As we approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) 2024, it’s essential to reflect on the insights gained from the same shopping period in 2023. By analysing key statistics and understanding the challenges faced by delivery partners, you can develop effective strategies to make 2024 even more profitable for your online business. Here’s how to stat your way to success with Bob Go’s smart shipping and order management solutions.
Understanding the 2023 landscape
In 2023, online shopping continued to dominate during BFCM, with some 90 million shoppers participating in Black Friday sales alone. That represented a 3.9% increase year-on-year, emphasising the importance for merchants of having a robust online presence. However, delivery partners faced significant challenges that impacted service levels, including increased demand and logistical bottlenecks.
Key learnings from 2023
The importance of efficiency
With the surge in online shopping, efficient fulfilment processes have become more critical than ever. Delays in shipping can lead to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Bob Go’s automated waybill generation and bulk fulfilment features can help streamline your operations, ensuring timely deliveries and increasing customer satisfaction.
Real-time tracking is essential
Customers expect to be kept in the loop regarding the status and progress of their orders. In 2023, real-time tracking became a major differentiator in terms of customer satisfaction. With real-time shipment tracking from Bob Go, both you and your customers will know exactly where each shipment is and when it will be delivered. This in turn enhances trust and reduces anxiety while increasing the utility and enjoyment of online shopping.
Flexibility in delivery options
The integration of multiple delivery partners allows you to offer various shipping options tailored to customer preferences. One standout offering is Bob Box, our smart locker solution that enables fast and convenient parcel collection. With Bob Box, customers can collect their items when it suits them, rather than having to wait at home for courier deliveries.
Major issues faced by delivery partners
Delivery partners encountered several challenges during the 2023 BFCM period:
- Capacity constraints: Increased order volumes led to backlogs and delays.
- Labour shortages: Many delivery services struggled with staffing issues, impacting their ability to meet the increased demand.
- Weather disruptions: Seasonal weather events caused unforeseen delays in some areas.
By recognising these challenges, you can proactively address potential issues during BFCM 2024.
Strategies for a successful BFCM in 2024
Enhance your fulfilment processes
Use Bob Go’s one-click fulfilment and bulk actions to speed up order processing. Implementing a rule engine can automate specific tasks, freeing up your time to focus on growing your business and delighting your customers.
Communicate clearly with customers
Set realistic expectations regarding delivery times, especially during peak periods. Use Bob Go’s tracking notifications to keep customers informed about their orders – especially when deliveries may take longer than usual.
Prepare for high-demand
Anticipate increased traffic both before and during BFCM by optimising your website for speed and mobile usability. Ensure your servers have sufficient capacity to manage spikes in traffic. This will help you avoid downtime and the risk of frustrating site visitors and of losing out on orders.
Follow packaging best practices
Proper packaging is essential for protecting items during transit. Ensure that all parcels are securely packaged to minimise damage risks during delivery. Damage during transit leads to issues including returns, refunds and damage to your business finances and reputation. Use ‘just enough’ packaging – that is, enough to safeguard each item in transit, but not so much that you end up paying excess shipping fees. Watch our Packaging series to find out more about packaging best practices.
Educate your team on prohibited items
Familiarise yourself with items that cannot be shipped through your delivery partners to avoid compliance issues that could lead to delays or customer complaints.
General tips for you
- Use data analytics: Analyse customer behaviour from 2023 to tailor your marketing strategies effectively.
- Offer promotions early: Engage customers with special offers leading up to BFCM to encourage early shopping and reduce pressure during BFCM.
- Invest in customer service training: Equip your team with the skills needed to handle enquiries and complaints with empathy and efficiency.
Conclusion
By leveraging insights gained from your 2023 Black Friday and Cyber Monday statistics, you can implement effective strategies for a successful BFCM in 2024. Focus on enhancing your fulfilment processes, using real-time tracking, and preparing for higher-than-usual demand with Bob Go’s innovative shipping solutions (like Bob Box). With these strategies in place, you can maximise the potential of this critical shopping season while providing exceptional customer experiences. For everything you need to know about shipping during the busy season, visit our Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 hub.
