With Christmas just around the corner, it is crunch time for holiday orders. Consumers want their gifts to arrive in time to put under the tree, and few things can erode brand loyalty like a late or botched shipment. Fortunately, if you take a few precautions on the front end, you can be the holiday hero, in turn ensuring satisfied customers.
Here are a few shipping tips that you should follow during this holiday season.
Tip #1. Reconsider Batch Shipping to Allow Ample Shipping Time
Throughout the year, it is often more efficient to send your shipments in batches. However, during the busy holiday season you should reconsider your batch shipping preference. With tens of millions of boxes in transit, as well as numerous unexpected winter storms, it is vital that you get your shipments out of the door on time and as quickly as possible.
Additionally, some carriers will put surcharges onto orders that are shipped in the last week before Christmas. With this in mind, if you avoid batch shipping you will not only keep your customers happy by delivering purchases on time, but you will also save some money.
Tip #2. Place a Duplicate Label Inside the Box
When a label is torn or damaged during transit, you want to ensure that your customer still receives their purchase. By placing a second label inside of the box, you give the carrier a chance to ensure that the package is delivered on-time and to the right address.
Additionally, the second label is helpful to customers who might need to return or exchange the item. For an added holiday touch, you can include a personalized note with your business contact information or a business card with the duplicate label.
Tip #3. Stay Up-to-Date on International Regulations
If you ship outside of the United States, then you will need to know the ins-and-outs of the latest customs paperwork. Don’t lose time or potential customers by failing to stay up-to-date on the latest international regulations.
With this in mind, make sure that your employees are trained and ready to accurately fill out all international shipping forms so that your packages don’t get stuck at the border.
Tip #4. Double Check All Orders Before Shipping
It’s easy to make mistakes when you are rushing to fill holiday orders. Assign an employee to double check that all orders are accurate before you ship. If you can’t assign an employee or if your operations are simply too big, then you should add a holiday-specific checklist to your quality-assurance process. This checklist should be designed to verify that all orders are accurately shipped during the holidays.
Use High-Quality Boxes Throughout the Holiday Season
If you want your merchandise to arrive in the best possible condition, then you need to use high-quality boxes. When winter storms beckon and carriers are rushed for time, you should choose sturdy, durable, and environmentally friendly corrugated boxes that can stand up to any wear and tear during the shipping period.
To learn more about stock or custom sizes, as well as customized branding and printing opportunities, contact Express Packaging today.