This year’s busy sales season is upon us - and that means for retailers both big and small, quick and efficient packing and shipping is vital. With both online and offline retailers typically enjoying sales growth around this time, how can businesses ensure their parcels are met by happy customers?
From sending delicate items to considering tracking logistics, we’re looking at the best ways to ship clothes this retail season, ensuring your products are met with a smile every time.
Recognise the differences in garments
Shipping an assortment of jeans will require a different process to sending a wedding dress in time for winter wonderland nuptials - and the sooner you recognise this and put the necessary actions in place, the better.
Quantity will obviously play a part in deciding on the type of packaging you need. While one pair of jeans or a single shirt shirt or dress will fit nicely into a suitable mailing bag, you might want to upgrade to boxes for larger quantities - especially if you’re selling in bulk to another retailer.
You’ll also need to think about any detachable parts of the clothing - particularly belts, buttons and zips. Make sure these are secure before sealing your parcel, as they could damage the product or get damaged themselves when in transit.
Protect delicate items
Unlike china, glass or tech items, clothes generally aren’t considered fragile - and this can sometimes mean the proper care and attention isn’t paid when they’re being packaged up ready to ship. While they won’t break, they can be damaged, and this will leave you with some very unhappy customers.
Firstly, you’ll need to wrap the item of clothing in a suitable material. Whether this is bubble wrap, packing paper of something else, delicate items such as embellished dresses or heavy velvet abayas will need to have that extra protection before they’re placed into your packing box.
Next, you’ll want to make sure your packaging is properly secured to avoid the clothing being damaged by the elements - so invest in appropriate twine and tape as needed. If you’re sending heavily sequined or jewelled items, you might want to add a suitable sticker to advise that the package is handled with care.
Check tracking logistics are in place
Once the products leave you, it becomes more difficult to retain control - but not if you use a system that makes shipping tracking a breeze, as this will ensure you can give customers real-time responses about the status and whereabouts of their orders.
It’s worth introducing a signature request upon receipt of the item, too. This will allow you to track the success of your delivery process, as you’ll be able to monitor when items arrive versus the time customers were promised - allowing you to assess and refine your processes.
Keep practicality and customer satisfaction at the forefront of all your decision making this retail season and you’ll be sure to put a smile on every customer’s face
