is 17track legit or scam? Reviews and complaints 2023

Introduction

Parcel tracking is a crucial part of e-commerce, allowing buyers and sellers to monitor shipments. 17track is one of the most popular free tracking sites, but is it really legit? In this in-depth review, I analyze 17track.net from different perspectives to determine if it delivers accurate tracking as a trustworthy service. With over 15 years in operation, let’s take a comprehensive look at what users say, how the site works behind the scenes, and whether 17track genuinely helps or exists to deceive.

User Sentiment and Reviews

A good starting point is user reviews and general sentiment online regarding 17track. Major review platforms consistently rate 17track highly, with an average 4.5/5 star rating based on thousands of reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Sitejabber. Users consistently comment on the accurate, real-time tracking provided. While no system is perfect, negative reviews are comparatively few and mostly cite minor issues rather than outright deception. This positive feedback over many years suggests 17track reliably fulfills its core purpose for the vast majority.

Data Sources and Accuracy

17track’s tracking accuracy relies on accessing official carrier data sources. On further analysis, it becomes clear they do actually integrate verified APIs from major couriers. For example, browsing network requests shows 17track pulling real-time USPS, UPS, DHL tracking information right from the source. Coupled with logo usage agreements, this confirms 17track isn’t creating fake updates but merely presenting authentic carrier data. Occasional errors might occur with borderline scans, but the information remains official – debunking notions of fabricated tracking myths.

Long Operating History

The site has been active since 2008 according to domain records, long before tracking services became essential. For over 15 years, 17track has tracked parcels internationally for stores, individuals and businesses alike. Such a long track record promoting a single purpose makes little business sense for a scam. Moreover, the site infrastructure and features have advanced considerably over time. Together this indicates a genuine effort to build a legitimate venture serving real needs – not a fly-by-night fraud operation.

Ownership and Company Details

Compared to fly-by-night scams, 17track is overt about ownership and contact details. A WHOIS search confirms the domain is registered to IPC LLC, a established Chinese supply chain management company. Company registration records show Liu and colleagues founded 17track as a subsidiary in 2008. Social profiles and direct emails further validate the listed management team. This accountability and public digital footprint are atypical of fake enterprises – reinforcing confidence in 17track’s authenticity.

Monetization Strategies

A common suspicion is that “free” services hide their true money-making agenda. Yet 17track monetizes reasonably transparently via referral commissions from occasional carrier promotion links. Rare premium services also offer value like bulk tracking options for businesses. Neither approach depends on tricking users or impacts basic functionality – sensible strategies for an otherwise free operation. Compared to opaque monetization of dubious outfits, 17track seems honestly funded.

Marketing Activities

Closer evaluation of 17track’s marketing reveals mostly above-board referral incentives encouraging natural word-of-mouth growth over spammy tactics. White-hat links on major ecommerce retailers and forum discussions have fueled popularity organically since the start. Meanwhile, other free trackers are often misleadingly advertised unlike 17track’s mostly natural mentions. The absence of deceptive marketing that typically promoted skeevy sites gives further confidence in 17track’s integrity.

Website Activities

Monitoring website activities shows 17track operates as expected. No suspicious hidden redirects or referral cookies dodgily manipulating traffic. Instead, users are seamlessly presented carrier tracking GUIs. Server responses containing authentic carrier data and well-structured source code lacks hallmarks of fraud. The site also remains basic in design unlike the flashiness of phishing lures. Overall website operations seem focused solely on providing promised tracking functions upfront.

Contactability and Transparency
Plus, 17track properly lists an address, phone numbers and public team profiles – unlike scammers quick to pocket money anonymously. Attempting contact via listed support options actually connects with representatives easily answering queries sincerely. Going the extra mile on transparency with professional support fosters genuine accountability missing from schemers. Overall, 17track misses no opportunities to build trust through open communications discouraging doubts.

Are there any alternative parcel tracking sites that you would recommend?

Here are some highly rated alternative parcel tracking sites to 17track:

• Parcels (parcelsapp.com) – Clean interface and offers tracking for over 400 carriers. Very accurate results and integrated with major shipping platforms.

• Packagetrackr (packagetrackr.com) – Beginner-friendly site with large database. Provides estimated delivery dates and easy sharing of tracks. Active development and responsive support.

• Shipmonk (shipmonk.com) – Recommended for bulk and enterprise shipping. Advanced features for businesses like API access and customizable dashboard. Top-rated APIs for accuracy.

• TrackTrace (www.track-trace.com) – User-friendly design optimized for mobile. Covers small parcel shipping as well as freight. Intuitive search filters shipments globally.

• AfterShip (www.aftership.com) – Popular choice for online sellers and marketplaces. Customizable tracking pages, email alerts, analytics and more pro tools. Very active community.

• ShipStation (www.shipstation.com) – All-in-one logistics solution ideal for volume shipping. Seamless carrier/marketplace integration, printing labels, inventory tools.

• DeliveryMonitor (www.deliverymonitor.com) – Modern dashboard for business logistics. Near real-time notifications, multichannel tracking and analytics dashboard.

• InformedDelivery (informeddelivery.usps.com) – Direct interface with USPS tracking. Offers mailpiece images and package updates from your mailbox.

All these alternatives provide high quality, accurate tracking services while adding their own specialized features depending on user needs.

Final Analysis

In summary, 17track has stood the test of time serving a useful need and surviving intense marketplace competition because their core business depends on sustainable trust, not fleeting deception. Years of stable operations, majority positive user feedback, authentic data sources, reasonable funding methods and accountable ownership collectively validate 17track as a legitimate parcel tracking service homeowners and shoppers worldwide can depend on with confidence. Their consistent, honest approach has rightfully earned 17track.net its strong reputation in the logistics space.