For retailers, the weeks between Black Friday and the new year can represent a third or more of annual sales — and the single hardest test of a fulfilment operation. With Canadian e-commerce growing at roughly 9–10% a year and now worth around US$89 billion (eMarketer), peak-season volumes are climbing. The businesses that thrive are the ones that prepared in the quiet months. Here is how to get your fulfilment ready before the rush.
1. Forecast demand — then add a buffer
Start with last year’s numbers, layer in your growth rate, and account for promotions. Then build in headroom: running out of a hero product mid-December costs far more than a little extra inventory. Share forecasts with your fulfilment partner early so capacity is reserved, not scrambled for.
2. Secure flexible capacity in advance
Peak season is exactly when storage space and delivery capacity get scarce. Locking in flexible warehousing and fulfilment ahead of time means you can scale up without signing a year-round lease or being left without drivers on your busiest day.
3. Stress-test your delivery promises
Shoppers are unforgiving in December: 28% abandon a purchase when delivery is too slow, and same-day or next-day options increasingly win the sale. Make sure the delivery speeds you advertise are ones you can actually hit at 3x normal volume — then communicate cut-off dates for guaranteed holiday delivery clearly.
4. Optimize the warehouse floor
Small layout changes pay off at scale: position best-sellers near packing stations, pre-assemble popular bundles, and stage packaging materials so pickers never stop to restock. At peak volume, seconds per order add up to hours per day.
5. Plan for returns before they arrive
January is returns season. A clear, fast returns process protects customer loyalty and recovers inventory value quickly. Decide in advance how returns will be received, inspected, and restocked so they do not clog your operation after the holidays.
6. Consolidate under one partner
Peak season is the worst time to coordinate three separate vendors. A single partner handling warehousing, courier, and fulfilment — or a full 3PL relationship — means one point of contact when every minute counts. Intact Courier has supported Canadian retailers through peak seasons since 2018 with 350+ drivers and a 98% on-time record.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start preparing for peak season?
Ideally 8–12 weeks out. Capacity, staffing, and inventory all need lead time, and the best fulfilment slots fill early.
How do I avoid stockouts during the holidays?
Forecast conservatively, add a buffer on hero products, and keep inventory visible in real time so you can reorder before you run dry.
Can a 3PL scale up just for the holidays?
Yes. Flexible 3PL capacity is designed to flex up for peak and back down afterward, so you only pay for what you use.
Get a Free Quote
Want a fulfilment operation that holds up under holiday pressure? Contact Intact Courier & Logistics for a free quote and let us help you prepare for your busiest season.