Essential holiday shipping tips

The holidays are just around the corner, and we know what that means — shipping chaos. With an ever-increasing number of customers shopping online and expecting lightning-fast deliveries, you’ve got to stay on your toes. But before you start to panic, let’s break it down.

Yes, the 2024 holiday season is set to be a busy one, but with some strategy and a solid plan that’s as flexible as it is practical, you can make it through in one piece. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the shipping game, you’ll benefit from walking through some steps to keep your shipping smooth, your customers happy and your holiday season (mostly) stress-free.

How to tackle holiday shipping like a pro

1. Don’t wait — Start now

If there’s one thing that can save you headaches later, it’s getting a jump on the holiday rush. The earlier you get your game plan together, the better. Pull up your sales data from previous years to forecast what you’re likely to sell, and stock up on those popular products now. You may also consider running a few early-bird promotions to help spread out the demand, giving you room to adjust as things ramp up. It’s a great way to get ahead of the curve so you can focus on fulfilling orders rather than putting out fires.

2. Keep an eye on those extra fees

With practically every carrier increasing their surcharges, it’s so important to stay on top of what’s happening with your shipping rates. From fuel surcharges to delivery area fees, these extra costs can really add up. We recommend that you conduct a shipping audit to identify where you might be able to cut costs — maybe ground shipping will work just as well for certain deliveries, or perhaps it’s time to consider a regional carrier.

3. Streamline your shipping process

When the holiday rush is in full swing, efficiency is everything. So, take a good, hard look at your fulfillment process now. Are there any steps that can be streamlined? Even small adjustments, like verifying customer addresses before shipping, can prevent expensive correction fees. And don’t forget to offer flexible shipping options — sometimes customers are happy to wait a little longer if it means free or cheaper shipping. Customers appreciate having choices, and it could take some pressure off you, too!

4. Have a backup plan

You shouldn’t wait until the last minute to onboard alternate carriers. Imagine your main shipping service gets overwhelmed and you need to pivot — having a backup plan in place ensures you can still meet your deadlines and most importantly, your customers’ expectations. Plus, using multiple carriers could help you avoid some of those dreaded surcharges.

5. Stay on top of your inventory

Running out of stock during the holiday rush is every retailer’s nightmare. Avoid this scary situation by using inventory management tools that keep you informed in real time, helping you keep track of what you have and what you need. And don’t forget about returns — ‘tis the season for them. As much as we hope to avoid them, returns are inevitable during the holiday season. So, make sure your return process is easy and seamless for customers. It’s a win-win: they’re happier, and you keep them coming back.

6. Keep customers in the loop

Good communication always goes a long way, but especially during the holidays. Let your customers know about shipping deadlines well in advance, and once you ship a product, let them know where their package is every step of the way. Whether it’s a simple email or text message, proactive communication helps manage expectations and hopefully prevents a flood of “where’s my package?” inquiries.

7. Expect the unexpected

The holiday season is full of surprises, and not all of them are fun. From bad weather to supply chain hiccups, it pays to be prepared. We recommend signing up for service alerts from your carriers, and don’t be afraid to be upfront with your customers if you anticipate delays. Having a solid plan B (maybe even a plan C) and prioritizing clear communication will help you handle whatever comes your way.

Set yourself up for holiday shipping success

The holiday season can be a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of foresight and a flexible strategy, you can handle it like a pro. Stay organized, keep communication flowing and don’t be afraid to adapt as you go. So, take a deep breath, start planning early and get ready to make this holiday season your best one yet. You’ve got this.

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