2024 USPS Holiday Surcharge & What To Do About It
What is a holiday surcharge in shipping & is it common?
A holiday surcharge in shipping is an additional fee that carriers charge during peak holiday seasons to cover increased operational costs. These costs can include extra staffing, higher fuel expenses, and the added strain on logistics networks due to the spike in shipping volume. Common holidays that may trigger surcharges are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
Yes, holiday surcharges are fairly common, especially among major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL. They are implemented to manage the increased demand for deliveries and ensure timely service during these busy periods. Many businesses adjust their pricing or shipping options to accommodate these seasonal fees.
What Should eCommerce Sellers Do About the Holiday surcharge?
eCommerce sellers can take several steps to manage holiday surcharges effectively:
Plan Ahead and Communicate: Notify customers early about potential shipping delays and surcharges during the holiday season. Being transparent about these added fees can help manage customer expectations.
Adjust Pricing: Sellers can absorb the surcharge or pass it on to customers. If passing it on, consider bundling it into the total price or clearly labeling it as a separate charge at checkout.
Encourage Early Shopping: Promote early holiday sales or offer incentives to get customers to place orders before surcharges kick in. This can help avoid last-minute shipping rushes and save on higher costs.
Optimize Fulfillment: Consider storing some premade popular items on hand, that you can use as gifts,
Offer Free Shipping Thresholds: Setting a minimum order value for free shipping can help cover additional shipping costs, including surcharges, while incentivizing larger purchases.
By proactively managing these fees, sellers can maintain profitability and customer satisfaction during the holiday season.
How can I update my Apliiq Shipping rates to include the surcharge?
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