June to August
Contact your suppliers and submit your inventory orders.
Meet with your 3PL to discuss your holiday fulfillment needs.
Share your peak season forecasts to help determine the best fulfillment strategy.
Ask about inventory turnover and decide what needs to be cleared out.
Secure additional storage space if needed.
Ensure their seasonal staff are qualified to handle your business.
Start testing different shipping automations and work out any issues.
Optimize your checkout.
Install Easyship's Rates at Checkout to give full visibility of shipping options for every customer.
Include phone number and email fields so customers can receive important delivery information.
Use an address verification system to prevent failed deliveries.
September
Begin interviewing and hiring additional staff to assist with the holiday rush.
October
Deliver your inventory to your 3PL.
To have your goods ready for shipping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas cut-off dates, be sure to ask your 3PL for inventory receiving deadlines.
Unable to get your goods imported in time for the holiday? Consider shipping direct to your customers from Asia, contact us for a free quote.
Train your seasonal staff and prepare your full-time employees in handling heavier volumes.
Plan your holiday ad, email, and social media campaigns.
November
Start your holiday ad, email, and social media campaigns.
Promote your free shipping offers on your website.
Update your return and exchange policy, if needed.
Monitor your inventory as sales begin to ramp up.
December
Actively monitor your 3PL’s performance.
Communicate your holiday shipping cutoff dates based on service to ensure on-time arrival.
Stay on top of any customer service enquiries.
Additional Resources:
Download The Guide
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Articles and guides
- Holiday Shipping guide - Here's everything you need to prepare your business for the most wonderful time of the year!
- Domestic Shipping Guide - Exceed your customer's high expectations when shipping domestically with this guide.
- International Shipping Guide - This resource explains everything you need to know to start shipping internationally with confidence!
- Free Shipping Policy Generator - Get a free customized shipping policy for your business within minutes!
