. Tracking Generator ensures compliance globally. BCE can still be used on Shopify/custom stores, but not eBay. |
Amazon non-TBA |
BCE (except eBay) QTrack (for consistency across multiple suppliers) |
BCE is low-cost and works well outside eBay. QTrack can be used if you want unified conversion settings across suppliers. |
Other suppliers (AliExpress, Walmart, Home Depot, etc.) | QTrack | Best option for non-Amazon suppliers. Works globally, masks supplier origin, and provides valid carriers. |
How to set your tracking conversion method
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Go to Settings → Supplier Settings → Orders tab → Tracking Conversion.
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Choose your preferred method and save it.
Method | Description |
Convert all tracking numbers to QTrack (with ZIP code masquerade) | All tracking numbers will be converted to QTrack. You can define the ZIP code to mask the supplier’s origin. |
Convert Amazon shipping carrier only to QTrack | Only Amazon Logistics (TBA) tracking numbers will be converted to QTrack. |
Convert all tracking numbers to BlueCare Express |
Automates orders and includes free Amazon tracking number conversion. For other suppliers, each conversion costs 0.33 Auto-Order credits. |
Convert Amazon shipping carrier only to BlueCare Express | Only Amazon Logistics (TBA) tracking numbers are converted to BCE. |
Generate UPS/FedEx/DHL tracking number (AutoDS Tracking Conversion): | Works only with Amazon Logistics TBA. The tracking number may not reflect the actual route. Each successful conversion deducts 1 Auto-Order credit. If no number is generated, no credit will be charged and the original TBA will be uploaded. |
👉 Learn More: Supplier settings – full overview (Orders tab)
AutoDS will apply this method to all future automated orders. Existing orders keep the conversion method active at the time of processing.
Tracking updates on your selling channel
- Whether you upload tracking manually or via automation, your selling channel updates the order status based on its rules.
- AutoDS sends the converted tracking to your store, but platforms like eBay, Shopify, or TikTok handle the Delivered status differently.
Delivered status updates may happen when:
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The buyer confirms delivery.
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You manually mark it as Delivered.
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The selling channel auto-updates.
⚠️ Important: Even if your supplier does not support conversion, you can still get automated Delivered updates if tracking automation is enabled.
If tracking automation is not active, you must first change the order to Shipped. Then your selling channel will update it to Delivered based on its own rules.
👉 Learn More: Suppliers that support tracking automation
How to check your tracking number
You can verify a tracking number in multiple ways:
Method | Steps |
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Order Logs in AutoDS |
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17Track integration |
👉 Learn More: |
Carrier’s website |
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Amazon Screenshot |
👉 Learn More: Orders page full overview: status, filters, tracking & automation |
Possible Issues & Workarounds
Issue | Cause | Solution |
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Tracking not updated automatically |
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Tracking invalid or unrecognized | Format not accepted by your selling channel (e.g., Amazon TBA on eBay). |
Enable conversion before order processing and use the right method (QTrack, BCE, or Tracking Generator). 👉 Learn More: Full overview on all tracking conversions options |
Tracking not pushed to the selling channel | Store token expired or revoked. |
Renew the token of your store. 👉 Learn More: How & when to renew the token of your store |
Delay in receiving tracking |
Supplier hasn’t shipped yet. Carrier delays. External factors (holidays, weather, strikes). |
Wait within the estimated timeframe shown in AutoDS. If the delay is excessive, open a ticket with the supplier/carrier. 👉 Learn More: Supported suppliers & marketplaces |
Supplier did not provide tracking | Some suppliers (e.g., Home Depot) may deliver without tracking. |
Configure AutoDS to auto-mark the order as Delivered after a chosen number of days. 👉 Learn More: How to configure automatic tracking numbers |
Original tracking was uploaded instead of converted |
Insufficient Auto-Order credits. Conversion disabled in settings. |
Add more credits and check your Supplier Settings → Tracking Conversion. 👉 Learn More: What are Auto Order credits? |
Automation with buyer account failed | Tracking emails not forwarded correctly to AutoDS. |
Set up forwarding from your buyer account email to your unique AutoDS tracking email. 👉 Learn More: How to forward your tracking emails |
Buyer complains about missing or invalid tracking | Buyer cannot track the package or sees inconsistent updates. |
Verify tracking in AutoDS and 17Track. Check with the carrier’s website. If still unclear, contact the supplier. 👉 Learn More: Order logs and tracking updates |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which option hides the supplier origin?
A: QTrack, as it uses your selected ZIP code regardless of the actual supplier's origin.
👉 Learn More: How to convert tracking numbers automatically with Qtrack
Q: Is QTrack accepted by eBay?
A: eBay US generally accepts QTrack, but other eBay regions do not update shipment status automatically. For full compliance with eBay, use BCE. If masking origin is your priority, choose QTrack.
👉 Learn More: How to Convert your Tracking Number to BlueCareExpress (BCE)
Q: Which method is best for Amazon orders?
A: Use AutoDS TBA Conversion for Amazon-specific tracking.
👉 Learn More: AutoDS Tracking Conversion Generator: convert Amazon TBA number
Q: Can I switch between conversion methods?
A: Yes, but changes apply only to new orders after the update. Existing orders keep the original method.
Q: What if I don’t want to convert tracking?
Conversion is optional. You can disable it in your Supplier Settings. However, be aware:
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Some formats (like Amazon TBA) are not recognized by eBay and other platforms.
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Using unconverted tracking may result in policy violations or unhappy buyers.
👉 Learn More: Supplier settings – full overview (Orders tab)
Q: Can I use the same ZIP code for all orders?
Yes. With QTrack you can configure a default ZIP in Supplier Settings → Lister. This helps mask your supplier’s origin and present a consistent brand to buyers.
👉 Learn More: Convert tracking numbers automatically with QTrack
Q: Why doesn’t the tracking update on my store?
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The supplier has not shipped yet.
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The tracking number format is not recognized by the platform.
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Conversion wasn’t enabled.
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Store token expired or was revoked.
👉 Learn More: How & when to renew the token of your store
Q: What if a buyer reports delivery issues or damaged items?
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FBA orders: Open a ticket with AutoDS support. Attach photos, videos, and buyer messages as proof.
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Non-FBA orders: Contact the supplier directly. Gather all evidence (tracking, carrier updates, buyer communication) before requesting replacement or refund.
👉 Learn More: How to contact AutoDS support
Q: I want to show all orders as shipped from the same location. How can I do this?A: If you’re counting on Qtrack conversion, you can go to Supplier Settings → Lister → Default ZIP Code and set the ZIP code you want to show on tracking pages.
QTrack will use this as the shipping origin. This option is not available for other conversion methods.