8 DHL logistics best practices for Raya shopping season

As Ramadan slowly approaches, many Malaysians are already preparing for Eid celebrations, leading to a surge in online shopping. Managing shipments during this busy period requires careful planning to ensure deliveries reach on time.

Here are DHL’s five practical tips to help you effectively manage shipments during this hectic Raya period:

1. Highlight Raya holiday cut-off times

Ensuring your customers receive their orders on time starts with highlighting the holiday cut-off times.

Take the time to calculate how long it will take to process orders — including the final delivery leg by logistics partners like DHL. Make this information easily accessible by announcing the last day for placing orders across your social media platforms, website and retail outlets.

By providing clarity on key dates, you can help your customers plan effectively for popular items like Eid garments, kuih raya, decorations and gifts..

2. Make updates visible on social media

Pin a featured post at the top of your social media pages and create eye-catching banners on platforms like Facebook to ensure essential information stands out. 

Additionally, consider launching a targeted social media campaign with appealing visuals and relevant hashtags to effectively communicate these crucial details.

3. Set realistic expectations

Honesty is key to managing your customers expectations.

Be transparent in your communication, and provide clear explanations if any challenges may impact your ability to meet customer needs. Proactively inform customers of any potential issues, and present alternative solutions in case of product unavailability or unexpected delivery delays.

This proactive and transparent approach fosters trust and demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to stronger customer relationships.

4. Prepare early

The Hari Raya shopping season kicks off earlier than you might think! According to Meta's consumer insights1, a significant 60% of shoppers and observers begin planning their Ramadan and Eid purchases a month before Ramadan even begins. This means businesses need to be proactive and prepare their logistics well in advance to avoid getting caught off guard by the surge in orders. 

Early preparation is crucial for categories like experiences, designer goods, religious items, home and garden products, and household appliances, as these see the highest percentage of pre-Ramadan planning. By anticipating this early demand and coordinating with logistics partners ahead of time, businesses can ensure smooth and timely deliveries throughout the peak season, maximizing customer satisfaction and capitalizing on this crucial shopping period.

5. Strengthen connections with personalized delivery updates

Go beyond generic tracking numbers and create a more personalized delivery experience for your customers. With 66% of shoppers and observers feeling more connected to brands that use instant messaging during Ramadan and Eid2, consider leveraging direct messaging (DM) for delivery updates. Instead of relying solely on automated emails, use platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to provide personalized notifications about order confirmations, shipping progress, and estimated delivery times.

6. Prepare for peak demand in certain product categories

Understanding the most popular product categories during Ramadan is essential for effective logistics planning. In a consumer insights study on Ramadan by Meta, food and beverage emerged as the leading category for e-commerce orders, with 68% of shoppers and observers making purchases in this sector. This was followed by fashion and apparel at 55% as well as confectionery, health and beauty, and finally, religious and spiritual items3.

Businesses operating in these sectors should anticipate a surge in orders as Ramadan approaches and proactively prepare their logistics operations.

7. Partner with a reliable logistics provider

Selecting a dependable logistics partner that leverages on digitalization and maintains open communication is vital for smooth operations during the peak season.

Share your marketing plans and product roadmap with DHL or your alternative delivery partner to prepare for increased order volumes. Establish precise pickup schedules, communicate expected delivery times and consider implementing shipping protection to safeguard against potential losses.

This proactive approach ensures secure and punctual deliveries, reducing the risk of customer dissatisfaction.

8. Educate customers about shipment tracking

Empower your customers with the ability to track their shipments by implementing a guide to the user-friendly tracking platform on your website and social media channels.

Provide customers with the tracking platform link immediately after they place their orders, enabling them to monitor their shipments at their convenience. This proactive measure reduces the need for manual updates and inquiries regarding shipping statuses.

If you're using DHL Express, let your customers take charge of tracking their shipments with our tracking tools. We have made tracking available on a few channels. Customers can track their shipments round the clock through whichever ways they prefer:

1. Instant tracking on your own

Check your shipment's real-time status by entering the 10-digit tracking number.

2. Chat with DHL support

Communicate with DHL Express support agents on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

3. Call DHL at any time

Reach our customer service team for assistance with your DHL Express shipment queries.

Raya eCommerce International Delivery: Enable Self-Tracking

So, as you gear up for this busy season, make sure to remember these five tips for managing Raya orders in 2024:

• Highlight the festive cut-off times
• Make updates visible on social media
• Set realistic expectations
• Partner with a reliable logistics provider
• Educate customers about shipment tracking

By implementing these strategies, you'll ensure smooth and timely deliveries, and foster stronger connections with your valued customers.

If you want to expedite parcel deliveries to delight your customer amidst this peak season, send parcels through DHL Express. No account is needed.

Additionally, to learn more about the benefits of DHL’s services — including same-day delivery and DHL’s customs clearance support — contact DHL’s customer care team today.

When is Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2025, 2026 and 2027? 

As DHL looks forward to celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri (or Eid al-Fitr) in the coming years, here are the expected dates for this joyous occasion: