4 Last-Minute Tips to Boost Your E-commerce Sales During Peak Season

Katherine Wroth • November 7, 2024

We all know the holidays are the Super Bowl for e-commerce brands. You've been juggling everything from managing orders and tracking inventory to running operations smoothly. The heat is on (cue the mic). Here's the good news: there's still time to make a few quick adjustments and closeout 2024 with a boost in sales. Here are four last-minute tips to maximize your e-commerce sales this holiday season:


1. Feng-shui your e-commerce store


Before making any big money moves, treat the shopping experience on your e-commerce site as if you were walking into a retail store. For example, why do we (and I mean myself) love shopping at Whole Foods? The shopping experience is organized and fun compared to traditional grocery stores and easy to navigate. Whole Foods brings in billions a year (from me alone) because most consumers don’t mind spending a little extra for convenience.


With this tip in mind, type your store’s URL and explore your website as a first-time walk-in. Use a pair of customer lenses to check on:


  • Your website’s loading speed – Online shoppers expect instant results. Make sure your site loads quickly to avoid losing potential customers who won’t wait for a slow page.


  • Your checkout process – Go through the entire order process yourself. Note how long it takes and how simple it feels to complete a purchase. A smooth, quick checkout can make a substantial difference in conversion rates.


  • Site layout and navigation – The easier it is to navigate your store, the better. Top questions to ask yourself: Does your website clearly state what you’re selling? Does it strategically highlight your offers on the homepage?


2. Display your holiday bestsellers


Showcasing your bestsellers reduces the customer's overwhelm during the shopping process. Think about how much easier it is to land on a site, and the work is already done for you. There's no need to spend hours researching products when your site can showcase the best sellers. This strategy also avoids abandoned carts. It makes it easier for customers to add items to the cart and follow through to checkout.


However, if you’ve recently started your e-commerce business and don’t have a history of seasonal faves, here’s a few top suggestions:


  • Apparel & Footwear –   Cozy loungewear sets, beanies, scarves, boots, hoodies, and holiday-themed pajamas.


  • Beauty & Personal Care – Skincare gift sets, holiday make-up palettes, perfume sets and self-care bundles and hair care sets.


  • Electronic & Gadgets –  Wireless earbuds and headphones, smart home devices (voice assistants, smart bulbs, thermostats), fitness trackers and smartwatches, portable chargers and power banks, and gaming consoles and accessories.


3. Time's ticking on holiday promos


It’s no secret customers are hunting for the best deals and will always gravitate toward retailers offering a bit extra. Here are some promo ideas to try this season:


  • Free shipping – According to research published by CNBC, offering free shipping on returns (a policy offered by Zappos) boosted sales by 357%.


  • Discounts – Shoppers love a good deal. Offer a percentage off or dollar discounts on selected products—it’s up to you!


  • Coupon codes – Promo codes are an easy way to offer discounts. Create a unique code, like “HOLIDAYSALE,” and share it with customers for easy savings.


  • BOGO deals – The classic “2-for-1” deal! The word “free” is a proven motivator, so test it out and see how it works for your business.


  • Bulk discounts – Encourage higher spending with bulk discounts. This strategy can increase your Average Order Value (AOV) by encouraging customers to buy more for less.


4. Capture and convert


Ad campaigns are your holiday MVP. Run multiple ad sets to target different audience segments or pursue separate goals. Here are some tips for effective social media ads:


  • Focus on reach and traffic objectives – These options help you reach a broad audience at a lower cost, boosting visibility.


  • Make your ads pop – Simple visuals with strong, clear messaging increase the chances of catching attention and driving clicks.


  • Fine-tune your ad sets – Once your campaigns are live, monitor them. Analyze performance, adjust and see what resonates best with your target audience.


A quick email never hurt anybody


If you have your customers’ email addresses, you hold one of the most valuable assets in digital marketing. Email is still a powerhouse, delivering an impressive 122% average ROI. Consider sending a newsletter that highlights your holiday promotions and special offers. Keep it simple, visually appealing and direct. Use a strong call to action (CTA) and link directly to your products.


💡Barrett ProTip: Don’t forget to target abandoned cart customers! Platforms like Shopify offer apps to automatically send reminders to customers who left items in their carts. It’s a great way to recover potential sales.


Host a social media giveaway


Giveaways are an excellent way to engage your audience, attract new potential customers and increase sales. Create a holiday-themed bundle or offer a selection of limited-time products as a prize. Ask people to participate by following your account, tagging friends in the comments and sharing your post. Once the contest ends, select a random winner and send them the prize. It’s an easy, interactive and effective strategy to create buzz and drive engagement.

 

Wrap it up


It's time to implement these strategies and make the most of the holiday season. Think about which tips best fit your brand and start taking action. Small moves like fine-tuning your ads, sending a well-timed email, or running a fun giveaway can significantly impact your year-end results. Here's to finishing strong and setting yourself up for a great start to 2025!

 

Are you looking for a 3PL partner that gets your e-commerce needs? Contact us now to connect with a seasoned 3PL expert.

Recent Blog Posts

By Katherine Wroth January 8, 2025
Are fulfillment errors holding back your e-commerce growth? Are your warehouses positioned to cut down on shipping times and costs? Is your fulfillment strategy scalable enough for business growth and seasonal demand? Are you creating a fulfillment experience that drives repeat purchases and customer loyalty? If these questions make you question your current approach, it’s time to rethink your fulfillment strategy. This blog will guide you through the key elements of a successful fulfillment strategy and how to overcome common obstacles to ensure sustainable growth. 📈 Order Volume: Scaling for Growth Order volume is one of the most critical factors to consider when designing your fulfillment strategy. For businesses with smaller volumes, manual processes or in-house fulfillment might suffice. However, as your business grows, increased order volumes can quickly overwhelm your existing systems. Scaling for higher order volumes often requires additional resources such as automation and skilled labor. Automation tools like warehouse robots or conveyor systems can improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks. At Barrett, we invest in technology , so you don’t have to. Our facilities are equipped with drones and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), providing the scalability and flexibility needed to meet increasing demands. Customers can experience faster shipping times and a more seamless shopping experience. ⏩ Speed and Accuracy: The Cornerstones of Customer Loyalty Fast delivery is no longer optional. It is the new standard that customers today expect and demand. However, speed without accuracy can lead to mistakes that erode trust and loyalty. Fulfillment strategies prioritizing speed and accuracy are essential for reducing errors, minimizing returns and fostering long-term customer relationships. To achieve this balance, consider adopting advanced order management systems that streamline the picking and packing. At Barrett, we use License Plate (LP) accuracy, barcode scanning and real-time inventory tracking to ensure orders are fulfilled accurately and efficiently. 📍 Warehouse Location: Optimizing for Efficiency The proximity of your warehouses to your customers can significantly impact shipping times and costs. Strategically located warehouses reduce transit times and help meet customers' expectations for fast delivery. A network of distribution centers in key regions allows you to ship products from locations closer to your customers, lowering shipping costs and improving delivery speeds. Partnering with a 3PL like Barrett, with established facilities nationwide, can help you expand your geographic reach without needing heavy capital investment in real estate. ✅ Scalability: Planning for the Future Your fulfillment strategy should be designed to grow with your business. A flexible and scalable approach ensures that you can adapt to seasonal fluctuations, new product launches and increased order volumes as your business evolves. For example, outsourcing fulfillment to a 3PL provider can provide the infrastructure and expertise needed to scale up quickly during busy seasons like the holidays without overextending your internal resources. A scalable solution lets you focus on core business activities like marketing and product development. Insider tip: Some 3PL providers take on new clients without considering whether they can handle the volume over time. At Barrett, we’re committed to long-term partnerships, growing with you every step of the way. 📦 Customer Experience: The Final Touch Fulfillment is not just about getting products to customers—it’s about creating a memorable experience. Details like easy returns, eco-friendly packaging and personalized touches can leave a lasting impression and build customer loyalty. Personalized fulfillment can include branded packaging, handwritten thank-you notes or special offers can enhance the unboxing experience and encourage repeat purchases. Similarly, a smooth and hassle-free return process shows customers that their satisfaction is a priority, further strengthening their trust in your brand. Ready to Build Your Fulfillment Strategy? With over 80 years of expertise, Barrett Distribution delivers personalized, scalable 3PL solutions tailored to your unique needs. From advanced technology to strategically located warehouses, we equip your business with the tools and expertise to streamline operations and fuel growth. Let’s build your winning fulfillment strategy today. Contact us today to connect with a Barrett 3PL expert for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
By Katherine Wroth January 7, 2025
Franklin, MA, Jan. 7, 2025 – Cavender’s , a leader in Western wear with 99 locations across 15 states, has selected Barrett Distribution Centers as its new third-party logistics (3PL) provider for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) fulfillment. This partnership will help Cavender’s streamline its supply chain, improve the customer experience and scale its retail operations. “With Barrett’s 81+ years of logistics expertise and our state-of-the-art facility in Forney, Texas, we’re confident this partnership will enable Cavender’s to serve their D2C customers better while freeing up resources to deliver an exceptional in-store experience,” said Alex Glanzer , General Manager at Barrett. Barrett’s new Dallas facility, equipped with drones and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), provides Cavender’s with the scalability and flexibility needed to meet increasing demand. Strategically located, the facility enhances fulfillment speeds and ensures consistent service quality as Cavender’s expands its footprint. Customers will experience faster shipping times and a more seamless shopping experience. “Cavender’s dedication to quality and tradition aligns perfectly with Barrett’s logistics expertise. Together, we’re building a strong foundation for success and ensuring Cavender’s can focus on what they do best—outfitting customers with quality Western wear,” said Edward Ryan , Vice President of Customer Solutions at Barrett. Barrett’s Forney facility also plays a critical role in its Texas expansion initiative, designed to enhance e-commerce fulfillment capabilities for regional brands. As Cavender’s continues to scale, Barrett’s deep apparel and accessories logistics expertise will provide the customized support needed to meet growing customer demand. About Cavender’s Cavender's has established itself as the premier Western clothing store for the American South and Southwest. Cavender's remains a family business, run by James and Pat's sons, Joe, Mike and Clay, who oversee the growth, development and day-to-day operations. Boots are the roots for Cavender's and the Cavender family wanted to share their love of the western lifestyle with others. Cavender's continuously seeks the best in design, style and authentic western craftsmanship for our customers. At Cavender's you can expect to find just what you're looking for from friendly folks offering a helping hand because "This is How We Live". About Barrett Distribution Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15 times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . 
By Katherine Wroth December 3, 2024
Over the years, we’ve had conversations with countless companies and specific themes come up repeatedly when discussing why they’re ready to make a switch. Here are three common challenges businesses face when looking for a new 3PL partner and how Barrett can help solve them: 1. Missed SLAs (Service Level Agreements) Missed SLAs can disrupt your entire supply chain, leading to dissatisfied customers and lost revenue. Consistency in meeting deadlines and delivery standards is crucial for your reputation. At Barrett, we prioritize transparency and operational excellence to ensure your SLAs are not just met but exceeded. 2. Complex Transaction Rates Hidden fees and overly complicated pricing structures can make it difficult to forecast costs and maintain your bottom line. We believe in clear and straightforward pricing models that align with your business goals, providing the predictability you need to focus on growth. 3. Difficulty Scaling with Demand Your business needs a 3PL partner that can grow WITH you, whether it’s seasonal demand, expanding into new markets, or handling rapid e-commerce growth. Barrett offers scalable and personalized solutions designed to flex with your needs, ensuring you have the resources and infrastructure to thrive in any market condition. A Partner Invested in Your Success We go beyond traditional 3PL services by becoming a strategic partner invested in your success. Our team takes the time to understand your unique challenges and craft tailored solutions that drive efficiency and customer long-term satisfaction. Complimentary Supply Chain Consultation with Barrett Is your supply chain facing these challenges? We’re here to help. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation and discover how Barrett can provide the solutions you need to scale your business with confidence.
More Posts
Share by: