Preparing for Peak Season: Packaging and Shipping Checklists for eCommerce

Peak season hits fast and can expose every weak spot in an eCommerce operation. Late planning leads to packaging shortages, missed courier cut-offs, crowded packing benches, and long delays that frustrate customers. Orders pile up while staff scramble to find cartons, labels, tape, or even bubble padded envelopes. One slight holdup can slow the entire workflow. The result is stress, lost sales, and unhappy customers. 

This guide breaks down what to prepare now so teams can avoid the rush, stay organised, and keep orders moving smoothly. The checklists below will help you get ahead before the chaos begins.

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Why Early Planning Matters

Peak season condenses months of demand into a brief period, and any delay can quickly spiral into chaos. 

Order spikes expose slow systems, messy layouts, and process gaps. Packaging shortages are common across November and December, especially when suppliers face extended lead times. 

Couriers also stretch transit times and apply peak surcharges, making fast delivery harder to guarantee. A small mistake, like running low on labels or failing to check dispatch workflows, can create bottlenecks that slow the entire operation. 

Early planning gives room to stock up, fine-tune workflows, confirm courier arrangements, and prepare for higher volume. It also builds staff confidence during busy periods, when clear direction is needed. 

Brands that plan early move through peak with structure, speed, and fewer surprises, while those who wait often scramble and struggle to keep up. Preparation turns a stressful rush into a manageable season.

Packaging Readiness Checklist

Packaging is the first area that feels pressure during peak season, so a clear plan helps avoid delays. 

Check inventory across all key items. 

• Stock cartons in a range of sizes to suit both small and bulky products. 
• Keep mailers and satchels on hand for lightweight items. 
• Make sure there is enough void fill, whether that is paper, bubble, or air cushions, to protect fragile goods. 
• Check that tape and dispensers work well, and order refills early. 
• Review shipping labels, printer ink, and any branded packaging or fragile stickers that may run low during busy weeks.
  

Quality matters during peak periods.
Test carton strength, especially for heavier Christmas orders. Check that packaging sizes suit the product range to reduce wasted space, lower costs, and prevent damage. Review packaging choices for sustainability if that is important to the brand.

Suppliers face high pressure, so early coordination is crucial.
Place bulk orders in advance to secure stock. Confirm lead times and ask about any peak season restrictions. If volumes are high, negotiate pricing or delivery schedules.

A solid packaging plan prevents slowdowns at the packing bench and ensures staff always have the right materials on hand. When packaging is stocked, tested, and ready, orders move faster, mistakes drop, and customers receive parcels in better condition.

Warehouse and Workflow Preparation

A well-organised warehouse makes a significant difference during peak season. 

Rearrange your warehouse by bringing your top-selling products nearer to the packing stations and optimise pick paths to enable staff to move efficiently between zones. Use clear labels, tidy shelves, and simple layouts to reduce search time. 

Prepare staffing plans early by securing casual labour, checking shift patterns, and training seasonal workers before major sale periods begin. Packing stations should be stocked with materials, tools, scanners, and any equipment that speeds up repeat tasks.

Look for workflow improvements such as batching orders, pre-packing best sellers, and using scanning systems to reduce errors. Create room for inbound stock to avoid congestion and plan for overflow if large deliveries arrive at once. 

Review the returns process to ensure it does not disrupt daily workflows when volumes increase. 

A clean, safe, and efficient warehouse helps teams stay productive when order numbers rise sharply. Good preparation removes friction and allows staff to focus on accuracy and speed during the busiest weeks of the year.

Courier, Shipping, and Cut-Off Planning

Courier readiness plays an important role in peak season success. Begin negotiations on rates early and confirm any peak surcharges. Check each carrier’s cut-off dates and upload them to the website so customers know when they must order. 

Build buffer time into dispatch workflows because delays are more common in November and December. Update tracking messages to reflect longer transit times and remind customers to order early. 

Offering express upgrades can help meet last-minute orders. Consider adding a backup courier to cover overflow or unexpected failures. 

Clear planning prevents delivery issues and helps maintain customer trust when networks are stretched.

Customer Communication Strategy

Good communication helps reduce stress for customers and support teams. 

• Display shipping cut-offs on the homepage, product pages, checkout, emails, and promotional banners. 
• Use proactive updates so customers know when orders are packed, dispatched, or delayed. 
• Prepare scripts for customer service staff to provide consistent responses during busy weeks. 
• Clarify returns expectations to avoid confusion and long email threads. 
• Highlight packaging quality, shipping speed, and any express options in marketing messages to build confidence. 

Clear and honest communication keeps customers informed and reduces pressure on support channels during peak season.

Final Pre Peak Checklist 

A simple checklist helps teams confirm that everything is ready before orders surge.

• Packaging stock checked and ordered
• Cartons, satchels, void fill, labels, and tape restocked
• Packaging suppliers confirmed and lead times reviewed
• Warehouse layout updated for faster picking
• Packing stations stocked and organised
• Seasonal staff trained and rosters finalised
• Courier cut-offs received and uploaded to the website
• Peak surcharges confirmed
• Backup courier options reviewed
• Tracking templates updated
• Customer service email templates for delays are pre-written.
• Website banners and notices published
• Returns process is defined and understood by the team.

 This list gives teams a clear reference to ensure nothing is missed.

Peak season runs smoothly when the groundwork is done early. A clear plan for packaging, warehouse organisation, courier arrangements, and customer communication helps prevent unnecessary stress. Preparing now saves time when orders surge and keeps teams confident during busy weeks. These checklists give brands a practical way to stay on top of the pressure and deliver a better customer experience. Start early so you can head into peak season with everything in place.