eBay Inc.
Virtual Tracking Number

Abstract:

Virtual tracking number techniques and systems are described which overcome conventional challenges to support tracking of shipment of physical items as part of digital services. In one example, the virtual tracking number is generated automatically as part of a shipping address by a service provider system that implements the digital services. Inclusion of the virtual tracking number is then identified by a shipping provider system and used to form a communication that indicates a shipping tracking number used to track shipment of the physical item. The service provider system may then expose a user interface that indicates this shipping tracking number to a sender and a recipient and is usable to obtain tracking information from the shipping provider system.