Why Summer Is the Real Start of Holiday Packaging Season

During the 2024 holiday season, carriers were expected to deliver approximately 85 million packages daily, reflecting the growing reliance on online shopping and expedited shipping options.   The exponential growth of the e-commerce industry in North America has significantly increased the demand for shipping supplies, including boxes and packaging materials.



1. Take your time designing the perfect custom packaging
Designing and producing the perfect custom packaging takes time.  Give yourself time for approvals, revisions, production, and shipping. 

2. Shipping Delays Are Real
Over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand how unpredictable global and domestic shipping channels can be—especially in preparation for the holiday rush.  Avoid surge pricing by planning ahead and being prepared to maximize your sales.

3. Expedited Shipping = Expensive Mistake
Waiting too long often means one thing: paying premium rates to rush production and shipping. This can cut into your holiday profits fast. Planning ahead gives you cost control and peace of mind—and leaves more room in your budget for holiday marketing, staffing, or surprise-and-delight touches for your customers.

4. Stockouts and Shortages Are Common
The holiday season in North America consistently brings a significant surge in demand for shipping boxes and mailers, driven by increased e-commerce activity and consumer expectations for timely deliveries. This heightened demand often strains supply chains, making early procurement of shipping supplies crucial to avoid shortages.  In previous years, the surge in online shopping led to increased demand for corrugated boxes, causing manufacturers to operate at full capacity and still struggle to meet the needs of retailers during peak seasons

Let’s Talk Shipping (and Why It’s Stressful)

Shipping networks get stretched to the max in Q4. What took 5 days in September could take 3 weeks by November. Carriers implement peak season surcharges, and delivery guarantees often disappear during the rush. Worse, small businesses get deprioritized in favor of big-box retailers.
The only way to stay ahead of it? Order early and ship early.

Custom vs. Non-Custom: What’s Right for You?

Whether you're a boutique retailer, spa, gift shop, or jewelry brand, here’s how to choose:

Custom Packaging

• Ideal for building brand recognition during the busiest season
  
• Great for gift sets, curated boxes, or high-end purchases
  
• Requires more lead time, especially for premium finishes (foil, UV, custom sizing)
  
• Order by early summer to avoid production and delivery delays
  
  

 Ready-to-Ship (Non-Custom) Packaging

• Perfect for smaller orders or short timelines
  
• Still stylish and brandable with extras like tissue, stickers, and thank-you cards
  
• No production lead time—but availability is first come, first served
  
• Our Lettermail Collection is a holiday bestseller (and super budget-friendly)
  
  

Zakka PRO Tip: Mix and Match

Many brands use a combo approach: custom for premium sales or influencer kits, and ready-to-ship packaging for everyday orders. You get the polish without the pressure.

⏰ What You Should Be Doing Now

✅ Finalize your holiday packaging theme or branding
✅ Establish lead times
✅ Place orders before delays or shortages hit
✅ Stock up on packaging extras—tissue, cards, stickers
✅ Prep your fulfillment space for holiday volume

Zakka Is Here to Help

From custom-printed boxes to in-stock Crinkle paper/Tissue Paper and custom branded stickers, we’re your packaging partner through it all. We understand the pressure retailers face this time of year—and we’re here to help you stay ahead of it with smart planning, stylish packaging, and real customer support.