Feeling the time crunch? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Time is ticking; before you know it, you’ll miss that golden opportunity to send out your packages and holiday cards. Each year, the major shipping carriers publish their estimated shipping cut-off dates.
Stay ahead of the game this holiday season! Ecommerce and retail merchants are marking their calendars with these crucial shipping dates. By tweaking their websites and promotions, they create a sense of urgency that keeps customers on their toes. After all, no one wants to be stuck with an IOU as a gift!
UPS® Holiday Shipping Deadlines
- UPS® Ground - Check ups.com/ctc for details.
- Dec. 19th: UPS 3 Day Select®
- Dec. 20th: UPS 2nd Day Air®
- Dec. 21st: UPS Next Day Air®
FedEx Holiday Shipping Deadlines
- Dec. 15th: FedEx Ground® and Home Delivery
- Dec 19th: FedEx Express® Saver
- Dec: 20th: FedEx Express® 2nd Day
- FedEx Express® Same Day
USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines
- Dec. 16th: First-ClassMail
- Dec. 16th: USPS Ground Advantage™
- Dec. 20th: Priority Mail®
- Dec. 20th: Priority Mail Express®
Holiday Shipping Tips
Order Shipping Supplies Early
Shipping works both ways; if you need boxes or packing materials, ORDER EARLY or risk not having enough and not being able to source them in time. You don’t want to pay your local shipping center retail prices for boxes and eat into your margins.
Set Clear Shipping Deadlines
Communicate shipping deadlines for holiday delivery on your website and promotional materials. Provide a deadline for standard shipping as well as expedited options. Ensure customers know the last day they can place an order to guarantee delivery before the holidays. This transparency helps manage customer expectations and reduces the likelihood of disappointed customers.
Offer Multiple Shipping Options
Provide a range of shipping options to cater to different customer needs, including standard, expedited, and express shipping. Clearly outline the delivery times and costs associated with each option. Giving customers choices allows them to select a shipping method that aligns with their budget and urgency.
Implement Order Tracking
Enable order tracking so that customers can monitor the progress of their shipments in real-time. Providing tracking information keeps customers informed and reduces the number of inquiries to your customer support team. This transparency builds trust and allows customers to plan for the arrival of their orders and watch for porch pirates.
Prepare for Peak Demand
Anticipate increased order volumes during the holiday season and plan your logistics accordingly. Work closely with your shipping partners and carriers to ensure they can handle the shipment surge. Consider adding temporary staff to your fulfillment center if needed. Being well-prepared for the holiday rush helps prevent delays and keeps the shipping process running smoothly.
Communicate Proactively
Keep customers informed about their orders at every stage of the shipping process. Send automated email notifications at order placement, when it’s shipped, and when it’s out for delivery. If there are any unexpected delays, communicate those promptly and provide realistic delivery estimates. Proactive communication demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and helps manage customer expectations.
Incorporating these tips into your holiday shipping strategy can enhance the customer experience, reduce potential issues, and ensure a successful and joyful holiday shopping season for your ecommerce and retail store.
And there you have it, folks! Those are the 2023 holiday shipping cut-off dates. Remember, preparation is key during the holiday season, and your gift-shipping plans should be no exception. Bookmark this page and check back next year to ensure your packages arrive on time for your customers. After all, there’s nothing quite like knowing you made a customer happy when their package arrived just in time.
Until next time, happy shipping!