Understanding the Factors Behind Shipping Delays
1. UPS & USPS Holiday Schedule: UPS is closed on Thanksgiving (November 28), Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Day (January 1). However, UPS Express Critical service will still be available during these times.
2. Seasonal Delays: Both UPS and USPS may experience delays due to regional inclement weather that can disrupt internal operations, holiday employee strikes, or unplanned staffing shortages.
3. Increased Volume: The holiday season sees a significant surge in online shopping and package sending. With more people turning to e-commerce for their gifts, shipping companies may become overwhelmed with orders, resulting in longer shipping times.
4. Weather Conditions: Winter weather can severely impact shipping schedules. Snowstorms, ice, and heavy rainfall can lead to transportation delays and missed delivery dates.
Tips to Mitigate Shipping Delays
1. Shop Early: One of the most effective ways to ensure your gifts arrive on time is to shop well in advance. Aim to place your orders as soon as possible to avoid the last-minute rush. We recommend getting your wallpaper orders in by December 16th if you want them prior to Christmas.
2. Choose Expedited Shipping: If you find yourself close to the holidays and need to order something quickly, consider selecting expedited or priority shipping options. While these may incur higher costs, they can help to reduce lead times.
3. Stay Updated: Regularly check the tracking status of your packages to stay informed about any potential delays. Many retailers and shipping companies offer updates and alerts to help you anticipate changes.
If you waited until the last minute and still want to give the gift of wallpaper, fear not! Gift cards are available. Not only can they be sent instantly, it also takes the guessing game out of choosing the right design, in the right color and ordering the correct quantity. Hopefully, you now have all the info you need to make sure your holiday gift-giving plans go off without a hitch!