Ravi Goel, CBO of RapidShyp, shares his insights on how small eCommerce sellers can effectively navigate the logistics challenges posed by Black Friday.
Ravi Goel, CBO of RapidShyp, offers his insights on how small eCommerce sellers can successfully tackle the logistics challenges that come with Black Friday. Black Friday has become a major event in India, sandwiched between Diwali and Christmas, and offers a golden opportunity for small eCommerce and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to boost visibility and compete with larger players like Amazon and Flipkart. With the right logistics strategies, smaller businesses can make the most of this sales event without stretching their budgets.
In India, Black Friday has gained traction, offering consumers a second chance at discounts after Diwali. For businesses, it’s an excellent opportunity to clear post-festive inventory while catering to a growing market of aspirational buyers. With shoppers increasing their orders and spending, this year is expected to see a further 70 percent growth. Small eCommerce sellers can leverage this moment to stand out by offering personalised deals and unique products.
However, Black Friday can overwhelm smaller businesses, especially in terms of logistics. Common challenges include:
- High Order Volume: An influx of orders can overwhelm inventory and shipping capabilities.
- Shipping Delays: Increased demand often leads to bottlenecks, impacting delivery timelines.
- Cost Management: Small sellers face tight margins, making it essential to balance discounts with operational costs.
Budget-friendly logistics tips
- Partner with a logistics aggregator
Collaborating with a logistics aggregator can offer small businesses flexibility and reliability. Aggregators manage multiple courier networks, redistribute shipments in case of delays, and negotiate bulk rates for small sellers, reducing overhead and ensuring consistent deliveries during peak seasons. - Plan inventory strategically
Stockouts can hurt sales during Black Friday. By using historical sales data, sellers can forecast demand for popular products. Storing inventory in fulfillment centers or local warehouses close to high-demand regions helps reduce shipping times and costs. - Optimise packaging
Smart packaging can reduce shipping costs. Lightweight, compact packaging minimises dimensional weight charges while ensuring the safety of the products. Opting for eco-friendly materials can also attract environmentally conscious customers. - Leverage technology
Inventory management software and real-time logistics dashboards help monitor shipments, reduce manual errors, and provide customers with accurate delivery timelines, improving their experience. - Set realistic delivery promises
Speedy deliveries are expected during Black Friday, but overpromising can lead to negative feedback. Clearly communicate realistic shipping timelines on your website to manage customer expectations. - Batch processing for efficiency
Batch processing, grouping similar orders together, can reduce pick-and-pack times, speeding up the shipping process and enhancing operational efficiency.
Shipping tech plays a pivotal role during peak seasons like Black Friday. Relying on a single courier can be risky, so logistics aggregators provide flexibility by offering access to multiple carriers. This reduces the risk of delays and improves reliability. Advanced shipping technologies also help reduce order mistakes, verify customer information, and lower the risk of returns due to incorrect addresses.
Additionally, shipping technology can streamline order confirmation processes, reducing the likelihood of impulsive purchases or fraudulent orders, ensuring smoother operations and higher customer satisfaction.
The bottom line
For small eCommerce businesses, success during Black Friday is about more than offering discounts—it’s about ensuring timely deliveries, maintaining customer satisfaction, and managing costs effectively. With the right logistics partner, small sellers can optimise their operations, meet customer expectations, and make a significant impact during this high-stakes sales event.
