Packaging and shipping franchises see an uptake in business and exceptions during the holidays

A recent PwC survey revealed 77 per cent of transactions through the Black Friday weekend are actually online

While the concept of Black Friday sales has gained popularity in recent years, the latest survey from PwC revealed that 77 per cent of transactions through the Black Friday weekend are actually online, and not as you would imagine – with queues of people waiting for the doors to open on their favourite electrical supplier, eagerly awaiting the deal of the year.

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That means that nowadays, it’s the teams at packaging and shipping businesses who need to get their running shoes on as buyers grab their bargains from the comfort of their homes.

Mike Ryan, CEO of packaging and shipping franchise, PACK & SEND, knows this will be a busy time for franchisees and their teams: “At this festive time of year, there’s an increasing amount of transactions happening anyway as customers ensure packages are delivered around the world to loved ones. Combine that with the popularity of Black Friday and it’s another great seasonal upturn in the market for our business.

“One of the main reasons we see this increase in demand is because people will find bargains abroad and ship them here – or vice versa. Although we typically handle custom shipments, as well as mainstream items, it creates a unique opportunity for our franchisees who can help due to their global network of colleagues.”

PACK & SEND has over 150 stores across the globe and the teams are trained to securely package items whatever the size or shape. Julian Starr, franchisee of PACK & SEND London Spitalfields, knows all too well what business will come his way at this time: “We’re on hand to provide custom-made packaging solutions for the weird and wonderful items our customers buy – nothing is too obscure for our team. Our customers constantly tell us they enjoy the security our packaging provides and the utmost precision that goes into each project.”

The same survey also revealed that, although 48 per cent of people claim that they’re not interested in the extravaganza, more money is expected to be spent this year – on average £24 more per person. And with payday falling on Black Friday for most people, expectations were high in the logistics sector.

From electricals and homeware to children’s toys, consumers value the care that goes into the packaging and shipping process. These three categories alone make up a significantly large proportion of what consumers are buying this year. Typically, they require a great standard of packaging to make sure that they arrive in one piece – something that PACK & SEND franchisees are experts at.

“In recent years, UK retailers have upped their game, ready for the online rush,” said Ryan. “With improved websites matching customers’ desires to get the best bargain available without standing in a queue, it comes as no surprise that there are more people than ever ordering from their sofas. The extra push during Black Friday through to Cyber Monday and the increased demand for deliveries at a convenient time is yet another boost for business. By providing a bespoke solution, our franchisees are often the first choice during one of the busiest weekends of the shopping calendar.”