Peak Season Playbook: How to Prep Your Logistics for Holiday Sales

The holiday rush is no joke, and if you’re waiting til the last minute to prepare, you’re in trouble. For e-commerce brands, Q4 can account for up to 40% of annual revenue. But without a solid logistics strategy, peak season can turn into peak chaos. That’s where a reliable 3PL partner like Gnarlywood comes in.

Here’s your no-fluff guide to preparing your logistics for a smooth, profitable holiday season.

1. Forecast with Data, Not Gut Feelings

Start with a deep dive into last year’s sales and fulfillment data. Identify your top-selling SKUs, sales spikes, and any delivery slowdowns. Use this to forecast demand more accurately and allocate inventory where it matters most.

Pro Tip: Share your forecast with your 3PL early. The more runway they have, the better they can staff and stock up for your specific needs.

2. Lock In Promotions and Inventory Early

Finalize your holiday product line and promotional calendar by early Q4. Share it with your 3PL so they can plan for inbound shipments, special packaging, and kitting needs in advance.

Why it matters: Sudden surges or unplanned SKUs can bog down fulfillment centers already running at capacity.

3. Communicate Shipping Cutoffs Clearly

Set realistic shipping deadlines for each region and carrier, then broadcast them everywhere: your site, emails, socials, and checkout pages.

4. Prepare for Returns (Before They Happen)

Returns spike post-holiday. Make sure your return policy is crystal clear and that your 3PL can handle reverse logistics efficiently.

5. Stress-Test Your Fulfillment System

Run mock scenarios with your 3PL to identify bottlenecks. What happens when order volume triples in 24 hours? Are your systems and staff ready?

6. Keep Customers in the Loop

Use automated tracking, order confirmations, and proactive support to manage customer expectations. Nothing kills holiday cheer like a missing package and radio silence.

Ready to Crush Q4?

Peak season doesn’t have to be panic season. With the right 3PL partner, clear communication, and proactive planning, your brand can deliver the holiday magic customers expect—and keep your operations running like clockwork.

Need help scaling up for the holidays? Talk to the team at Gnarlywood and get peak-season ready today.