Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and it can also be a stressful time for online retailers who have to deal with a surge of orders and deliveries. According to research from Criteo, online transactions are up by 13% year-over-year, highlighting the growing trend towards eCommerce and the increasing importance of efficient shipping methods.
As an eCommerce business, you must be prepared for the challenges and opportunities of this peak season. How can you ensure your shipping process is efficient, reliable, and cost-effective? Here are some tips to help you plan for Black Friday shipping.
During a busy period such as Black Friday, there would be additional demand for package distribution, which may result in longer delivery delays. Pick-up locations, in particular, are popular when it comes to choosing a delivery option for Black Friday, but this can be difficult.
Although speedy delivery is an appealing service to provide, you must keep your promises to your clients because the carriers may be under pressure. You can keep up with the rush and hustle by shipping with carriers who offer delivery flexibility and a variety of delivery methods. I-Fulfilment is a trusted and reliable fulfillment and logistics provider that can handle all your orders with speed and accuracy.
Here are some essential delivery tips for eCommerce on Black Friday:
Before Black Friday arrives, it’s crucial to ensure you have enough stock to meet the anticipated demand. Review your sales data from previous Black Fridays and other peak seasons to make informed inventory decisions. Reach out to suppliers early to restock popular items and avoid running out of stock during the shopping rush.
As your inventory grows, consider expanding your storage facilities or renting additional warehouse space to accommodate the extra stock. This will help you prevent overcrowding, reduce order picking times, and improve overall efficiency during the Black Friday rush.
Expect a significant increase in orders during Black Friday. Prepare your staff and systems to handle a surge in shipments. This might involve hiring temporary staff, investing in additional packing stations, and upgrading your order management software to ensure seamless order processing.
Black Friday often requires longer working hours for your employees. It’s better to be prepared because you’ll be dealing with a lot of queries from clients. Keep customer service online for the majority of the day. People also require technical assistance, particularly when utilising new gadgets. As a result, someone must be present online and via phone to respond to such product enquiries.
Do not ignore these inquiries because they represent some of your best product-pitching possibilities. Customers may leave if they do not receive the answers they require when they require them the most.
Keep open lines of communication with your suppliers to prevent any disruptions in the supply chain. Have contingency plans in place in case of unexpected delays or shortages. A consistent supply of products is essential to meet customer expectations during Black Friday.
Different carriers may have altered shipping schedules and service levels during peak seasons like Black Friday. Contact your shipping partners in advance to understand their holiday schedules, cutoff times, and any changes in shipping rates. This will help you set realistic delivery expectations for your customers.
Other logistics providers may have their own schedules, so it’s best to contact them early. Please review delivery schedules for the three major carriers: FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS.
Black Friday shoppers often purchase a wide range of products, from small items to large ones. Ensure your packaging materials and procedures accommodate various product sizes and types. Efficient packing can help prevent damage during transit and reduce shipping costs.
Use boxes 2-3 inches larger on all sides than the products you are shipping.
Consider double-boxing heavy and fragile products, especially if you send many items together.
Packing should be done with plenty of newspaper paper, foam, or bubble wrap. Pack carefully, and ensure the box flaps can be closed unbent after packing.
Print two 4 x 6 shipping labels. Attach one to the outside of the packaging and place one unpeeled sticker inside.
Apply fragile stickers and this-side-up stickers as needed. Check with your logistics provider whether they will charge you more for special handling.
Ensure that the packaging can withstand the shake test.
The customer should be aware of the delivery options available to them. There are two categories of customers: those who are willing to pay extra for fast shipment and others who choose cheaper shipping choices and are willing to wait for their order.
Customers are also dissatisfied with late deliveries. So ensure you’re honest with the customer and disclose the shipping information. Customers will benefit from knowing the projected delivery date. To meet the customer’s expectations, you must deliver by the time specified.
I-Fulfilment provides global fulfillment and logistics solutions for eCommerce businesses. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry and offer a range of services, such as inventory management, order processing, shipping, returns, marketplace management, and more. Our proprietary technology, BladePRO, integrates with various eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, giving you real-time data and control over your orders and inventory.
If you are looking for a fulfillment partner for your Black Friday deliveries, I-Fulfilment has a 99.9% on-time despatch rate and a 99.98% order accuracy rate, which have been proven for such a busy season. Additionally, our global footprint of fulfillment centers can help you reduce shipping costs and reach your customers faster. Whether you sell on Amazon, eBay, or any other platform, we can integrate with your system and offer you a seamless service.
Contact us to learn how you can provide a seamless and reliable service to customers, ultimately enhancing your reputation and strengthening your position in the eCommerce industry.