The holidays are quickly approaching, and it is crunch time! There is extra pressure from global supply chain issues affecting the country. With port closures, slow shipping rates, and excessive costs, this is not an easy obstacle to navigate, especially right before the holiday season.
So, If you find yourself involved in some type of supply chain backup, now is the time to think about how to deal with these major events. There is a responsibility to deliver exceptional customer service and experience, yet this is often difficult as demand grows. The good news is that there are new ways around these challenges. With a few tricks, it is possible to manage and keep up with the demand from customers during a global supply chain crisis.
Lets review the best ways to manage and optimize your supply chain problems before the holiday season.
Improve E-Fulfillment
Focusing on improving your e-fulfillment by optimizing delivery time and proximity will help to manage arising supply change issues. Since holiday shopping pinpoints the need for same-day service, companies must utilize all brick-and-mortar spaces across the country, and pair it with technology
Modern technology is an essential part of this, since it allows retailers to offer different purchase options. Consider buying online, and pick up in-store options.
A proper system can help manage inventory, so the retailer has all the necessary information about what products are being sold at their store in real-time.
Furthermore, brick-and-mortar stores provide opportunities for returns because they allow vendors who have more exposure than online retailers – such as clothes malls or toy superstores-based off physical locations with high foot traffic during peak times
Offer Discounts for Delayed Fulfillment
Offering customers an option to have delayed fulfillment, and shipping may help with the supply chain problems while appeasing customer expectations; give them the choice. You offer options where delivery by Christmas Eve is excessively expensive, but delivery in January 2022, enjoy a larger discount like 15-25% off!
Encourage your customers to spend with operational transparency and discount rewards! Just be honest, and your dedicated customers will still shop!
Securing the Return Process
Creating a seamless return process is vital to the success of any retailer during the holiday season. Retailers should ensure their website has clear, concise information about how customers can get in touch with them for returns and exchanges, as well as what happens after an order is placed – all at no cost thanks to our powerful SEO services!
A solution for customers who want to return e-commerce items should be able to redirect them back the original shipping address. This will help with turnaround time, as well as availability during these next few months when demand is high and nobody’s making any product! Efficient solutions also let shoppers earn points on returns by scanning their receipt at first sight – meaning more people get what they paid for quickly without hassle or delay due to how fast technology moves nowadays.
Be Realistic with Customer Expectations
In order for retailers to stay competitive in a market where customer expectations are high, they need an effective strategy that aligns with these changing needs.
Using real-time tracking and visibility, and making sure this information is sent along in confirmation emails, will appease customers. Implement automatic notification sign-up in these confirmation emails, to let them know when the product is in transit, or if there are any problems. Again, transparency is so important for the customer experience.
Retailers must communicate order statuses more clearly in order to maintain customer loyalty. Customers want transparency and will take action if they feel like their needs are not being met, so retailers should be clear about what’s going on with the shipping timeframes for these orders, instead of keeping them hidden away or giving vague updates that don’t satisfy any questions asked. It is on you to gently educate your customers on the supply chain crisis.
It is always important to remember that what happens during the peak season often predicts how an upcoming year will turn out. Retailers should provide as many on-time deliveries and successful interactions with customers as possible, because if they do not then it could be harmful for their business in later months when people are less willing or able to make purchases due to higher prices/rationing measures imposed by suppliers.
How to prepare for the future
Unfortunately, supply chain issues are here to stay! There is no immediate resolution for this global crisis. It is possible that we see a deepening and worsening of this challenge before it gets better.
So the important notes here are to start planning for your holiday season, by thinking about flexibility, and having a backup plan if you can’t get the items you need in-store. Place your orders much earlier to make sure they have the right product in stock for the holiday season. Prepare your customers, and be transparent on your e-com sites. Manage the risk in the supply chain better by preparing, planning, and allocating to improve the customer experience.
We at Luna Marketing can offer support in preparing for the holidays. Reach out to us chatwithus@lunaads.com for a custom strategy and proposal!
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