For Canadian small businesses, the holidays can add particular stress on their ecommerce channels and shipment abilities
(NC) This holiday season, more consumers are turning to online retailers for their gifts, entertainment, and décor. In fact, a recent survey found that just over half of Canadians were planning on using ecommerce sites for their Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases.
“For Canadian small businesses, the holidays can add particular stress on their ecommerce channels and shipment abilities,” says Gordon Reed, director of customer solutions at UPS Canada. “Luckily there are several easy steps businesses can take to help manage this busy season.”
1. Supply chain like Santa's. Small businesses should ensure a supply chain management system is in place to help them process, deliver, and manage their shipments — including those crossing the border.
2. Merry mobile. Most people are using their cellphones to browse and shop online. Retailers should update their websites to be mobile-friendly or partner with an e-store that provides easy-to-navigate shopping for those on their phones.
3. No jingles along the way. A package that rattles might be broken. Avoid unsatisfied customers and returns by taking extra time to wrap all items being shipped. Beyond wrapping paper and bubble wrap, think pillow packs and dissolvable packing peanuts.
4. Let it grow, let it grow, let it grow. During peak seasons like the holidays, avoid getting overwhelmed by the spike in business and let a system like UPS' Quantum View track your shipments to help plan for incoming inventory and high demand.
5. T'was the night before: As same-day delivery grows more popular, ensure your business has an “order by” date to guarantee no let downs for customers who save gift buying until the last minute. Get started by checking out the busiest delivery dates and key shipping deadlines during the holidays online at ups.com.
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