Peak season is the ultimate stress test for retailers and ecommerce brands. With increased order volumes and heightened shopper expectations, there’s very little room for error. Unfortunately, for many brands, their 3PLs didn’t make the grade this past season, leading peak season challenges like rising costs, delayed deliveries, and frustrated shoppers.
If any of these challenges sound familiar, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: These headaches are preventable with the right 3PL partner.
Let’s break down six common peak season pain points and how GoBolt’s innovative solutions can help.
TL;DR
Peak season challenges like rising costs, WISMO inquiries, unreliable carriers, outdated tech, lack of warehouse support, and scalability issues can cripple a brand’s operations. GoBolt solves these problems with cost-effective shipping options, real-time tracking, multi-carrier networks, innovative technology, on-site warehouse support, and proven scalability expertise.
1. Rising Shipping Costs
For many brands, shipping costs skyrocketed during peak season. This is an unfortunate common occurrence that leaves brands scrambling to protect their margins. The lack of cost control is a major frustration, from carrier surcharges to last-minute changing costs. These rising costs often translate directly into reduced profitability or increased prices for shoppers.
The GoBolt Solution:
- Brands working with GoBolt can access multiple carrier options and choose the most cost-effective solution for each shipment. By having the flexibility to compare rates across carriers, brands can optimize costs without sacrificing service quality.
- Our proprietary GoBolt Parcel service includes no fuel surcharges, making shipping more predictable and affordable. This is a game-changer for brands looking to maintain consistent pricing and protect their bottom line.
- Additionally, GoBolt’s expertise in rate negotiation and strategic carrier partnerships ensures that your shipping costs remain competitive year-round, not just during peak season.
2. Rising WISMO (Where Is My Order) Inquiries
WISMO inquiries flood support teams during peak season, overwhelming staff and frustrating shoppers who just want to know when their orders will arrive. This spike in inquiries strains internal resources and also negatively impacts shopper satisfaction.
The GoBolt Solution:
- GoBolt’s real-time last mile delivery tracking offers full visibility and transparency for brands and their shoppers. Customers can see real-time updates on their order status, reducing incoming WISMO inquiries and support tickets. This level of visibility builds trust and keeps shoppers informed throughout the entire delivery process.
- Our technology also allows for proactive communication with shoppers, sending automated updates at key milestones like when your order is dispatched and when you’re up next for delivery. These updates free up support teams to focus on more complex shopper needs.
- By reducing WISMO inquiries, GoBolt helps brands improve the shopper experience while cutting down on operational stress and resource allocation.
3. Reliability Issues
Carrier strikes, severe weather, and other disruptions cause delays and leave many brands scrambling for alternatives when their 3PLs can’t deliver. These disruptions highlight the risks of over-reliance on a single carrier or logistics provider.
The GoBolt Solution:
- Our multi-carrier network ensures that shipments aren’t dependent on a single provider. If one carrier faces challenges, we quickly pivot to another, maintaining your delivery timelines.
- This approach mitigates risks and provides brands with the flexibility to handle varying shipping demands. During the 2024 peak season Canada Post strike, GoBolt’s merchants experienced minimal disruptions because they had multiple carrier options at the ready.
- GoBolt’s Last Mile Delivery Manager takes reliability a step further by streamlining the entire delivery process. This innovative tool provides a centralized dashboard for tracking and managing last-mile operations, ensuring proactive adjustments in case of disruptions, such as weather delays. By offering real-time insights and actionable solutions, the Last Mile Delivery Manager keeps deliveries on track even during peak challenges.
- Reliability isn’t just about overcoming external challenges; it’s about consistently delivering on promises. GoBolt’s track record demonstrates our commitment to meeting deadlines and maintaining shopper satisfaction, even during the most unpredictable circumstances.
4. Outdated Technology and Lack of Flexibility
Some 3PLs struggle to adapt to peak season demands because they lack the tech infrastructure to pivot quickly and innovate on the fly. This inability to scale or integrate new tools leaves brands stuck and unable to meet evolving industry trends and shopper expectations.
The GoBolt Solution:
- GoBolt’s advanced technology allows us to integrate and implement new tools quickly, ensuring brands can scale efficiently and respond to market changes. We’re equipped to support growth at every stage.
- Our systems are built with flexibility in mind, enabling brands to customize their logistics strategies without being constrained by outdated processes. This adaptability is key for brands looking to stay competitive in a forever-changing industry.
- By leveraging our innovative technology and data-driven insights, GoBolt empowers brands to make informed decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional service to shoppers.
- With GoBolt’s Merchant Portal, merchants have control at their fingertips, gaining real-time visibility into order and shipment statuses, inventory levels, and more. This transparency and accessibility ensure brands stay informed and in control of their operations.
5. Lack of Support at the Warehouse
When issues arise at the warehouse, waiting on answers from disconnected support teams only adds to the frustration. Delays in communication can lead to missed delivery deadlines, inventory inaccuracies, and dissatisfied customers.
The GoBolt Solution:
- When questions arise, our on-site support teams are ready to help. This hands-on approach ensures faster resolutions and minimizes disruptions, as questions for the warehouse, should be answered by the warehouse.
- In addition to this dedicated support, GoBolt’s warehouse operations are designed to prioritize accuracy and efficiency. From advanced inventory management systems to quality control processes, we’re committed to delivering consistent results.
- By fostering close collaboration between our warehouse teams and brands, we create a seamless flow of information that keeps everyone aligned and informed.
- Interested in a dedicated on-site team member? Ask us about our ‘Customer Warehouse Coordinator” option.
6. Inability to Scale
Whether a brand is expanding into new markets or experiencing surges in demand, a 3PL’s lack of scalability means missed opportunities during peak season. This inability to adapt hinders growth and damages brand reputation.
The GoBolt Solution:
- We have a proven track record of helping brands scale across Canada and into the U.S. Our expansive network of fulfillment centers and robust infrastructure make it easy for brands to expand their reach without sacrificing service quality.
- GoBolt’s scalable logistics solution significantly improved Solgaard’s cross-border delivery, reducing the time from order placement to doorstep delivery to just 5 days, from Canada to the US. With GoBolt, Solgaard also increased their order volume in the US, all while ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers.
- Scaling isn’t just about handling more orders; it’s about doing so while maintaining the same high standards that shoppers have come to expect. GoBolt’s solutions are designed to support sustainable growth, giving brands the confidence to take on new challenges.
Ready for a Better Peak Season?
Peak season doesn’t have to be stressful. With GoBolt as your logistics partner, you’ll have the tools, support, and scalability to navigate challenges and exceed shopper expectations.
Looking to reduce costs, enhance visibility, or expand into new markets? We’re here to help. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can make your next peak season your best yet.
