Updating Order & Shipping Statuses

(Shipping & Delivery for Sellers)

Order and shipping statuses tell customers what’s happening with their purchase.
Updating them correctly builds trust, reduces support messages, and prevents accidental cancellations or refunds — especially when using Dispatched by Kingston Express.

This guide explains which statuses sellers should update, which ones are automatic, and best practices to avoid mistakes.

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Why Status Updates Matter #

Accurate statuses help:

• Customers know what to expect
• Support teams resolve issues faster
• Sellers avoid disputes and chargebacks

📌 Wrong updates cause more problems than no updates.

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First: Identify the Shipping Method (Very Important) #

Before updating anything, confirm how the order is shipped:

🟦 Dispatched by Kingston Express #

• Most shipping statuses are automatic
• Sellers should not manually update shipping steps

🚚 Seller-Managed Delivery or Courier #

• Sellers must update order and shipping statuses

📌 Your responsibility depends on the delivery method.

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Order Statuses Sellers Commonly See #

Status	What It Means	Seller Action
Processing	Order placed & paid	Prepare or wait
Ready for Dispatch	Being prepared	Usually none
Dispatched / Shipped	Package sent	Update if seller-managed
In Transit	On the way	Informational
Delivered	Order completed	Finalize
Failed Delivery	Delivery attempt failed	Review
Returned	Item sent back	Review outcome
Cancelled	Order stopped	Follow policy

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Updating Statuses for Dispatched by Kingston Express #

What Happens Automatically #

• Packing
• Dispatch
• In transit
• Out for delivery
• Delivered or returned

✔ Statuses update based on real delivery events

What Sellers Should Do #

✔ Monitor updates
✔ Respond only if contacted

What Sellers Should NOT Do #

❌ Do not mark orders as shipped
❌ Do not mark delivered manually
❌ Do not cancel during transit

📦 Dispatchment orders are system-controlled.

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Updating Statuses for Seller-Managed Delivery #

If you manage delivery yourself:

Step-by-Step Best Practice #

1. Processing → Prepare the order
2. Dispatched / Shipped → Mark once it leaves you
3. In Transit → Optional (if supported)
4. Delivered → Mark only after successful handover

📌 Never mark delivered before confirmation.

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Updating Statuses for Courier Shipping (Seller-Managed) #

When using a courier:

• Mark Dispatched / Shipped after courier drop-off
• Add tracking info if available
• Mark Delivered only after courier confirmation

📞 If unsure, wait — don’t guess.

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Handling Special Statuses #

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⚠️ Failed Delivery #

• Review the reason
• Attempt follow-up if seller-managed
• Do not cancel immediately

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🔄 Returned #

• Wait for inspection
• Update inventory if needed
• Follow refund policy

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❌ Cancelled #

• Cancel only if eligible
• Never cancel while in transit
• Document the reason

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Common Status Update Mistakes (Avoid These) #

❌ Marking shipped too early
❌ Marking delivered without confirmation
❌ Editing dispatchment statuses
❌ Cancelling active deliveries

⚠️ These often lead to disputes.

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Best Practices for Clean Status Updates #

✔ Update statuses only when the action is complete
✔ Let dispatchment handle dispatchment orders
✔ Communicate delays instead of changing statuses
✔ Keep internal notes when issues arise

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When to Contact Support #

Contact **Kingston Express Support if:

• A dispatchment status looks incorrect
• You accidentally updated the wrong status
• An order appears stuck

📧 Include order ID and delivery method.

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Final Tip #

Status updates are signals, not shortcuts.
When used correctly — especially with Dispatched by Kingston Express — they keep orders moving smoothly and customers confident 📦🚚