Generating transaction IDs for e-commerce analytics

Ecom
1

I’m setting up e-commerce tracking for my online store and I’m confused about the transaction ID. Here’s a sample of the code I’m trying to use:

trackPurchase('ORDER123', {
  store: 'My Cool Shop',
  total: '49.99',
  delivery: '7.50',
  fees: '3.50'
});

trackItem('ORDER123', {
  product: 'Awesome Widget',
  code: 'AW9876',
  type: 'Gadgets',
  cost: '49.99',
  amount: '1'
});

Where does this transaction ID come from? Do I make it up or does it come from somewhere specific? If I create it myself what’s the best way to keep track of it? Should I save it in local storage or something?

Any help would be great. Thanks!

2

hey leo, usually the id comes from your e-commerce platform when the order is made. if not, you cud create it using a timestamp and a rand num. store it in your db with the order info.

3

The transaction ID typically comes from your e-commerce platform’s order management system. It’s a unique identifier generated when an order is placed. If your platform doesn’t provide this, you’ll need to create it yourself.

For custom IDs, consider using a combination of timestamp and a sequential number or hash. This ensures uniqueness across transactions. Example: ‘1695302456-001’ for the first order of the day.

Storing these IDs is crucial. Instead of local storage, which is temporary, use a server-side database to maintain a permanent record. This allows for easier tracking, reporting, and data analysis in the long term.

Remember to keep your ID format consistent and ensure it doesn’t contain sensitive information. Good luck with your e-commerce tracking setup!

4

Hey there Leo_Speedster! :slightly_smiling_face:

I totally get your confusion about transaction IDs. They can be a bit tricky, right?

Have you checked if your e-commerce platform generates these automatically? Many do! If not, no worries - you can totally create your own.

What if you combined the date, time, and maybe the last few digits of the order total? Like ‘ORDER-20230915-1423-9999’ for an order on Sept 15, 2023 at 2:23 PM that cost $49.99?

Just curious - what e-commerce platform are you using? Might help to know for more specific advice.

And hey, storing in local storage could work for short-term, but have you considered a database for long-term tracking? What’s your thoughts on that?

Keep us posted on how it goes! Always fun to see how others solve these e-commerce puzzles. :blush: