Last-minute orders are part of the last-minute holiday shipping hustle. Whether it’s an unexpected spike in sales or a few forgetful customers, getting packages out the door in the final days before a holiday can be stressful.
The good news: If you’re shipping within the Western U.S. states, you have reliable options. Shiplicity gives small businesses an easy-to-use shipping platform, discounted GLS rates, and support you can count on, even when the clock is ticking.
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Know Your Window (and Be Realistic)
When time is short, clarity is everything. Check holiday shipping schedules, factor in processing time, and share realistic cutoffs with your customers. Rushing out packages past the window only leads to disappointment.
Highlight your “order-by” dates prominently on your site, in emails and anywhere else you promote your business. If customers are still pleading with you to ship faster, you have something you can point to when explaining the realities of shipping constraints.
Streamline Your Workflow to Save Time
Even small efficiencies make a difference during the holiday crunch. Prepare pre-packed boxes for bestsellers, batch print your labels, and assign pickup windows early.
Save even more time with Shiplicity’s Online Shipping System, where you can bulk-print labels and track orders in one dashboard. No switching between systems.
Keep Customers Calm with Real-Time Updates
Last-minute shipping only works when your customers stay in the loop. Shiplicity includes tracking with every GLS label, so you can share delivery info right away.
Then, set up automatic email updates or text alerts to keep buyers reassured and reduce those “Where’s my order?” Messages.
Plan Ahead for the “Last-Minuters”
We all have them: customers who order at the final moment. Instead of being caught off guard, plan for procrastinators.
- Keep a stash of ready-to-ship inventory.
- Prep return labels in advance (a simple way to keep January stress-free).
- Block out daily pickup windows during peak weeks.
With Shiplicity, you can schedule GLS pickups, print labels in bulk, and use real-time tracking to stay ahead of the crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Last Minute Holiday Shipping
Is it too late to ship holiday packages in the final week before Christmas?
Not necessarily. GLS parcel delivery is built for fast regional delivery, especially if you’re shipping within California or Arizona. Packages may be delivered in 1-3 business days.
How can I prepare my business for these last-minute surges?
Batch packing, scheduled pickups, and clear cutoff times are key. Shiplicity’s dashboard tools makes all of this simple
What if I sell larger items?
No problem. Shiplicity supports parcel weights up to 150 lbs with GLS ground services
Can I still schedule pickups close to the holidays?
Yes! As long as you plan a bit ahead. GLS pickups can be arranged easily through your Shiplicity dashboard.
We’ve Got Your Back, Even on a Deadline
Holiday surprises are inevitable, but with the right tools and planning, last-minute shipping doesn’t have to mean chaos. Shiplicity gives small businesses the speed, simplicity, and support to finish strong.
Sign up today for a free account or contact us with any questions you may have!
