The holiday season is often the busiest time for many businesses around the world. There are plenty of aspects to consider and a range of problems which can occur unexpectedly. However, there are some important steps you can take in advance in order to mitigate the impact. Below you will find tops tips on how you can improve your existing shipping plan for the holidays.

Check Inventory

Firstly, it is vital that you ensure your inventory is fully stocked well before the holiday rush begins. It may be advisable to review data from previous years and determine which items performed the best. Then, you can stock and pre-package these products so that they are ready to be shipped when customers start ordering them. Also, it is a good idea to order supplies such as boxes, tape, glue, bubble wrap and labels. This strategy will help your team remain calm during these busy times.

Optimise The Checkout Process

This is a crucial step you should not miss as this is where online holiday shopping begins. Offering an easy and problem-free checkout experience will help you ensure prospective customers complete their purchase. For example, be sure to provide your customers with a variety of options to pay. Make your website easy to navigate so that users can move to the checkout section seamlessly. Do not forget to implement best practices for mobile optimisation as this will ensure customers can access your website from any device.

Improve Shipping Options

It is important that you provide a variety of delivery options to your customers. You would want them to have the flexibility to choose what suits their needs best. For example, if there is a small item which needs to be delivered through the city centre of London, a bike courier service could be used for prompt shipping. Mango Logistics Group offers same day delivery solutions tailored to each company’s individual requirements. Your customers would want to have the security and confidence that their packages will arrive on time.

Stick To A Budget Plan

Ensure you prepare a comprehensive holiday budget plan ahead of time and track your finances regularly. This step will help you stay on track and anticipate the impact this holiday season can have on your company. Also, your customers may expect some incentives during this time. Be creative when you determine how you can add value to purchases. For example, you could opt for a free promotional item or a discount. However, it is crucial to include this information in your budget.

Set Up A Seamless Return Process

It is inevitable that some of your customers would want to return their items. This is completely normal and it is essential to be prepared. Make sure your return policies are easy to understand and communicated clearly to your customers. In order to process everything faster, you may want to focus on setting up guidelines and organising prepaid return labels. Also, remember to familiarise yourself with the guidance on issuing refunds in order to simplify the process for you and your customers.

The holidays are often stressful for many retailers. By following these tips you will be ready for the busy times ahead and deliver the best possible service to your customers.