Conquering Q4 • Part 2

Steps to a Successful Peak Season

‘Tis the season of sales! Q4 is the time for your brand to reach new heights ­­ if you properly manage holiday logistics and overcome the imminent hurdles. Holiday sales are likely to increase between 4% and 6% in 2022, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday forecast, which can be a consuming fulfillment task. Whether this is your first year of operation or you have a few holiday seasons under your belt, there are many steps you can take to keep your sales flowing and business growing. To meet the demands of Q4 and ensure you come out strong on the other side, focus on these key areas of peak planning.

FORECASTING

Understanding what your projections will be for Q4 is critical for fulfillment success. To plan, utilize data as much as possible, and think through previous strategies. Using historical data from throughout the year along with trends from previous seasons will help you develop a more accurate forecast. Remember, early and rough data is better than late and perfect. Your logistics partner will thank you for the open and continuous communication! Inventory forecasting is never fully accurate, but you can take steps to get your estimates closer to actual, such as analyzing data and optimizing stock levels by tracking item movement.

MINDFUL MARKETING

Q4 is always a huge opportunity to transition holiday buyers into year-round customers. Marketing campaigns are a great way to generate sales and drive performance. If you have or plan on running a marketing plan during the holiday buying season, remember to communicate this with your 3PL well in advance so they are prepared for all promotions. Consider a longer campaign rollout to increase visibility whilst preparing our team for optimal shipping practices.

THE PERFECT PARTNER(SHIP)

Communication is the most important tool in your Q4 arsenal. As supply chain disruptions continue to cause operational pressure, NRI will be making all preparations possible to meet your holiday needs and demands. In order to do so, your brand will need to provide details about any changes in year-end activity. Proactively reach out to our team well in advance to make the most of our partnership.

PROACTIVE COMMUNICATION

Communication with your customers is just as important as your communication with your 3PL. Don’t wait for your customers to ask you about your holiday shipping schedule. Send a simple e-blast or include any holiday shipping details on your website. It’s important to relay longer ship times and create awareness around the state of the supply chain. That way your customers will be prepared for any hiccups in the buying experience.

Don’t wait until the start of the holiday season to map out a plan. By following the tips above, you can increase your sales and optimize fulfillment. For additional strategies contact us to help you make the most of the holiday rush!

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