Now that Christmas is just around the corner, online ecommerce businesses have plenty of opportunities to promote their offerings and attract new customers. But don’t just go with the flow, it’s crucial to gear up adequately if you want to make the most of it. To allow every order to run smoothly and prevent any sales disruptions, strategic planning, especially in logistics, is the key. In this article, we’ll uncover the most important logistics tips for Christmas, designed to enhance your online shop’s performance during Christmas 2023.
Logistics tips for Christmas
Plan inventory stocks using data
With a WMS you can track inventory within warehouses and forecast customer demand, thereby adjusting your stock levels accordingly. This is the secret to keep your warehouse well-stocked, avoiding overfilling or understocking. Aim for an optimal capacity level, slightly above 80%, and be ready to increase it as Christmas is near.
Place stock strategically
When relying on outsourced e-commerce logistics, your third-party logistics (3PL) partner can play a fundamental role in shaping your market strategy. To accommodate a potential surge in orders or a significant increase in demand in certain countries, stock can be placed strategically across different warehouses, thus bringing them closer to your customers. In this way, not only will you be able to increase your sales but also provide a seamless shopping experience at reduced costs.
Align your inventory with your marketing strategy
Focus on stocking items that you plan to promote heavily during the season and reduce the products that have registered lower sales in the past. This strategy will ensure that your popular items are always available for quick dispatch.
Automate logistic processes
As the volume of orders increases, automating logistics can greatly benefit your business. First and foremost, automation means allocating resources effectively, reducing slow manual operations and saving significant amounts of money. Secondly, as orders surge, you will be required to handle complex delivery requirements. In this case, delivering timely and effectively to your customers can become the differentiator! Processing special requests like Christmas gift wrapping while coordinating with different shipping service providers can be complex and counterproductive if not managed efficiently. Automation and partnering with a 3PL will ensure none of these complexities come in the way of your sales.
Make sure your reverse logistics is spot-on!
No online retailer can escape Christmas returns. Automated logistics and a reliable 3PL can streamline this process, transforming it from lost business to opportunity. In fact, 3PLs like eLogy specialise in handling the intricacies of ecommerce shipping and enable their clients to achieve high performance in terms of fulfillment and cost-efficiency.
Offer different options
Offering a diverse range of delivery and payment options is crucial for online stores, especially during peak seasons like Christmas. Research has pointed out that customers tend to shop from stores where their preferred shipping and payment methods are available. So:
1)Cater to last-minute shoppers: remember that some customers tend to shop at the last minute, often willing to pay extra for express shipping. Incorporate this option to meet their needs, ensuring that even last-minute orders are delivered in time for Christmas.
2) Local pickup options: nowadays many customers are not available for home delivery and may not order from your store if it is the only option you have available. Providing pick up locations for their orders can include even the busiest customers.
3)Consider free shipping: paying extra for shipping can be a great deterrent for customers who are looking for Christmas gifts.
Check our detailed guide for the Peak Season and learn more about how to make sure you don’t miss out on any sales.
Strategic logistics collaboration
Collaborating with an ecommerce logistics partner like eLogy allows you to fine-tune your online store settings and make long-term improvements that can greatly enhance your sales. This becomes particularly crucial during the Christmas period, as customer experience can drive your business forward in the long run. By developing strategies to improve your logistics and services, you can establish a loyal customer base and ensure high success during the festive fever.
