THIS JUST IN, FROM ALL ACROSS THE UNITED STATES —-
Over the past couple weeks, the weather has been predictable and unpredictable and an overall mess. This is causing so many issues including shipping.
A highly impacted industry has been our “trusted” shipping partners, and this is just the beginning of what the winter season is sure to throw our way.
Many of will be receiving tracking updates that show shipment delays well past the holidays and are wondering what they can do next, other than panic of course?
Here are 5 things to do immediately:
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Take 7 deep breaths and understand that this is out of your control. You aren’t going to snag every UPS or FedEx driver and miraculously get your shipment on time. Panicking will not help when it’s a situation that is not within your control.
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Lean on your account manager to problem-solve. This is where your creative partner can really shine. Have the sender contact the shipping vendor to see if they can get the package re-routed in time. Is it close enough that the shipment could be picked up locally? Did you know that was even an option?
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If your packages will not deliver in time, let’s start to roll the gift into a “New Year’s” gift instead.
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Provide a “filler” gift or “IOU” letting your folks know their gift is to come and use it as an opportunity to connect with your recipient in a real life way. They are after all humans and understand that there are things we just can't control. I mean who hasn't ever had to deal with a delayed package?
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Plan ahead next year! Know that these sorts of things happen every single year, and next year, plan to work on having your gifts deliver plenty early so a weather or other shipping delay won't cause unnecessary stress.
If Mother Nature is ever throwing a wrench in your holiday gifting timelines, the best you can do is breathe, don’t panic, use your team to help with solutions, and be kind.
This is all out of everyone’s control when it comes to Mother Nature. Frustration is completely understood, but sometimes it just takes some brainstorming and getting creative to turn that snowball into a snow cone.
