Countdown to peak shipping: 10 quick tips for success

The end of the year is fast approaching, and that means one thing: peak season. As online shopping continues to surge, it’s never been more important to have fulfilment processes that are fast, reliable, and built to handle the pressure.

But for retailers using Starshipit, peak doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re scaling your operations or managing an influx of orders, the right tools and automations can turn what feels like chaos into a smooth, predictable process.

Peak season might be a double-edged sword – a huge opportunity for growth, but also a real test of efficiency. The difference between the two often comes down to preparation.

That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 practical peak season tips to help you save time, reduce shipping costs, and stay in control. Let’s dive in!

Table of contents:

• Tip 1: Assign packages using your barcode scanner
• Tip 2: Manage fulfilment on the go with the Starshipit mobile app
• Tip 3: Get orders right the first time with tote picking
• Tip 4: Save time and money by auto-assigning the cheapest carrier
• Tip 5: Print SKUs directly on your shipping labels
• Tip 6: Keep customers informed with automated shipping updates
• Tip 7: Prevent delivery errors with bulk address validation
• Tip 8: Eliminate packing mistakes with Packing Validation
• Tip 9: Stay on top of performance with Scheduled Reports
• Tip 10: Protect your margins with Invoice Reconciliation
• Wrap up: Take control this peak shipping season

When you scan a barcode representing a package, Starshipit updates the order’s packaging information automatically. Once you’ve packed the order, you can simply scan again to print the shipping label. It’s an easy way to eliminate manual entry, reduce human error, and move through your fulfilment queue faster.

Get started with this tip:

1. Log into your Starshipit account (UI 2.0), go to Workflows → Scan and Open.
2. Tick Scan Barcodes to Select Packaging to enable the feature.
3. Scan or search for an order number to process.
4. Scan the barcode representing your package - Starshipit will assign it automatically.
5. When you’re ready, scan again to print the label.

💡 Pro tip: Print barcodes directly on your custom packaging so your team can assign and print labels with a single scan.

The mobile app replaces clunky, expensive hardware with a fast, lightweight workflow that fits right into the tools your team already uses. It’s especially useful for training new or seasonal staff – they can get up and running quickly, scanning and fulfilling orders without slowing others down.

And because it connects directly with your Starshipit dashboard, you’ll see updates in real time (from items picked to labels printed) keeping your entire operation visible and in sync.

Get started with this tip:

1. Download the Starshipit mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Log in with your existing Starshipit account.
3. Choose your preferred mode – Picking, Packing, or both.
4. Scan items, confirm orders, and print labels directly from your device.
5. Track progress in real time through your Starshipit dashboard.

Each tote is linked to an order as soon as it’s scanned, so every item picked goes straight into the right tote. When it’s time to pack, simply scan the tote again to bring up the correct order instantly. No confusion, no mix-ups, no wasted time – perfect in peak.

Get started with this tip:

1. If you haven’t already – download the Starshipit mobile app from the App Store of Google Play.
2. Set up your device: Turn on tote functionality in the Starshipit mobile app under Settings → Tote Settings.
3. Pick into totes: Start picking an order, scan or enter a tote ID, and place items directly into that tote. Each tote is automatically linked to its order(s).
4. Pack by tote: When you’re ready to pack, just scan the tote in the mobile app or web app. You’ll see all the items linked to that tote, ready to validate and ship.

💡 Pro tip: Tote picking works best when combined with bin locations and barcode scanning.

Instead, you can set up a simple shipping rule in Starshipit to automatically select the lowest-cost carrier every time an order comes in or based on the conditions that you set. That means your team can use automation to print labels immediately, confident that each shipment is going out at the best available rate.

Get started with this tip:

1. Head to Settings in Starshipit > Rules.
2. Select 'Add a new rule'.
3. Under Condition(s) select the order type that's relevant to you (e.g. All Orders).
4. Under Action choose 'Select Cheapest Carrier/Service'.
5. Click Save.

💡 Pro tip: If you already have orders in your Unshipped tab, click the 'Run rules now' button to apply this new rule to these orders (if necessary).

It might sound like a small change, but it makes a big difference at scale. With SKUs visible right on the label, your team can confirm what’s in the package at a glance – no switching between packing slips or screens, and no unnecessary paper clutter. This keeps the packing area organised and reduces the risk of sending out the wrong items, especially when things get busy.

It’s also a great sustainability win: by skipping the packing slip, you’ll save paper and simplify your fulfilment process without compromising accuracy.

Get started with this tip:

1. In Starshipit, go to Settings → Couriers → [Courier Name] → Advanced.
2. Tick Enable SKUs on labels.
3. Future orders will automatically include SKUs on printed labels.
4. Supported carriers include Australia Post, DHL, Border Express, Seko, MyFastway, CouriersPlease, MyToll, and plain labels.

Take control of the post-purchase experience using automated shipping notifications and branded tracking pages. These tools work together to keep customers updated at every stage of delivery, while reinforcing your brand. Send branded emails or SMS alerts when orders are shipped, out for delivery, or delivered, and direct customers to a tracking page hosted on your own website.

