{"id":247605,"date":"2023-10-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stamps.com\/?p=247605"},"modified":"2024-05-15T15:47:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T15:47:57","slug":"successful-holiday-shipping-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stamps.com\/article\/successful-holiday-shipping-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a Successful Holiday Shipping Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As the holiday shopping season quickly approaches, our recent study in partnership with Retail Economics shows that 44% of US customers are still concerned about inflation going into the holiday season. According to our partner, Retail Economics, North American customers will spend $183 billion on holiday shopping through online marketplaces. And your business deserves to be included in those sales! Customer preferences for the holiday shipping season have been made known, and your business still has time to incorporate their feedback before the holiday rush. <\/p>\n\n

Start your holiday preparations early <\/h2>\n\n

It may seem early, but 41% of shoppers plan to start their holiday shopping before October. With early bird shopping well underway, your business needs to start holiday preparations as soon as possible. Marketing to early holiday shoppers is beneficial because it not only has the potential to boost current sales, but it also gives your business the opportunity to test marketing strategies. Pay close attention to which coupon codes seem to be redeemed more than others and which items they\u2019re being used for. It\u2019ll come in handy when more customers begin their holiday shopping and during big shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. <\/p>\n\n

If you aren\u2019t sure where or how to begin, we recommend customizing the branded ship notification emails<\/a> feature within your Stamps.com account. Branded ship notifications let your business add promo materials to shipment confirmation emails. Adding exclusive sales to reward early shoppers increases the likelihood of a repeat customer base. Additionally, testing sales materials early is a good way to see what works and what doesn\u2019t before the holiday season officially begins. <\/p>\n\n

To personalize branded ship notification emails: <\/p>\n\n

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  1. Select the Settings button. <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Click the Branded Features button<\/strong>, followed by the Brand Settings button<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Once selected, the Branded Settings dashboard<\/strong> will open. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. From here, you\u2019ll customize the color scheme, logo, social media links, and other information. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. After you\u2019ve completed all of these steps, find the Emails tab. <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Choose which settings you would like to change i.e., if emails aren\u2019t sent until tracking is available for customers. Also, confirm the reply-to email and display name are both accurate. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Click Publish Now.   <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
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    Click on the chart to magnify. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

    Include expedited shipping options for customers<\/h2>\n\n

    With Christmas landing on a Monday, there may be an increased demand for expedited shipping options. Our study found that 61% of customers are willing to pay $9 more for same-day delivery when placing orders between $40-$60. Many customers are buying stocking stuffers, family gifts, friend gifts, and more, meaning this purchasing threshold isn\u2019t uncommon. <\/p>\n\n

    Expedited shipping options are carrier services that offer a faster delivery window than traditional services. These services include overnight shipping, where a customer receives a package the day after it\u2019s ordered (or two days if the item was ordered after the shipping cutoff on the first day). We understand that offering these options may not be available for your small business. As a compromise, it might be worth offering services with guaranteed service delivery options. This way, there\u2019s an available refund option if a package doesn\u2019t arrive within the guaranteed delivery window.* <\/p>\n\n

    Additionally, communicating shipping deadlines<\/a> is crucial. Shipping deadlines<\/a> are the last dates a package can be shipped and still arrive in time for Christmas. Offering premium shipping options is expensive. But, if your business shares shipping deadlines for the carrier services you provide customers, it\u2019ll decrease the chance of customer dissatisfaction, increasing the chance for repeat business. <\/p>\n\n

    *Note: These delivery guarantees might fluctuate during the holiday season, so we recommend reaching out to your carrier directly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

    Rate Advisor <\/h3>\n\n

    To determine the best shipping options for your business, Stamps.com users have access to our rate advisor. Our rate advisor<\/a> allows you to compare rates through three different categories: cheapest, recommended, and fastest. These rates are populated based on the shipment information entered, and you\u2019re able to filter by carrier, delivery window, packaging, and price. This way, you can find the best rate for your business and still meet customer expectations. <\/p>\n\n

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    Click on the chart to magnify. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

    Expand to marketplace and store selling <\/h2>\n\n

    Our study shows that holiday purchases made through online marketplaces have the potential to reach $253 billion globally, with, as we mentioned earlier, $183 billion of this amount coming from North America. If you\u2019ve been hesitant to sell on marketplaces like Amazon in the past, now\u2019s the time to start. Stamps.com users can easily integrate stores and marketplaces into their accounts so that eligible orders show on the orders screen. <\/p>\n\n

    With eligible orders automatically imported to your Stamps.com, it\u2019s easy to create labels and packing slips. After your labels are printed, we\u2019ll send the tracking information to Amazon, so they can send shipment confirmation emails to your customers. Amazon offers seller support within the seller portal for additional help with Amazon questions, and Stamps.com users can reach our support team via phone from Monday-Friday, 6am-6pm PT at 1-855-889-7867 or via email, with a 1-2 business day response time. <\/p>\n\n

    Amazon Prime Days <\/h3>\n\n

    Amazon has announced that October Prime Day(s)<\/a> will return this October 10th-11th, giving your business the opportunity for a test run. Early holiday shoppers will more than likely take advantage of Prime Day<\/a> deals, so it\u2019ll also help your business predict popular holiday items. Keep an eye on which items are flying off the shelf vs the ones that are collecting dust, and use these trends when planning holiday inventory. <\/p>\n\n

    Prioritize shipping insurance <\/h2>\n\n

    All of the upcoming holiday gatherings may mean your customers aren\u2019t home whenever packages are set to arrive. Our study found that 37% of customers are worried about packages being stolen, so it\u2019s time to make shipping insurance a priority. Most carriers include either insurance or declared value with their services. These insurance options are usually around $100-$200, depending on the service, but some services do come with the option to purchase supplemental coverage. If a package is damaged or lost, you can file a claim to see if you\u2019re eligible for reimbursement. <\/p>\n\n

    ParcelGuard\u2122<\/h3>\n\n

    For high-value items, it\u2019s also worth considering extra third-party shipping coverage from providers like our partner, ParcelGuard\u2122<\/a>. The cost of ParcelGuard<\/a> will vary by the amount of coverage added to a shipment and can be added in the Mail or Orders tab; it\u2019s also charged in the cost of your label, so there\u2019s no need to worry about invoicing or surprise charges. ParcelGuard claims are filed electronically and through your Stamps.com account. Give your customers the gift of security this holiday season and offer shipping coverage options. <\/p>\n\n

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    Click on the chart to magnify. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

    Holiday shipping tips for ecommerce businesses <\/h2>\n\n

    This holiday season is on track to be a big one for ecommerce merchants. Customers are already preparing their shopping lists, and some are already shopping. Here are a few ways you can make sure this holiday season is a prosperous one: <\/p>\n\n