The year-end season is the busiest time of year for online retailers, and for many stores a significant share of the entire year's sales comes in during these few weeks. We've put together our best tips to help you ensure smooth deliveries, happy customers and a competitive edge through the peak-season rush.
1. Forecast your inventory needs and prepare early
Peak season is full of shoppers, so having enough stock is critical. Use sales data from previous peak seasons and make sure you're well stocked with both products and packaging materials. Don't forget shipping labels and printer supplies, which you can easily order from the Shipit online store.
"With sales data from previous years, you can order products in good time and avoid both overstocking and running out of stock," says Sami Hakanen, COO of Shipit.
2. Invest in clear product images and information
When customers can see right away what they're buying, they're more likely to complete their purchase. Today, shoppers will easily move on to another store if the product information is unclear or they have to ask separately for answers.
Use high-quality product images taken from several angles, and include the essential details on the product page, such as size, material and intended use. Make your delivery options and delivery times clear before the customer reaches the checkout.
"High-quality images and informative copy are key to both your online store and your marketing. Remember, images are the first thing customers look at," Hakanen reminds us.
3. Offer a wide range of delivery options
During the year-end season, customers value fast and flexible deliveries. With Shipit, you can offer pickup points, parcel lockers, home deliveries and express deliveries from multiple carriers at checkout, all through a single integration.
"Don't limit your deliveries to a single carrier's services. Let customers choose where they want their order delivered. A wide range of options improves conversion and reduces cart abandonment," advises Hakanen.
Explore all carriers supported by Shipit ➞
For Shopify merchants: Shipit Delivery Checkout works on all Shopify plans, from Basic to Plus. It brings all Shipit-supported carriers to your checkout, including pickup points, parcel lockers and home deliveries, using your own carrier contracts, Shipit's contracts, or a combination of both. See how the app works on different Shopify plans.
4. Make the most of express deliveries
Speed can be the deciding factor for customers who leave their gift shopping to the last minute. Wolt's express delivery, for example, enables delivery in as little as one hour in selected areas, which can give you a significant competitive edge. Remember to promote your fast delivery options across your marketing channels.
"These days, speed can be your trump card, so make the most of fast and versatile deliveries in your marketing. For example, you can let customers know that orders placed before a certain time will be shipped from your warehouse the same day," Hakanen suggests.
5. Check the customs information for international shipments
Gifts and orders shipped outside the EU need the correct customs information, otherwise the parcel may get stuck in customs just before Christmas. The commercial or proforma invoice must include a clear description of each product, its actual sales price and its country of origin.
With Shipit, everything is handled electronically. The commercial and proforma invoices are created digitally when you create the shipment, and the information is transferred to the carrier automatically, with no paper documents needed.
In particular, make sure that the correct country of origin is entered in your product information and that the invoice shows the price the customer actually paid. Read more about commercial and proforma invoices and writing clear goods descriptions.
6. Pay attention to packaging and branding
Good packaging protects your products and reduces damage in transit. Choose the right size of packaging, protect your products carefully and make sure the barcodes on the shipping label are easy to read. Consider recycled filling materials too, as customers appreciate environmentally friendly choices. Read more about packing your shipments.
"Your packaging can also be part of your brand. Use your company's logo and colours, and include a personal thank-you note for the customer. This small gesture can encourage customers to share their experience on social media," Hakanen suggests.
As a Shipit business customer, you can also use customizable emails to turn the standard "Your order is on its way" message into a branded customer message. This way, you strengthen your brand with every delivery.
7. Be clear about your return policy
An open and clear return policy reduces uncertainty and makes it easier for customers to buy. After the peak season, you'll see more returns and exchanges than usual, so make your terms clear before the purchase. You can, for example, offer returns via parcel lockers, which customers find convenient.
Shipit has a returns solution for every online store. With Shipit's return tool, your customers handle returns themselves, saving you time in the middle of the rush. For Shopify merchants, there is also a dedicated Shopify return tool that lets you manage returns, exchanges and cancellations directly in your Shopify store.
8. Communicate openly about deliveries
Delays can occur during peak season, as many delivery methods are not scheduled and delivery times may stretch at busy times. Open and honest communication about possible delays increases customer satisfaction and builds trust.
"It's also a good idea for stores to let customers know how quickly products are packed and shipped. Real-time tracking helps customers follow their order independently, which also reduces the number of customer service requests," Hakanen advises.
With Shipit, every shipment gets tracking, regardless of the carrier. Your customers can follow their parcel through the tracking link or on Shipit's tracking page, so they always know where their order is.
9. Plan your post-sale strategy
Peak season brings new customers to your store, and a post-sale strategy helps you keep them. A thank-you email and, for example, a discount code for their next purchase leave a positive impression. At the same time, you can encourage customers to share their experience on social media and come back to shop again.
More information and help from Shipit
If you'd like tips on, for example, which delivery options to add to your checkout or how to pack your products correctly for domestic and international deliveries, our customer service is here to help. With us, you'll always get help from a real person, not a bot, and in Finnish.
"Every customer is equally important to us, and we help every one of them, whether it's a small or large online store or a major publicly listed company," Hakanen reminds us.
Our customer service is available on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm
by email at asiakaspalvelu (at) shipit.fi
via chat on our website
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