Get Your Shipping Supplies Ready
One of the easiest ways to ensure smooth holiday shipping is by stocking up on shipping supplies in advance. Ensure you have enough boxes, labels, and tape to meet the increased demand. Additionally, consider using eco-friendly packaging materials to leave a positive impression on customers who care about sustainability.
Top Eco-Friendly Packaging Materials:
Biodegradable packing peanuts
Inflatable air pillows
Recycled cardboard boxes
Fine-Tune Your Shipping Process
As the orders start rolling in during the holiday season, you’ll want a reliable shipping process to keep up with demand. That’s where FlagShip comes in. We help small and medium-sized Canadian businesses simplify their shipping by offering discounts on services from major couriers like Purolator, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Canpar, and GLS. With FlagShip, you get reliable service and access to discounts typically reserved for higher-volume shippers.
Here are key considerations for your seasonal shipping strategy and how FlagShip can help at every step.
Set Your Shipping Parameters
Will you offer U.S. or international shipping? Expanding your market can bring great benefits, but also some challenges like customs regulations and additional fees. Avoiding border delays and unforeseen taxes is crucial during the holiday rush.
With FlagShip, you can access discounted international shipping rates from leading couriers all in one place. We provide expert advice to ensure your international shipments run smoothly, saving you time and stress.
Shipping Parameters to Consider:
Parameter
Details
Shipping Destination
Domestic, U.S., or International. Ensure you’re familiar with customs and duties.
Customs Documentation
Make sure to include necessary documents like invoices and CUSMA certifications for border crossings.
Shipping Methods
Choose from standard, expedited, or express services to fit your customer’s needs.
Offer Flexible Shipping Options for Your Customers
Encourage early orders by communicating clear shipping deadlines to your customers. Free shipping is a great way to entice customers to order early, but you’ll need to assess whether it’s financially viable for your business. You can also offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount or for loyal customers.
Some customers may prioritize speed over cost, so offering expedited options is important. With FlagShip’s online shipping system, you can display multiple shipping options at checkout, allowing customers to choose the speed and cost that works for them.
Shipping Options to Consider:
Shipping Option
Delivery Speed
Best For
Standard Shipping
3-7 business days
Cost-conscious customers who don’t need urgent delivery
Expedited Shipping
2-3 business days
Customers who want faster shipping at a reasonable price
Express Shipping
Next-day delivery
Time-sensitive orders for last-minute shoppers
Order Tracking: Keep Your Customers Informed
Shipping during the holidays can be stressful for customers who want to know when their packages will arrive. Providing accurate, real-time tracking is essential to reduce stress and increase customer satisfaction.
With FlagShip’s online shipping platform, you can offer reliable order tracking that includes email or SMS notifications. Customers can track their orders from the moment they ship to delivery.
Have a Clear Return Policy
Customers value flexible return policies when making holiday purchases. Be sure to clearly outline your return policy on your website, allowing customers to feel confident in their decision to buy. A well-thought-out policy can help you stand out from competitors and encourage purchases.
During the holiday season, consider extending your return window into the new year to accommodate customers shopping for gifts. Make returns simple by offering prepaid return labels to streamline the process for your customers.
Return Policy Tips:
Clearly display your return policy on your website
Extend the return window during the holiday season
Consider offering prepaid return labels to simplify the process
Stress-Free Holiday Shipping is Possible
Ready to get started? With FlagShip’s shipping solutions, finding the cheapest and most efficient way to ship within Canada or internationally is easy. Our online shipping system lets you compare rates, book shipments, and track orders—all in one place. You’ll also receive up to 70% off regular shipping rates, helping your small business save money during the holiday season.
