Last minute check-list for Black Friday
Black Friday 2024, falling on November 29th, is swiftly followed by Cyber Monday on December 2nd—marking the year’s biggest shopping events. With sales projected to hit $10 billion this year and expected to climb to $12.3 billion by 2028, eCommerce businesses face a critical time to boost sales and strengthen customer connections.
However, this period also presents unique challenges for supply chain teams, who must navigate the complexities of planning, resource allocation, and ensuring smooth operations. In this blogpost, we go over a last-minute checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared. Let’s dive in!
1. Ensure your IT systems are prepared for the load
With the spike in orders during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, your IT systems will be under considerable strain. It’s vital to ensure that your website, order management, inventory systems, and other related platforms are functioning flawlessly. Collaborate with your tech team to double-check everything, and have a contingency plan ready for potential issues. Backup all databases, evaluate alternative hosting services, and run load and stress tests to ensure your systems can handle the traffic.
2. Be ready for last minute fulfillment requests
Last-minute fulfillment requests can disrupt your plans, but having transportation alternatives in place can help you avoid delays and missed sales opportunities. Use a mix of shipping options with vehicle tracking systems, such as dedicated or expedited trucks, to maintain smooth operations. A week before the rush, audit your transportation methods to ensure everything is operational. Additionally, stock up on inventory in warehouses close to your major customers to reduce delivery times. Keep your third-party fulfillment partners informed about any sales projections to help them prepare.
3. Prepare for an email surge
With increased orders comes a surge in emails from customers and partners. Prepare your customer support team by informing them of the expected volume and ensuring you have enough staff to manage it. Consider using an email management tool like Hiver to help your team handle the influx efficiently. If you’ve partnered with a new contact center, provide them with last year’s data and projections to better equip them for the surge.
4. Update your website with pertinent information
Your website will see heavy traffic during Black Friday, so it’s essential to ensure all information is current. Update your policies, shipping details, and frequently asked questions based on last year’s inquiries. Run a thorough check to ensure your dashboard is functioning correctly, and verify that all systems for bookings, packing slips, and order confirmations are working as they should.
5. Take stock of your resources
Preparation is key. A week before the Black Friday rush, have your team conduct a thorough check of all facilities and stock. If you’re expecting deliveries at your distribution center, ensure the team has the necessary resources—such as hand-held scanners, forklifts, and additional storage space—ready to handle the incoming stock. Audit your current inventory and consider relocating slow-moving items to another third-party logistics providers or temporary containers to free up space. Walk through various departments to ensure they’re prepared for the increased activity.
6. Ensure robust data gathering processes
To effectively manage the surge in activity during Black Friday, it’s crucial to have a well-defined process for gathering and analyzing data. Make sure your data collection systems are in place and fully functional before the rush begins. This includes setting up automated data capture tools to track real-time inventory levels, sales trends, and customer behaviors. Regularly audit these systems to ensure they are accurately capturing and storing the necessary data. Having reliable data at your fingertips will enable you to make informed decisions quickly, adapt to changing conditions, and optimize your supply chain operations on the fly.
Conclusion
Black Friday is a high-stakes time for supply chain teams, and many have their own stories of things going wrong. However, with months of preparation and a comprehensive last-minute check, you can ensure that everything comes together when orders start pouring in.
Want to talk to a team of experts? Book a call with one of our consultants and leave no stone unturned!