5 Tips for Shipping During Tax-Free Weekend

It’s the time of year when tax-free weekends are happening across the country. Many states offer tax-free weekends as a way to encourage shopping and boost their economy. If you are an online retailer, this can be a great opportunity to increase sales. However, it can also be a very hectic time if you are not prepared. In this blog, we will be sharing tips for shipping out your product during tax-free times so that customers receive their orders in time and you are not stressed while getting everything sent out.

What Is a Tax-Free Weekend?

A tax-free weekend is a period of time when certain items are exempt from sales tax. This usually applies to clothing, school supplies, and sometimes even electronics. Each state has different rules about what items are included and how long the tax-free period lasts. For example, Texas offers a three-day sales tax holiday for qualifying back-to-school items while Florida offers a 12-day holiday for disaster preparedness supplies.

When Are Tax-Free Weekends?

The dates of tax-free weekends vary by state, but they typically take place in the summer or early fall. Some states have multiple tax holidays throughout the year, while others only have one. In the state of Massachusetts, the tax-free weekend takes place on the first weekends of August.

Retailers Should Begin Planning Now

If you are a retailer who plans on participating in tax-free weekends, now is the time to start planning. By planning ahead, you can avoid the last-minute rush and ensure that your customers receive their orders on time.

Ensure Your Inventory Is Stocked During Tax-Free Shopping Periods

The first step in preparing for a tax-free weekend is to make sure you have enough inventory on hand. This is especially important if you sell items that are popular during back-to-school shopping, such as clothing and school supplies. If you run out of stock, your customers may go to a competitor who does have the items they need.

You may need to order additional inventory from your suppliers or manufacturers to meet the increased demand. It’s important to place your orders early so that you receive the items in time for the tax-free weekend.

Update Your Shipping Methods

Once you have enough inventory on hand, you need to make sure your shipping methods can handle the increased volume. If you typically ship orders within two days, you may need to update your shipping methods to accommodate the influx of orders.

Some retailers offer expedited shipping during tax-free weekends so that customers can receive their orders as quickly as possible. You may also want to consider offering free shipping or discounted shipping rates to encourage customers to shop with you.

Prepare Your Staff for Tax-Free Weekend

If you have a brick-and-mortar store, you will need to make sure your staff is prepared for the increase in customers. This may mean hiring additional employees or training your existing employees on how to handle the increased volume of customers.

You should also create a plan for how orders will be processed and shipped. This will help to ensure that orders are filled and shipped in a timely manner.

Pre-Print Shipping Labels

One way to save time during tax-free weekends is to pre-print shipping labels. This will allow you to quickly attach the label to the package and get it out the door. You can use shipping software like Shipstation or Endicia to print your labels in bulk.

Contact Xpressman for Courier Services During Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend

Tax-free weekends can be a great time to boost sales and attract new customers. During these times, it’s important to be prepared so that you can take advantage of the increased demand. If you follow our tips, you can avoid the last-minute rush and make sure your customers are happy with their purchases. For business owners looking for a professional courier to assist with shipping during tax-free weekends, Xpressman Trucking & Courier is here to help. We have a wide range of shipping services that can be tailored to meet your needs. Give us a call at 781-836-4614, or visit our website to learn more about our services and request a quote.