The result? Fewer support tickets, fewer surprises, and happier customers who know exactly what to expect. Watch the video or checkout the step-by-step guide!

Get started with this tip:

1. In Starshipit, go to Settings → Brand Hub
2. Choose your preferred email and SMS templates (Classic or New).
3. Customise the content to reflect your brand’s tone and design.
4. Enable Branded Tracking Pages so customers stay on your website.
5. Select which delivery stages to send alerts for – up to seven options, from order received to delivered.

Starshipit’s bulk address validation feature makes it easy to catch and correct these errors before orders are dispatched. In just a few clicks, you can scan through your entire order list, identify invalid addresses, and automatically fix common issues like missing suburbs or postcodes.

It’s a simple safeguard that saves time, reduces customer service follow-ups, and ensures packages reach the right door the first time.

Get started with this tip

• In your Orders screen, filter invalid addresses by clicking Check addresses (UI 2.0) or Invalid only (Classic UI).
• Review the list of flagged orders.
• Click Update (UI 2.0) or Auto correct (Classic UI).
• Starshipit automatically validates and corrects the addresses for you.

💡 Pro tip: Run bulk validation as part of your end-of-day workflow – catching small issues early means fewer delivery problems later.

Tip 8: Eliminate packing mistakes with Packing Validation

Even the best warehouse systems can stumble under the pressure of peak, especially when you’re bringing in new or seasonal staff. That’s where Packing Validation comes in. It adds an extra layer of accuracy to your fulfilment process by confirming that every item being packed actually belongs in the order.

Using barcode scanning, your team can verify each product before it’s sealed and shipped. If the wrong item is scanned, Starship immediately flags the error, preventing costly reships and disappointed customers. Once all items are validated, the order is marked complete, ready for label printing and dispatch.

It’s an easy way to maintain high accuracy without slowing your team down, helping every staff member (new or experienced) get orders right the first time.

Get started with this tip:

• In your Starshipit dashboard, open Packing Validation.
• Scan or enter the order number and click ‘search’.
• Scan each product barcode – if the item matches the order, it’ll be marked as packed. If the item doesn’t match the order, you’ll get an error alert.
• Once all items are validated, the ‘Complete Packing’ button will be enabled.
• Review the order, confirm packaging and carrier selection, and print your label.

Starshipit’s Scheduled Reports make it simple to stay informed without adding more admin to your day. You can automatically send shipping, order, or invoice reports straight to your inbox (daily, weekly, or monthly) giving you clear oversight of what’s working and where you and your carrier partners can improve.

It’s an effortless way to keep your team aligned, monitor carrier performance, and identify potential bottlenecks before they impact your customers.

Get started with this tip:

1. From your Starshipit dashboard, go to Reports→ Scheduled Reports.
2. Select the report type you want to automate (e.g. Shipping, Order, or Invoice).
3. Choose how often you want to receive it – daily, weekly, or monthly.
4. Add the email addresses of anyone who should get a copy.
5. Click Save, and reports will start landing in your inbox automatically.

With Invoice Reconciliation, Starshipit automatically compares your carrier invoices against quoted shipping costs. Upload your invoice as a CSV, and Starshipit matches each order by tracking number, flagging any differences in cost, weight, or dimensions.

This feature gives you full visibility into where your money’s going and helps you identify overcharges before they impact your bottom line. It’s a simple but powerful way to close the loop on cost control and start the next season on stronger footing.

Get started with this tip

• In Classic UI, go to Analytics → Reports → Invoice Reconciliation
• Upload your carrier’s invoice as a CSV, making sure it includes a tracking number column
• Enter the exact column name from your file that holds tracking numbers (case-sensitive)
• (Optional) Tick Include Child Accounts to include orders from linked accounts

Starshipit matches orders by tracking number and builds a report including:

• Quoted vs actual carrier cost
• SSI_ConsignmentId, SSI_AccountId, SSI_AccountName
• Declared weight, dimensions, margin, and discrepancy

💡 Pro tip: Run reconciliation weekly during peak – it’s the easiest way to catch small billing differences before they become costly surprises.

Wrap up: Take control this peak shipping season

Peak season doesn’t have to mean pressure and chaos. With the right workflows, visibility, and automation, your fulfilment process can run smoothly – even when order volumes double overnight.

With the right shipping setup and strategies in place, you can turn what might otherwise be a logistical challenge into a golden opportunity for growth.

As you gear up for the approaching peak season, take the time to fine-tune your operations with the insights and tips shared here. With Starshipit as your shipping and fulfilment ally, you'll be well-equipped to not only survive the rush, but thrive. So, go ahead and implement these strategies, monitor your progress, and make the most out of Starshipit's capabilities.

If you’re new to using Starshipit or just need a hand getting things set up ahead of the rush, book a custom 1:1 demo with one of our shipping experts, or get started with your 30-day free trial.