The Stakes Are Higher During the Holidays
Between tight deadlines, high order volumes, and temporary staff, even small packaging mistakes can snowball into big problems. Here are five of the most common — and how to avoid them.
1. Waiting Too Long to Check Inventory
Running out of boxes or tape in mid-December can stop your entire operation. Check your supply levels in October and reorder early. Partner with a distributor who offers inventory control and stocking programs to guarantee availability.
2. Skipping Equipment Maintenance
Packaging machines that haven’t been serviced can break down when you need them most. Prevent downtime by scheduling repairs and calibration before peak weeks.
3. Using the Wrong Box Size
Oversized boxes waste money on shipping and filler. Undersized boxes cause product damage. Use right-sized packaging to optimize protection and reduce cost.
4. Ignoring Branding Opportunities
Every box is a chance to promote your company. Add your logo, slogan, or social media handle — small touches that build brand recognition during the busiest shipping season of the year.
5. Failing to Train Seasonal Staff
Seasonal hires often handle packing during the holidays. Without proper training, mistakes multiply. Set up visual guides at each station and run quick demos on correct taping, labeling, and equipment use.
Final Advice
Avoiding these five mistakes ensures smoother fulfillment, fewer claims, and happier customers, which is exactly what your business needs during the holiday season.