174: Holiday Shipping Hacks: Surviving the 4th Quarter

It’s the 4th quarter—also known as the busiest, craziest time of the year for product-based business owners! You've planned your 4th quarter promotions and products are arriving, but have you thought about the logistics of fulfilling and shipping all those orders?  In this episode, I share shipping hacks and strategies to help subscription box owners and product-based businesses navigate our busiest quarter… and stay sane doing it!  Prep Packing & Shipping Supplies Early Audit your packing and shipping supplies now: tape, labels, boxes, poly mailers, filler.  Order enough to get you through December. Plan for the unexpected.  Establish a dedicated storage space for your extra supplies so your team knows exactly where to find what they need. Optimize Fulfillment by Prepacking, Prepping, and Batch Packing  Pre-pack items that will be sold together, like holiday bundles or Black Friday specials. Reduce friction, eliminate unnecessary steps, and gain efficiency Implement batch packing by processing similar orders together for a smoother, faster workflow. Research Shipping Carrier Cut-off Dates & Have Options  Research carrier cut-off dates and set your own Christmas shipping cut-offs well in advance.  Overcommunicate! Post these cut-off dates visibly in your social media headers, on your website, and in emails. Stay flexible and ready to adjust by having multiple shipping options. Maintain open communication with your drivers to help manage any unexpected delays. Be Prepared for Increased Customer Service Volume  Expect an increase in customer service inquiries and be transparent with customers about shipping timelines and potential delays. Have a contingency plan in place to deal with lost packages, including a policy for replacements or refunds. The holiday rush can be chaotic, but with these tips, you’ll feel more prepared than ever to tackle Q4.  Have a shipping manager or team? Have them listen to this episode to boost efficiency and reduce holiday chaos in your shop! Join me for this episode where I share fulfillment & shipping strategies to help subscription box owners and product-based businesses navigate the busiest, craziest time of year - the 4th quarter. Grab your coffee (or something stronger!) and let’s dive in! Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform and leave a 5-star rating and a review! Join me in all the places:  Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website   Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!

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8 years ago I had a dream to start a Subscription Box service full of goodies for women to treat themselves and nurture the importance of self care. It took me a full 18 months to make it happen! I was paralyzed by ‘all the things’ I had to figure out with no one to turn to for guidance. That is why I created Launch Your Box! Maybe you need some direction on how to begin, or you are ready to grow your subscriber base. Either way, it all starts with an idea that can turn into a constant reoccurring revenue, a raving fan base, and a business to love. I will help you... Take your first steps and know where to start. Figuring out the logistics: packing, shipping, boxes, oh my! Learn how to launch, from idea to sales. Scale that box to the next level, go big or go home!