The 2025 holiday shopping season is fully underway. National retail forecasts show that consumers are shopping earlier and are more focused on value and gift cards than ever before. Now is the time to ensure your IndieCommerce website is ready for the peak sales period. Here is a comprehensive checklist for preparing your IndieCommerce website for the 2025 holiday season.
Section 1: Shipping & Fulfillment (Most Urgent)
Your shipping policy is the most important part of your site during the holidays. Manage customer expectations clearly to avoid disappointment.
- Set Your "Order-By" Deadlines NOW. Do not wait. You must build in processing time. We recommend setting your deadlines 2-3 days before the carrier deadlines.
- Post Carrier Deadlines: Here are the key 2025 domestic deadlines for delivery by Christmas.
- USPS
- Ground Advantage: Dec. 17
- First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
- Priority Mail: Dec. 18
- Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20
- FedEx
- Ground Economy: Dec. 15
- Ground / Home Delivery: Dec. 17 (Varies by location)
- Express Saver: Dec. 20
- 2Day: Dec. 22
- Overnight: Dec. 23
- UPS
- Ground: Varies. Check ups.com/ctc for quotes.
- 3 Day Select: Dec. 19
- 2nd Day Air: Dec. 22
- Next Day Air: Dec. 23
- Post Your Policies Everywhere. Your shipping policy, deadlines, and refund policy should be easy to find.
- Be Clear About Delays. Add a note to your shipping policy warning customers about potential delays in order processing due to high sales volume and carrier delays.
- Use Specific Inventory Language. Make sure customers understand the timeline. Use terms like "On Our Shelves Now" vs. "Usually Ships in 1–5 Days".
- Promote All Fulfillment Options. Heavily advertise curbside pickup, in-store pickup, and any free local delivery you offer.
Section 2: Promotions & Merchandising
This year, shoppers are looking for value. Use your site to highlight deals, gift-friendly items, and your store's unique character.
- Promote Gift Cards & Certificates. This is a top priority.
- Forecasts show gift cards will be extremely popular in 2025.
- Create a block on your front page to promote them.
- Promote them in-store and online.
- Ensure they are activated and working for website sales now.
- Offer Value-Driven Promotions.
- Consider offering free or reduced shipping for the holidays.
- Feature coupons prominently, if you offer them.
- Highlight Your Brand & Curation.
- Advertise your site's "Wishlist" feature so customers can share gift ideas.
- Feature online content that matches your in-store displays and staff picks. This human touch is your key advantage.
- Upload seasonal graphics for your homepage, header, and footer.
- Add Non-Book Inventory.
- Add key non-book items (games, puzzles, candles, etc.) to your site.
- If you have over 100 non-book items, consider using the bulk upload feature.
Section 3: Website Operations & Security
A smooth-running site prevents abandoned carts. A secure site protects you and your customers.
- Update Basic Information.
- Ensure your store hours, location, and contact info are correct.
- Post what methods of payment you accept so customers know before checkout.
- Test Your Checkout Process.
- Familiarize yourself and your staff with the entire online checkout process.
- Crucially for 2025: Test this on a mobile phone. Most shoppers will use one.
- Monitor for Fraud.
- Be vigilant. Increased sales volume brings increased credit card fraud.
- Familiarize your team with the signs of a fraudulent order.
- If you suspect an order is fraudulent, email [email protected] so we can check the system for similar activity.
- Check Orders Constantly. Remember to check your "Orders" page frequently so new orders are not missed.
Market Your URL. Make sure your website URL is everywhere: in-store signage, receipts, bags, bookmarks, newsletters, and all staff email signatures.