Get ahead of peak season shipping: why early packaging preparation pays off

When it comes to retail, timing is everything, especially during the busiest shopping days of the year. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and other key events bring huge opportunities for sales, but they also come with heightened logistical challenges. For businesses of every size, peak season packaging and shipping preparation can make the difference between thriving or struggling during the rush.

By planning ahead, retailers can secure the right stock, avoid costly supply chain bottlenecks, and keep costs under control. Here’s why early packaging preparation matters, and how DS Smith ePack’s £1 sample service with free delivery makes it easier than ever to get ready.

Every year, ecommerce volumes hit record highs during the holiday season. With more parcels being shipped, demand for packaging materials such as postal packaging, cardboard boxes, and envelopes and mailing bags soars. Waiting until the last minute can leave businesses scrambling to secure the right sizes, shapes, or protective options for their products.

By preparing early, you can lock in your packaging supply before peak season demand drives up prices or creates shortages.

Supply chain disruption has become a familiar challenge in recent years. During peak season shipping, even minor delays can snowball into missed deliveries, unhappy customers, and lost revenue. Securing your packaging well in advance reduces the risk of last-minute panic buying or unexpected stockouts.

Having the right packaging on hand means your team can focus on fulfilling orders quickly and accurately, instead of firefighting.

It’s no secret that packaging and shipping costs fluctuate around busy periods. Retailers that order late often pay an additional fee for both packaging materials and freight. By ordering early, you lock in better pricing and protect your margins.

Poor packaging choices, like oversized boxes or inadequate protective packaging, can drive up costs through higher postage fees and product returns. By testing and selecting the right packaging ahead of time, you minimise these risks, saving money while boosting customer satisfaction.

One of the challenges of preparing packaging early is knowing exactly which solution works best for your products. Ordering bulk packaging without testing can lead to waste and inefficiency. That’s where DS Smith ePack’s £1 sample service with free delivery shines.

This service allows businesses to:

-Try packaging before committing to a large order.

-Experiment with different sizes, strengths, and materials.

-Make sure items are shipped securely, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

Whether you’re considering sturdy cardboard boxes, lightweight mailing bags, or protective fillers, testing samples in advance is a simple but powerful way to guarantee the right fit.

Today’s customers expect fast shipping and sustainable packaging. Being prepared ahead of peak season helps you meet both. With packaging ready to go, fulfilment teams can pack and ship orders faster. And by choosing sustainable solutions, businesses can align with consumer values while reducing environmental impact.

Peak season is also peak competition. Investing in packaging that arrives quickly, protects products, and feels premium can help your brand stand out.

Early packaging preparation is not just smart, it’s essential. By planning ahead of peak season shipping, businesses can secure stock, sidestep supply chain risks, reduce costs, and deliver a better customer experience.

With DS Smith ePack’s affordable £1 sample service, there’s no need to guess what packaging will work best. Test it, trust it, and head into Black Friday, Christmas, and beyond with confidence.

The sooner you prepare your packaging, the smoother your peak season will be. Don’t wait until the rush begins, get ahead now and let your packaging be an asset, not a headache.