Shipping Deadlines & Extra Fees for the Holidays (2024)

During the holidays, shipping deadlines are important because many people are shopping last minute. Make sure you know the cutoff dates for each carrier to help your customers get their orders on time. Also, carriers often charge extra fees during the holiday season, so it’s helpful to be aware of those costs.

*All information was correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change by the carrier.

USPS (United States Postal Service)

• Shipping Deadlines:
  • Priority Mail: December 21 (to arrive by December 25)
  • Priority Mail Express: December 23 (to arrive by December 25)
  • First-Class Mail: December 20
• Extra Fees:
  • USPS adds a holiday surcharge of up to $1.00 for Priority Mail and $2.50 to $5.00 for Priority Mail Express.

UPS (United Parcel Service)

• Shipping Deadlines:
  • UPS Ground: December 18
  • UPS 2nd Day Air: December 21
  • UPS Next Day Air: December 22
• Extra Fees:
  • Holiday surcharges for UPS deliveries can range from $0.30 to $1.50 per package.
  • Air and Ground Services may have a surcharge of up to $3.00 per package.

FedEx

• Shipping Deadlines:
  • FedEx Ground: December 16
  • FedEx 2Day: December 21
  • FedEx Standard Overnight: December 22
• Extra Fees:
  • FedEx adds a peak season surcharge ranging from $0.30 to $2.00 per package, depending on size and delivery type.
  • Oversized packages may have an additional fee of $2.00 to $5.00.

Tips for Local Businesses:

• Plan for Delays: Shipping during the holidays can sometimes be delayed due to bad weather or higher shipping volume. Make sure to let your customers know about any possible delays.
• Consider Extra Fees: The extra fees from shipping carriers can add up. You might need to raise your shipping prices or offer free shipping for in-store pickup orders.
• Encourage In-Store Pickup: Promote local pickup options to your customers. This can help them avoid shipping delays and costs, especially for last-minute holiday orders.

Making In-Store Pickup Easy for Customers

In-store pickup is a great way to offer fast service to local customers. It’s also a great option for customers who don’t want to pay for shipping. Here’s how to make the pickup process easy and fast during the busy holiday season.

Clear Communication About Pickup Options

• Tell Customers About Pickup: Make sure your website clearly says that customers can pick up their orders in-store. Use phrases like, “Pick up in-store and save on shipping!” This will help attract more customers to choose this option.
• Order Confirmations: After customers place an order, send them a confirmation email or text with pickup details. Include the store address, pickup hours, and any special instructions for where to go once they arrive.

Create a Pickup Area

• Designate a Pickup Spot: Set up a special pickup area near your store entrance. This will help customers easily find where to go without waiting in a long line.
• Clear Signage: Use clear signs and floor markers that guide customers directly to the pickup area, making it easy to find.

Stay Organized

• Sort Orders by Pickup Time: Keep your orders organized so customers can pick up their items quickly. You can sort by order number or pickup time to avoid confusion.
• Send Notifications: Let customers know when their order is ready for pickup. Send an email or text to tell them their items are ready, so they don’t have to wait.

Offer Curbside Pickup

• Curbside Pickup: Some customers prefer not to come inside the store. Offer curbside pickup where customers can call or text you when they arrive, and you bring their order to their car.
• QR Code for Easy Check-In: Use QR codes that customers can scan when they arrive to let you know they’re ready to pick up. This can speed up the process and keep things contact-free.

Extended Pickup Hours

• Offer More Pickup Times: The holidays can be busy, so consider offering longer pickup hours (like evenings or weekends) to make it easier for customers to pick up their orders at a time that works for them.
• Allow Pickup Time Reservations: Let customers choose a specific time to pick up their order. This can help avoid big crowds and long waits at your store.

Friendly Service

• Customer Support: Have a staff member in the pickup area who can answer any questions customers have and help with any problems that come up.
• VIP Pickup Perks: Offer special perks for loyal customers, like faster pickup or discounts for people who frequently shop at your store.

Eco-Friendly Pickup Options

• Sustainable Packaging: Use eco-friendly packaging when preparing orders for pickup. You can also encourage customers to bring their own bags to reduce waste.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a busy time for local businesses, but by understanding shipping deadlines and extra fees and optimizing your in-store pickup process, you can make things easier for your customers. Clear communication, flexible options, and a smooth pickup experience will help keep your customers happy and encourage them to shop with you again in the future.

By preparing ahead and offering convenient, fast services like local pickup, your business will stand out and give customers a reason to choose you over competitors during the holiday season.