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The holiday season is around the corner, which also means e-commerce peak season is fast approaching. For e-commerce businesses, this is a time of huge opportunities but also big challenges. To make the most of it, small and mid-sized businesses need smart, cost-effective shipping strategies that keep orders moving and customers happy.
Did you know 74% of customers believe small businesses offer better and more unique holiday gifts? That’s a huge chance to grow. But the key is to be prepared before the rush begins.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps to help your business succeed during peak season, not just survive it.
Peak season refers to the period of the year when online sales and order volumes increase substantially. It is most commonly associated with the final quarter of the year when major shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year’s drive a surge in consumer spending.
But the rush starts earlier than many realize. In fact, 35% of U.S. consumers start holiday shopping as early as September. That means you can’t wait until November to prepare — planning ahead is everything.
Effective planning is the foundation of peak season success. Begin by mapping out your promotions, reviewing historical data to identify top-performing products, and preparing your inventory accordingly. Stocking up on your best-sellers ensures you meet demand without running out of stock.
Different products require different handling, and processing large volumes of shipments can quickly become overwhelming. This is where ShipSaving comes in.
How ShipSaving helps:
When your orders increase, your business will also receive more customer inquiries. It’s essential to be well-prepared before the peak season arrives. Your support team should be ready to answer common questions about promotions, shipping options, “where is my order” updates, and returns policy.
How ShipSaving can help:
Not every customer is looking for the fastest shipping. Some prefer low-cost ground delivery, while others want delayed shipping because they’ll be out of town. Giving people more choices makes their experience better and can also lower your costs.
For small businesses, managing multiple carriers can be tough. That’s why platforms like ShipSaving can help. You get access to USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL Express all in one place — plus discounted rates that can cut your shipping costs by up to 90%.
A clear returns policy is important year-round, but even more critical during peak season.
Writing accurate product descriptions helps reduce the chances of returns, and encouraging exchanges instead of refunds can protect your margins. At the same time, making returns easy shows customers you value their experience.
How ShipSaving can help:
Small businesses don’t always have the leverage to negotiate competitive carrier discounts. That can make it harder to compete with free or low-cost shipping.
But with the right shipping software, you can unlock the same advantages as bigger companies. ShipSaving gives you up to 90% off shipping labels with no minimum volume, plus automation tools like shipping rules and tracking emails. These features streamline your workflow and make handling the holiday rush much easier.
Peak season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning, the right tools, and a focus on your customers, this can be the season your business truly shines.
ShipSaving is here to help you stay ahead, cut costs, and keep your customers happy—so you can turn the holiday rush into your biggest win of the year.
Not yet a ShipSaving user? Sign up today and start streamlining your entire shipping workflow with one simple platform.
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