Canada Post workers officially went on strike after negotiations with the Crown corporation failed to yield an agreement. With more than 55,000 postal workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) walking off the job, the strike has already begun to disrupt services nationwide.
For retailers who depend on Canada Post to fulfill online orders, this strike presents a significant challenge. Mail and parcels won’t be delivered, and some post offices will remain closed, leading to delays that could stretch beyond the strike’s resolution. This disruption comes at a critical time, as businesses prepare for the holiday rush and customers expect seamless service.
While this is an undoubtedly stressful situation, there are steps you can take to navigate these disruptions effectively. Here’s how to manage the impact of the strike on your business—and how RefundPros can help you recover lost shipping costs if you switch to alternative carriers.
Set Realistic Expectations with Your Customers
Honest communication is your first line of defense. Your customers will appreciate transparency about potential shipping delays, as long as you keep them in the loop.
Steps to take:
- Update your website with clear shipping notices.
- Offer email notifications for order status updates.
- Consider proactive customer support to handle inquiries and manage expectations.
Offering alternative shipping options can also reassure customers and reduce potential order cancellations.
Diversify Your Shipping Partners
While Canada Post remains a crucial partner for many retailers, this strike highlights the importance of diversification. UPS and FedEx provide reliable alternatives with broader delivery networks and faster turnaround times.
Benefits of switching:
- Greater assurance of timely deliveries.
- Enhanced tracking systems to keep your customers informed.
- Options for express shipping during peak periods.
Adjust Your Operations to Minimize Delays
To maintain smooth operations:
- Pre-pack orders to speed up processing once shipments resume.
- Implement flexible fulfillment strategies by exploring local couriers or offering in-store pickup where possible.
- Extend your return windows to accommodate any delays, showing your customers you care about their experience.
Build Resilience for Future Disruptions
The Canada Post strike serves as a wake-up call for retailers to strengthen their logistics strategies. Diversification and proactive planning will prepare you to weather future challenges, ensuring your customers always get the service they expect.
Recover Costs on Shipping Delays
Shipping delays and errors can be costly, but if you’re using UPS or FedEx, you’re in luck. Both carriers offer a money-back guarantee for some services if they deliver late. That’s where RefundPros comes in.
We specialize in auditing shipping transactions to ensure that any delivery failures are promptly refunded. With our help, you can recover funds for delayed shipments without lifting a finger—so you can focus on keeping your business running smoothly.
How RefundPros Can Help
While Canada Post’s refunds for late deliveries are currently on hold, you can still benefit from our auditing services for UPS and FedEx. If you’ve already switched or are considering these carriers, RefundPros will ensure you get every dollar back for shipping errors.
Let us take the stress out of auditing, so you can focus on your customers and growing your business.
Contact us today to learn more about our shipping refund audits and how we can support your business through this transition.
