Conquer the sales rush: 5 essential shipping hacks for Black Friday & Cyber Monday success

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest online sales events of the year. In 2023, shoppers globally spent $9.8 billion on Black Friday and $12.4 billion on Cyber Monday. And locally, the Office for National Statistics in the UK reported a 2.7% increase in e-commerce sales year-on-year in 2023.

For e-commerce retailers, this annual surge in holiday shopping is a prime opportunity to impress customers and turn one-time buyers into loyal fans. But to capitalise on the busiest shopping season of the year, you need to get your shipping experience just right.

To meet the demand of higher transactions over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, preparation and inventory management are key. Inventory management software can help you track and manage stock volumes in real-time. Historical sales data can help to guide you on forecasting for demand spikes. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, stay focused on how your inventory is moving so you can switch your marketing efforts to other products as needed.

Warehouse distribution naturally increases around Black Friday. Aside from effectively managing your inventory, it’s a good idea to ensure your warehouses are stocked ahead of time. Organising your warehouse by sorting items into designated zones – such as by product type (e.g., clothing or electronics), or by frequently ordered combinations - could also speed up the picking and packing process. That way, not only is your inventory available immediately upon request, but staff can process it faster and customers can receive orders as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Additionally, leveraging AI tools such as picking algorithms, that prioritise items that need to leave the warehouse first, can further streamline your distribution process and enhance overall efficiency.

Experienced delivery service providers will understand the preparation needed for peak shipping periods and prepare many months in advance, hiring additional seasonal drivers, planning shipping schedules, and optimising delivery routes. Almost half (49%) of consumers in a recent survey state that a retailer’s choice of delivery service provider influences where they choose to shop, highlighting the importance of the delivery experience to consumers.

It’s important to have a robust returns policy in place, with 42% of UK consumers stating that an inconvenient returns policy would make them less likely to shop with a brand in the future, according to research by ShipEngine. And with increased sales over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’re also likely to see a higher rate of returns. Ensure your returns policy is clear, straightforward, and easily accessible.

To make Black Friday sales more accessible to e-commerce customers, you could experiment with providing free shipping. This may mean an increase in sales, with 47% of customers abandoning their carts due to extra costs like shipping and 78% of customers willing to buy more to qualify for free shipping.

Don’t let higher demand become a burden to your business. Amazon Shipping’s logistics experts can provide you with a range of reliable and flexible shipping services to help keep your customers happy. Register online to start your journey today.