Peak season preparation hub

Prepare early and methodically:

• Analyze and forecast demand: Use prior‑year sales, SKU performance, and seasonal trends to build accurate demand plans. This helps avoid stock‑outs or overstocking and excessive reserve storage fees.
• Engage suppliers early: Communicate forecasts and build in buffer time for lead‑time delays, port congestion, and production slowdowns. Considering air freight options for urgent orders can reduce disruption risk.
• Audit processes and tech stack: Ensure your fulfillment tech (WMS, automated sorting, demand planning tools) is optimized. Automating bookings, inbound + outbound inventory, and returns enhances efficiency during peak periods.
• Scale your team: Ramp up customer service and warehouse crews ahead of peak. Provide training on shipping deadlines, promotions, returns, and site resilience.

• Use on‑demand, multi‑channel inventory: Tools like Flexport Reserve Storage enable you to place stock near high‑demand zones and auto‑replenish across channels—helping to minimize storage fees and prevent stock-outs.
• Prioritize returns management: Peak season sees high return volumes. Partner with a 3PL with advanced returns management capabilities to ensure fast restocking (within ~3 business days) and improve customer experience.

This article provides key Flexport dates and timelines for your inventory to be sellable during 2026 Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) and December Holidays across our suite of services:

• Inbounds (No Prep Required)
• Reserve Storage
• Prep
• Removals and disposals
• Trucking

To avoid any delays, please ensure your products adhere to all compliance requirements. If you have any questions, please contact Support.