Signs of holiday-shipping delays came early this year, and sporadic reports continue, though the grumblings may be isolated to certain locales. Too bad the carriers aren't providing greater insight.
Meanwhile, another winter storm is making its way across the country with only 9 days before Christmas Eve, which falls one week from Tuesday.
What's a seller to do? Last week, Newegg was already trying to encourage sellers to shop while tempering their expectations about delivery. It
wrote in a tweet, "The holidays are nigh! Shop early and be sure to meet these shipping deadlines. Keep in mind shipping carriers may encounter delays," and it provided ship-by dates.
As crunch time hits, we have to ask what is UPS thinking? During the busiest mailing days of the year, it's trying to add more packages into the stream when delivery trucks already seem to be bursting at the seams!
UPS sent an email to customers with the subject line, "Cyber Monday Regrets? We Got You" with the following message enclosed:
Make that wrong purchase right with an easy return
FIND A DROP-OFF LOCATION
1) GET IT - Retrieve or print your return label
2) STICK IT - Adhere label to package
3) DROP IT - Take it to any UPS drop-off location.
When your return is ready to go, stop by any UPS Access Point® location to drop it off, including:
- The UPS Store
- Many CVS and Michaels stores
- Designated local merchants
- UPS Drop Boxes
Create a new shipment on the go
Use the UPS Mobile app
Enter your shipping information into the UPS Mobile app. Then bring your package to The UPS Store, and we’ll scan the code on your phone and print the label for you.
Sellers are cranky enough when it appears companies are encouraging consumers to return items (though don't we all appreciate it when we can easily return an item ourselves?). But the timing on this UPS email appears somewhat misguided.
And while we're on the topic of holiday shipping issues - do you remember last year's
bump in the road in early December? President Trump proclaimed December 5, 2018, a national day of mourning honor former President George H.W. Bush, who had passed away on November 30th, and the USPS suspended mail delivery and pickup, though it offered limited package delivery.
Please let us know if you're experiencing any shipping delays and if you're doing anything to prepare for potential problems. It's always a battle between the hunger for more sales and the fear of customers not getting their orders in time.
The AuctionBytes Blog has been giving a voice to online merchants since its launch in 2005. Named one of the world's top 30 blogs in 2008 by "Blogging Heroes." Weigh in with your thoughts on the joys and pitfalls of selling online.
Are You Ready for Christmas Crunch Shipping Delays?
by: iheartjacksparrow 