Black Friday isn’t just a trendy day anymore – it’s a make-or-break season that can determine your entire year’s success.
Are you really ready?
With some UK retailers expecting to rake in up to £10 million ($13 million) in online orders during this period, you can’t afford any slip-ups.
But here’s the good news: It’s not too late to get ready.
The stakes are high this Black Friday
Holiday retail sales are projected to hit $1.58 trillion to $1.59 trillion between November 2024 and January 2025.
That’s a 2.3% to 3.3% increase from last year, according to Deloitte.
With a spike like that, you definitely don’t want to sleep on this. Let’s go through your emergency Black Friday checklist.
Your last-minute Black Friday checklist
Be it website performance, stock inventory, additional staff, or daily returns and delivery logistics, you’ll need a list in place (and check it twice).
Website performance
✅ Test your site’s capacity for 4 to 5 times normal traffic.
✅ Run (several!) crash tests before the rush.
✅ Have emergency contacts ready for tech support.
Pro tip: Most sites don’t slowly get slower. They go from fast to crashed in minutes.
Stock and staff
✅ Double- and triple-check inventory levels.
✅ Schedule extra staff for peak hours.
✅ Train temporary workers now.
✅ Set up emergency staff contacts.
Remember: In-store traffic jumped 46% during Black Friday week last year.
Delivery and returns
✅ Confirm delivery partner capacity.
✅ Plan for returns (14.5% return rate expected).
✅ Set up a backup delivery plan.
✅ Clear warehouse space for returns.
Fun fact: Parcel returns cost UK retailers a hefty $76 billion per year
Customer service
✅ Increase support staff.
✅ Test all promo codes.
✅ Prepare FAQs.
✅ Set up emergency response plans.
Tech and security
✅ Freeze any new code updates.
✅ Check third-party app performance.
✅ Run security checks.
✅ Test payment systems.
The physical store factor
Don’t get so caught up in the online vibe that you neglect your brick-and-mortar presence!
Why? People still love instant gratification and the in-store experience.
Physical retail isn’t dead; it’s getting smarter. Read more here for how to give it a makeover
Emergency tips
✅ Keep extra POS systems ready.
✅ Have backup payment options.
✅ Prepare crowd control measures.
✅ Set up clear signage for deals.
Ready for the rush?
Now is the time to make sure everything is in place before the big rush. Don’t delay, avoid those costly mistakes.
Remember: A little preparation now could save you millions in lost sales later.
Want proof? Just ask the major retailers who’ve watched their websites crash on Black Friday!
Don’t let that be you.
You got this. ✅
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About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
