Checklist for preparing your packaging for Black Friday & Cyber Monday

This Friday is officially Black Friday and with the ongoing sales and promotions, the question is: Are you as a brand, operationally ready to for the Black Friday & Cyber Monday order fulfillment while you manage customer expectations? 

With the concept having evolved over the years, Black Friday Cyber Monday rush is no longer limited to a just a day. It’s almost like a season of its own. According to a recently published pwc study, this year’s holiday calendar has added time pressure when it comes to spends. Around 39% of the spending on holiday gifts for the season is likely to take place between the Thanksgiving week up until Cyber Monday. So, naturally the holiday window shortens. 

Even then, the fact remains that BFCM is a time to make huge profits, and this year won’t be any different. 

When it comes to holiday gifting, eco-friendly holiday packaging plays a significant role in positioning your brand as sustainable. 

With last minute orders pouring in, it’s essential to have a packaging checklist in place ahead of the Black Friday Cyber Monday sales. 

In this guide, you'll find a detailed list of everything that you need to prepare your packaging, this peak season.

How to prepare your packaging for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

1. Find the Perfect Packaging for Your Customers

The key to effective packaging is understanding your customers’ preferences. Think of each customer as requesting a specific design or style- your decisions should always be customer-centric. 

Ways to discover what your customers want:

• Review last year’s BFCM reports for insights on popular packaging styles.
• Conduct small surveys to gather direct feedback.
• Research current packaging trends in your niche to stay ahead of competitors.

2. Negotiate Strategically with Suppliers

Suppliers are essential when it comes to packaging materials. Since most of your materials will come from external sources, building strong supplier relationships is crucial.

Tips for you as a seller, to manage suppliers effectively:

• Explore multiple suppliers to understand industry trends and pricing.
• Negotiate smartly to ensure you get the best value without compromising on quality.

3. Review and Optimize Inventory

Proper inventory management is critical during peak sales periods.

Key steps include:

• Ensure you have adequate stock of both products and packaging materials to avoid shortages.
• Avoid overstocking by reviewing past sales data and ordering only what’s necessary for the BFCM period.

4. Purchase Materials in Advance

Acquiring packaging materials early ensures designs can be tested before the sales rush.

Benefits of early procurement are:

• Test packaging designs to avoid mistakes during high-volume sales.
• Reduce last-minute stress and maintain productivity during peak season.

5. Create a Detailed Work Schedule

A well-structured schedule keeps your packaging process organized and efficient.

Best practices include:

• Make the Schedule Practicable: Include only actionable steps and assign tasks to the appropriate staff or professionals.
• Ensure Clarity: Your schedule should be easy to read and understand. Clear instructions prevent workflow breakdowns.
• Establish a Budget: Align your budget with actual packaging needs to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Publish Early: Share the schedule with your team well in advance to allow sufficient preparation.
• Use a To-Do List: Break down the schedule into simple steps to improve focus and productivity.
• Leave Room for Evaluation: Allocate time to review the schedule and identify areas for improvement.

How Do You Ensure Packaging Reflects Theme of the Season? 

One of the common things consumers lookout for during BFCM is the unboxing experience. It's the season of gifting. That’s why you must ensure your packaging is not saying otherwise. Here are a few things to try out this BFCM season.

1. Customize Your Packaging

The Black Friday Cyber Monday week along with the holiday season, makes it the perfect time to invest in custom holiday packaging. Your customers want to feel special, and personalized touches can make contribute significantly to earning repeat customers.

Ideas for customization:

• Apply festive prints to corrugated boxes, poly mailers, or Kraft paper.
• Tailor packaging to your niche trends without overspending.

2. Personalize Your Packaging

While holiday packaging ideas are endless, you can make your customers feel valued by adding a personal touch to your packaging. This strengthens brand loyalty and enhances the unboxing experience, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction.

Here’s what you can make a last impression on your customers: 

• Include thank-you cards with the customer’s name printed on them.
• Add handwritten notes with seasonal greetings.
• Include small gifts or special offers to make customers feel appreciated.

3. Choose Seasonal Colors

Colors have a strong association with holidays. Using traditional holiday colors in your packaging immediately communicates the festive season and enhances the unboxing experience.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainable packaging is increasingly important to consumers. Eco-conscious materials reflect your brand’s commitment to the environment and can differentiate you from competitors.

Recommended materials:

• Recyclable papers and organic fabrics
• Corrugated bubble wrap for lightweight and protective packaging
• Eco-friendly inks and adhesives

Conclusion:

By following this checklist, your brand can deliver an unforgettable shopping experience that enhances customer satisfaction during the BFCM rush. 

Proper planning, customization, and attention to detail will not only protect your products but also leave a lasting impression on your customers.

About the Author: Vitor Botega is the Head of Partnerships of Arka with over a decade’s experience in digital marketing. Vitor has gathered expertise in multiple industries working with SaaS, ecommerce, Agency, and several digital media platforms.