Holi Shipping Strategies: Boosting Sales and Customer Experience

Holi, being the festival of colours, increases happiness and joy, as well as online purchases. It has been noted in recent years that the festival Holi drives sales 30% more than non-festive periods. As per a study, around 70% of customers enjoy getting free delivery, and 31.80% prefer next-day delivery, especially during festivals. The festival of Holi is an excellent opportunity for e-commerce sellers to get higher sales and increase brand loyalty. Although it is always great news for a business to get more orders, it poses several challenges in delivering the orders. Businesses can overcome these challenges with effective shipping strategies.

This article will explore different Holi shipping strategies businesses can adopt to optimize sales. We will also discuss the benefits of implementing the shipping strategies for Holi.

6 Holi Shipping Strategies to Boost Sales, and  Improve Customer Experience

With proper strategy in place, e-commerce can make the most of the festive time when customer expenditure is at its peak. Below are the six shipping strategies that can be helpful to increase sales marginally during the time of Holi:

1. Inventory Management

Sellers can forecast the expected demand based on the sales data collected for previous years during Holi. By getting on-demand warehousing during the peak seasons, e-commerce sellers can partner with on-demand warehousing service providers. This will help store extra inventory closer to the locations where the demand has increased in recent years.

Businesses can also benefit from investing in automated systems to streamline order processing. An integrated order management system is effective in reducing human errors. It furthermore curtails the time between processing multiple orders. This ensures smooth fulfilment of the orders received.

2. Partnering with Logistics Service Provider

Businesses can partner with a third-party logistic service provider (3PL) to manage logistics and maintain smooth communication between the warehouse and shipping centres during peak festive times like Holi. 

Businesses can also obtain seasonal discounts and negotiate bulk order shipping rates with logistic service providers. A 3PL is ideal for maintaining delivery timelines, thus reducing customer complaints.

3. Providing Discounts/ Having Sale

As per a report by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a trade association, 2022 sales during Holi increased by 30%. Customers are more prone to make more purchases during the days right before the festivals. Businesses can grab customers’ attention towards their products by introducing a sale or providing high discounts.

Free shipping is a prominent incentive attracting online shoppers by a significant margin. Free shipping offered on a minimum purchase will increase the Average Order Value (AOV). It encourages customers to purchase more products to avail of free shipping.

Also, combining festive products in a bundle like “Holi Combo” or ‘Holi Essentials” and levying special discounts can attract customers. Another strategy that works like a charm is limited-time deals. The limited-time deals make customers want to own it before the offer ends, thus driving more sales.

4. Implementing Promotional Strategies

Since almost everyone is on social media, promoting a Holi-special sale or hefty discounts on social media will gain more traction from all types of customers. It is about carefully placing the products. Businesses can hire influencers or artists to promote the products and explain how it will make their festivities more enjoyable.

Running promotional ads on social media in the form of stories or reels also gains a lot of attention from people who can be potential buyers. About 76% of the people who see a product on social media end up buying it. Proper marketing and attractive offers on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook can make a huge difference in sales, especially during festivals like Holi.

5. Leveraging Data Analytics and Technology

Consumer-related data is imperative in shaping strategies to improve sales. It is crucial to study various data regarding delivery times, return rates, and customer satisfaction scores to identify bottlenecks.

Businesses can utilize machine learning as well as predictive analytics to manage inventory better and efficiently fulfil orders.

Also, given that 68% of customers place orders via mobile phones, it is essential to have your app or website optimized for mobile viewing. Moreover, increased customer satisfaction can be achieved if an integrated order management system syncs with a mobile app or website.

6. Optimized Order Fulfilment

Optimizing the order fulfilment process is one of the key Holi shipping strategies. Businesses can use automation for different warehousing and fulfilment processes to reduce processing time and errors. It will also lead to faster delivery, which is the top requirement for customers during festivals like Holi.

Another factor that encourages customers to buy products online is the return and refund policy. A “no question asked” policy can be detrimental to gain customer trust and increase sales.

Why Holi Shipping Strategies Are Essential to Boost Sales and Customer Experience?

When implemented together, the shipping strategies for Holi can exponentially improve sales as well as enhance customer experience. Here’s how:

• Gain Customer’s Trust: Customers trust a brand that provides faster deliveries or free shipping without hassle. Customers feel valued when provided with clarity and accurate information and updates.
• Reduce Cart Abandonment: When buyers are confident that the order will be delivered as per the timeline, the chances of them abandoning the cart are reduced. It will result in higher conversion rates.
• Enhances Brand Loyalty: When a customer has a positive experience in the past, they are likely to repeat purchases. Satisfied customers are also more loyal. 
• Increased Average Order Value (AOV): Free shipping thresholds, discounts, B1G1 combos, and bundled offers encourage customers to purchase more products. 
• Competitive Edge: Customers stick to e-commerce platforms that provide the best rates and faster deliveries. Businesses can deploy robust Holi shipping strategies to get more customers during peak seasons and retain them longer.

Related read: 5 Supply Chain Challenges During The Festive Season

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Conclusion

Holi is a great opportunity for e-commerce sellers to increase their customer base. However, the occasion alone is not why a customer selects a specific e-commerce platform. Several aspects will ensure that the customers make purchases. Businesses can implement various shipping strategies for Holi such as inventory management, offers and incentives, promotional activities, demand forecasting, leveraging third-party logistics services, and using data analytics and technology.

These strategies will help a business to convert first-time buyers into loyal customers. As the festival of colour approaches, it is time to calibrate the existing strategies and introduce new ones to provide seamless delivery of products and happiness to the customers.

FAQs About Holi Shipping Strategies

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