E-commerce continues its explosive growth. Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share of the world’s B2C and retail e-commerce market and is predicted to amount to nearly two-thirds of the global total by 2025. Coupled with this growth is the length of the annual shopping season, which stretches from months leading up to Christmas through to the Lunar New Year in 2025.
With APAC businesses and consumers predicting even higher demand this year, FedEx is sharing key shipping tips to take advantage and make the most of this festive season.
#1 – Early Planning is Key: Avoiding last-minute surprises benefits everyone. During the peak season, high demand can impact delivery times, so ordering or shipping items earlier can help reduce stress.
Businesses should share last-order and final shipping dates ahead of time, which helps manage customer expectations and prevent disappointment.
Consumers can keep track of the latest shipping deadlines to ensure on-time delivery. Many e-commerce platforms, including fedex.com, list recommended shipping dates for delivery, making it easier to ensure holiday shipments arrive on time.
#2 – Think Fast and Flexible: Shoppers increasingly expect fast and flexible delivery.
Businesses can leverage e-commerce solutions like FedEx International Connect Plus (FICP) to offer cost-effective shipping between APAC, the US, and Europe in just one to three business days.
Consumers appreciate flexible delivery options like FedEx pickup locations and smart lockers, adding convenience when recipients aren’t always home to receive packages.
#3 – Stay Connected with Technology: Leveraging AI dashboards and staying attuned to customer needs is essential during the peak season.
Businesses should communicate with priority customers to align on delivery expectations, fostering strong relationships and better planning. For high-value shipments, the AI-powered FedEx Surround dashboard provides proactive notifications for timely interventions. For residential customers, FedEx Delivery Manager International adds convenience by allowing recipients to adjust delivery options.
Consumers can stay connected through real-time updates via email, text, or WhatsApp, enabling them to personalise delivery times or locations, even when the shipment is on its way.
#4 – Efficient Last-Mile Delivery Solutions: APAC’s diverse delivery environment requires a comprehensive ecosystem.
Businesses can leverage the extensive FedEx network, with a presence in 43 countries and territories across APAC, connecting customers worldwide. With over 260,000 pickup locations, including lockers, FedEx ensures comprehensive local touchpoints.
Consumers benefit from convenient options like smart lockers and pickup locations, offering flexibility. Additionally, Picture of Proof Delivery provides peace of mind with visual confirmation of package arrivals.
#5 – Embrace Sustainable Choices: With an increasing focus on sustainability, many businesses are optimising their operations to reduce environmental impact.
Businesses and consumers can develop sustainable online shopping practices such as working with and choosing providers who are embracing sustainable initiatives. For example, 20% of the FedEx pick-up and delivery fleet in China is now electric, and nearly 100% of FedEx-branded cardboard packaging is recyclable.
Businesses can also benefit from our cloud-based tool, FedEx Sustainability Insights[, which estimates CO2e emissions at both the package and account levels. This tool leverages FedEx scan data across our network, among other inputs, to provide reports on estimated emissions for eligible shipments.
As year-end demand hits, early planning ensures a successful experience for both shoppers and shippers. By preparing ahead, businesses and consumers can navigate the holiday season with ease. The global, reliable FedEx network and smart digital solutions can streamline the holiday shipping process, making it simpler and hassle-free with fast, flexible, and sustainable options for both businesses and consumers.
