Over the years, several Americanisms and cultures have been adopted over here in the UK. Take Black Friday as an example.
Originally, it was an annual US-only shopping date that coincided with Thanksgiving. Now, it’s a global phenomenon where shoppers can take advantage of deals on just about anything.
This year, it falls on November 25th and is followed by Cyber Monday on November 28th. However, following the Covid disruption, some retailers are stretching it out so shoppers can take advantage of great deals over a longer period, so now it’s more like Black November.
Although it can be a bumper time for businesses, giving them a much-needed boost in sales, it puts additional pressure on couriers, which is why planning is essential.
To get your Black Friday planning on the right path, here are our four top tips.
Planning for Black Friday
Step one – stock up
Previous years will give you an indication of the amount of stock you need to get in, but don’t forget your packaging materials.
If you use a fulfilment service, you won’t need to worry about that. However, if you have your own storage facility, the last thing you want to do is run out of packaging.
Step two – know the shipping deadlines
Shipping in the run-up to the festive season can be a nightmare. Your customers aren’t concerned by the fact that you’re going to be much busier. They want their goods delivered swiftly and without hassle.
Make sure you know when your shipping deadlines are and communicate them clearly to your customers.
Step three – find the perfect courier company for you
Partnering with a reliable courier company is essential for your business’s success during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period. They become an extension of your business, taking charge of your warehousing, fulfilment, and shipping (depending on the services you need) making sure your orders are despatched quickly and on time.
Step four – a clear returns policy
More than 60% of consumers look at a company’s returns policy before buying. With the boom in ecommerce, your policy is important.
It’s essential to make it clear and easy to follow if you want to build strong relationships with your customers. Don’t have loads of caveats that make it impossible to work out what can or can’t be done. Have a clear policy, structure and refund information and make sure you stick to it.
The final word
The holidays are a welcome boom time for retailers. But they are periods that could damage your business if you’re not prepared.
Be proactive and get ahead by following the tips above. They will help you decrease the likelihood of any issues arising.
Partnering with the right third-party logistics company is vital for a happy and profitable holiday period.
Call the team at Smart Directions on 01442 507 240 to chat the support you need to make your festive sales period run smoothly.