- With more consumers shopping online each year, brands need to be prepared for a significant increase in orders.
- With the increase in shipment volume during the holiday season, it is more important than ever to use digital technologies to improve your logistics.
- Many countries have put in place restrictions on the shipment of goods, causing delays and further disruptions in the supply chain.
by Chelsea Lamb
The 2022 holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes a plethora of shipping challenges. With the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting global supply chains, it is more critical than ever to be aware of these issues when they arise.
Here are some shipping forecasts for retailers to be aware of so you can be fully prepared this holiday season:
Increased Volume of Shipments
The first challenge that indie retailers will face is an increase in the volume of shipments. With more consumers shopping online each year, brands need to be prepared for a significant increase in orders. This means having enough staff on hand to fulfill purchases and get your shipments out the door in a timely manner.
Delays in Shipping
Delays are another challenge plaguing small businesses. With so many shipments going out, there are bound to be some delays as carriers struggle to keep up with the increased demand. This could mean that some orders will not arrive on time, so it is essential to communicate with customers and set expectations accordingly.
Evaluating your logistics and improving weak areas of your operations can go a long way in helping your team keep things running smoothly and your customers satisfied. With the increase in shipment volume during the holiday season, it is more important than ever to use digital technologies to improve your logistics.
Technologies like warehouse management software and order management systems can help retail business owners keep track of their shipments and ensure that they are processed and shipped quickly and efficiently. Additionally, tracking and tracing tools can help you keep tabs on your shipments and locate them if they go missing. This can be especially helpful during the busy holiday season when things are likely to get chaotic.
Moving your systems to the cloud can also make a world of difference. Incorporating the right digital technologies can help ensure that your logistics run smoothly and that your customers receive their orders on time.
Damaged or Lost Shipments
Retailers may also face damaged or lost shipments this holiday season. UPS, FedEx, and USPS workers may get overwhelmed with the increase of shipment volume, so there is a greater chance that something could go wrong. Whether it is damage during transit or packages getting lost, you must have a plan in place for being able to handle these potential situations.
Pandemic-Related Issues
The pandemic has caused widespread chaos and disruption in the retail sector. Although the world has mostly gone back to its ways prior to COVID, its aftershock is still causing supply chain and shipping issues. Many brands are still struggling to get back to normal operations, and this is causing delays in the delivery of goods to customers.
The pandemic has also had a significant impact on international trade. Many countries have put in place restrictions on the shipment of goods, causing delays and further disruptions in the supply chain. As a result, retailers have to scramble to find alternate sources of supplies, leading to additional delays and added costs.
The 2022 holiday season is shaping up to be a challenging one for retailers, especially when it comes to shipping. With an increase in orders and potential delays in shipping, it is crucial to be prepared for any potential disruptions. By staying aware of the challenges, establishing a thorough plan, and implementing digital technologies, you can ensure that your shipments make it to their destination on time and without any issues.
Chelsea Lamb has spent the last eight years honing her tech skills and is the resident tech specialist at Business Pop. Her goal is to demystify some of the technical aspects of business ownership.