7 Tips For Businesses To Have A Successful Peak Season Shipping

Sep 18, 2023

Peak season shipping can make or break your e-commerce business. It’s that time of the year when demand surges, and customers eagerly await their orders. According to Statista, revenue in the eCommerce market in Australia is projected to reach $37.65B in 2023 and is expected to grow to $42.65B in 2024.

While this sounds very lucrative for businesses, this comes with a fair share of challenges especially since peak season also brings with it logistical challenges.

In this blog, we’ll explore what peak season shipping entails and share seven crucial tips to help Australian businesses navigate this critical periods successfully.

When is Peak Season in Australia?

Before we delve into the tips, let’s look at the dates that both retailers and shoppers alike anticipate so much.

Famous Australian Holidays for Shopping Activities:

  • Australia Day
  • Click Frenzy
  • End of the Financial Year
  • Prime Day
  • Christmas in July
  • Afterpay Day Sales
  • Labor Day
  • Diwali
  • Halloween
  • Melbourne Cup
  • Single’s Day
  • Black Friday
  • Cyber Monday
  • Sofa Sunday
  • Pre-Christmas Day
  • Christmas Eve
  • Boxing Day

Source: Tagalys

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7 Tips To Excel in Peak Season Shipping

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: seven actionable tips to ace peak season shipping in Australia.

Tip 1: Start Peak Season Planning Early

The key to success during peak seasons is early preparation. Start by analyzing historical data and market trends to forecast demand accurately. This process, known as demand planning, helps you anticipate the surge in orders. 

Take note of the dates we mentioned above and start planning at least 1-2 months in advance.

Tip 2: Discuss Supply Capacity With Your Manufacturer

To meed the increase in demand, open communication with your suppliers is vital. Review your inventory needs and ensure your supplier can meet the increased production requirements.

Tip 3: Stock Up on Inventory

Based on your demand planning and discussions with your supplier/s, it’s time to stock up. Having sufficient inventory on hand ensures you don’t run our of popular products during the peak season rush.

Tip 4: Automate Processes and Workflows

Embracing automation in your shipping process can give provide your business with  a lot of benefits. Accelerate the Pick-Pack-Ship workflow by automating repetitive tasks.

Consider using a cloud-based shipping platform like Couriers & Freight for real-time visibility into your shipping process. 

Tip 5: Highlight Exceptional Customer Service

Excellent customer service becomes even more critical during peak seasons. Delays may occur due to increased shipping volume, weather disruptions, or some unforeseen events. 

Communicate transparently with your customers. You can offer follow-up sales with discounts or special offers to resolve issues promptly.

Tip 6: Streamline Returns Management

As the demand surges during peak season, it is also realistic to anticipate returns especially when they’re shopping for gifts. 

Crystal clear return policies and easy return procedures can help make the returns process smoother. 

Tip 7: Optimize for Last-Mile Delivery

In order to keep up with consumer expectations during peak season, e-commerce businesses can consider partnering with a last-mile delivery provider. This allows you the flexibility to scale up or down based on demand. 

Outsource Your Peak Season Fulfillment to Couriers & Freight

In conclusion, peak season shipping doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these seven actionable tips, you can prepare your e-commerce business for the influx of orders during peak seasons in Australia.

However, if you find yourself overwhelmed or need additional support, consider outsourcing your peak season fulfillment to a trusted third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Couriers & Freight. Providing on-time and reliable delivery since 2009, we can help you navigate the logistical challenges that go along with the busiest seasons of the year in Australia. 

With proper planning, automation, and a customer-centric approach, you can thrive during peak season.

Take Charge of Your Peak Season

Partner with Couriers & Freight for your peak season shipping!

Get A Quote Now

robert lynch headshot

Robert Lynch

Founder of Australia’s largest outside hire company Couriers & Freight, Robert Lynch is a seasoned business leader in the shipping industry with over 20 years of experience. His expertise spans from outside hire, taxi truck, and last-mile services to freight management, freight forwarding and warehousing. 

Robert has also incorporated technology into his business through custom software to enhance growth and efficiency. Robert is a valuable resource for business owners looking to improve their logistics operations.

Connect with Robert Lynch on LinkedIn.

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