11 must-dos for a smooth peak season

Peak season is nearly here and if you're a small business owner you’re probably already feeling things getting busy. With orders ramping up and shoppers browsing early, it's a good thing you ship with Sendle!

Whether you're a successful side hustler or a growing eCommerce brand, now's the time to get prepped and take control before the real rush begins.

We’ve combined our best advice from past peak seasons into a fresh checklist tailored for 2025, just for small businesses like yours.

1. Prep your bestsellers now

Look back at last year’s top sellers and get them ready ahead of time.

• Pack repeat items in advance (just add the label when orders come in)
• Set stock alerts or reorder now to avoid last-minute shortages
• Bundle products to boost order value

2. Get your customer comms ready

The inbox gets busy in December. Rather than answering the same question 50 times, get ahead with:

• An updated Shipping & Returns page
• A short, clear FAQ section
• Auto-replies that set expectations (response time, return process, etc.)
• A friendly message on your tracking emails

3. Stock up on packing supplies

You don’t want to run out of tape, boxes, or eco-wrap halfway through your busiest week of the year.

Do a stocktake now and make sure you’ve got:

• A mix of parcel sizes and mailers
• Biodegradable void fill or tissue paper
• Printed thank-you cards or promo inserts
• A couple of backup tape dispensers (trust us)

4. Get customers ordering early

Holiday shoppers are getting in early—and so should you.

Encourage earlier checkouts via website banners, emails, and social posts. You could even offer:

• Free shipping for early birds
• Pre-order options for high-demand items
• Bonus gifts for first-in best-dressed

5. Batch print labels to save time

When the orders start rolling in, batch printing is your best friend.

Instead of printing one label at a time, use the Sendle Dashboard to batch print a whole day’s worth of orders. You’ll:

• Save hours on admin
• Keep your packing flow smooth
• Avoid sticky label chaos

Not sure how? Here’s how batch printing works.

6. Make checkout a breeze

Make it easy for your customers to click ‘buy’:

• Offer multiple payment methods like PayPal and Afterpay.
• Include shipping upfront—no one likes surprise fees
• Incentivise with free shipping over a set spend (e.g. “Free shipping on orders over $60!”)

7. Bring in extra help

Packing orders past midnight? Might be time to call in help.

Temporary staff, friends, or even neighbours can help pick, pack, or label orders—so you can stay focused on quality control, customer service, and your sanity.

8. Make returns easy with Sendle

Returns are available for Australian Sendle users and are completely carbon neutral.

To make life easier:

• Include a pre-printed return label (optional, but helpful)
• Add simple instructions in the parcel or email
• Set clear return policies on your website

9. Add a little marketing magic

Holiday content doesn’t need to be complicated, just consistent.

Ideas you can start now:

• A holiday gift guide featuring your products
• Countdown posts on social media
• Email campaigns with limited-time offers
• Cross-promo collabs with other small businesses

10. Add those personal touches

Even a printed thank-you note or handwritten tag can turn a standard order into a memorable one.

Do these early, in batches, before the real crunch begins. Your customers will remember it—and might just come back next year.

11. Look after yourself

Yes, it’s peak season. But it’s also your holiday too.

Block out time to recharge, even if it’s just a walk outside or a moment to unwind with something you enjoy. You’re building something amazing, and that takes energy.

Ship smarter this season with Sendle

With free pickups, no peak surcharges and affordable shipping, Sendle’s got your back this peak season. We're here to help you save time, reduce stress, and delight your customers, all the way through the holidays and beyond.

Happy Sendling and happy holidays!