Is your business prepared for the upcoming holiday season? Our infographic will help make sure you are ready to tackle increasing orders!

As the holiday season approaches, e-commerce businesses are gearing up for what is undeniably the most critical period of the year for sales and shipping. The stakes are high, and preparation is key. Based on the insightful infographic provided, here are the top strategies and statistics every e-commerce business should know to navigate the holiday shipping season successfully.

Understand the Holiday Shipping Volume

The magnitude of the holiday shipping crunch is staggering. According to USPS data, a whopping 915 million packages were shipped between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day in 2019 alone. This figure highlights the intense activity during the holiday season and underscores the necessity for robust preparation.

Invest in Quality Packaging Materials

97% of consumers agree that speed of delivery is a significant factor in their purchasing decisions. To meet these expectations, businesses must invest in quality packaging materials that not only ensure product safety but also facilitate faster fulfillment and easier returns. Additionally, utilizing mailers with anti-static release liners can streamline the packaging process, reducing the time spent sealing each package.

Boost Brand Image with Creative Packaging

Elevating the unboxing experience can significantly enhance customer satisfaction. The infographic suggests that 50% of shoppers would recommend a product if it arrived in gift-like or branded packaging. Using mailers in fun colors or shiny metallic materials serves a dual purpose: protecting the contents and acting as a vibrant brand ambassador.

Opt for Automation to Increase Efficiency

For businesses looking to scale up their operations without sacrificing speed or accuracy, automation is the way forward. Packaging automation machines can dramatically increase fulfillment speed—up to 15-20 packages per minute—boosting overall efficiency by 400-500%. Such technology not only speeds up the process but is also a socially distanced-friendly solution in today’s environment.

Seek Professional Help When Needed

During the peak season, it’s easy for operations to become overwhelmed. PAC’s Contract Packaging Services, for example, offers a substantial infrastructure with 216,000 square feet of space and a 300-strong team ready to assist. Services like these can prevent the risk of under-delivering when demand spikes unexpectedly.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan and Prepare: Recognize the scale of holiday shipping and plan capacity accordingly.
  • Invest Smartly: Choose high-quality, efficient packaging solutions to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations.
  • Embrace Technology: Leverage automation to maintain a competitive edge.
  • Expand Capabilities: Utilize contract packaging services to handle excess demand without compromising on service quality.

Navigating the holiday season requires more than just understanding these strategies—it demands proactive implementation. By preparing now, businesses can ensure that the busiest time of the year is also the most successful. Remember, a satisfied customer today could mean a loyal customer tomorrow. Happy shipping!