As the holiday season approaches, the international parcel delivery company Venipak encourages Estonian e-commerce businesses to plan ahead so every Christmas gift reaches its recipient safely and on schedule.
“This is a major challenge every year, but in 2025 it’s particularly important,” says Venipak CEO Andrius Ladauskas. “In the past, the surge in Christmas parcels started only in mid-November. Now we are seeing volumes increase as early as 1 November. Online shoppers order their gifts earlier each year, and proper preparation is essential to ensure every parcel arrives in perfect condition.”
Peak season is shaped by shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which significantly increase shipment volumes. Delivery activity reaches its highest point in the final weeks of November. To help businesses manage the rising demand, Venipak shares five practical recommendations worth considering already now, in October:
1. Work closely with your delivery partners
Discuss with your parcel delivery provider what shipment volume they can handle during the holiday period. Knowing their capacity helps you plan your campaigns and sales more realistically. Also ask how they prepare for potential disruptions or overloaded supply chains.
2. Pack carefully and securely
Parcels move more intensively during the holidays. Make sure gifts are well protected—place the original product box inside a separate cardboard box and wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or an eco-friendly alternative. Reinforce box corners and edges with tape, and consider double-layered boxes for extra protection.
3. Use automated address and contact verification
Automated solutions help detect incorrect addresses and contact details before the order is completed, reducing delivery errors. Add instructions to your order forms encouraging customers to check their information carefully. To ensure accuracy, synchronizing your CRM with your delivery partner’s system is recommended.
4. Set clear order submission deadlines
Agree with your delivery partner on the latest date customers can place orders to guarantee delivery before Christmas. Clear communication helps manage customer expectations and reduces the risk of delays.
5. Maintain constant communication with your delivery partner
Regular contact helps you better forecast delivery times and avoid surprises. For example, Venipak can deliver a parcel between Vilnius and Tallinn in one business day, while delivery between Tallinn and Kuressaare may take up to two business days. Knowing transit times allows more accurate planning and ensures gifts arrive on time.
“Good preparation is the foundation,” Ladauskas emphasizes. “Following these five steps helps retailers ensure every Christmas gift reaches its destination safely and on time—even during the busiest weeks of the year.”