In this article:
- Why peak times like the January cause extra headaches for online retailers
- Best strategies for avoid extra costs, admin and delays
- How to prepare and sail through January sails like a shipping pro
New year, new sales opportunities For many UK e-commerce brands, the January sales are one of the most important trading periods of the year. It’s the perfect time to clear seasonal stock, boost margins and engage customers who are actively looking for discounts after the holiday peak.
However, this period also brings:
- An international surge in returns
- Tariff and rate changes from major global carriers
- Customs rule resets in many countries
- Slower international delivery routes due to winter weather and backlogs
For UK businesses selling overseas, January offers huge potential — but only if your international shipping strategy is ready. Here's what to expect and how to keep your cross-border deliveries running smoothly.
#Prepare for post-holiday backlogs and slower transit times
From Boxing Day through mid-January, global postal and courier networks are still working through the holiday aftermath. This includes clearing the backlog of holiday packages, higher returns volumes, weather-related disruptions (especially in parts of Europe and North America) and the early Lunar New Year bottlenecks in Asia towards the end of the month. As a result, international delivery times often stretch by 2–5 days depending on destination.
What can you do:
- Set clear, region-specific delivery times on product and checkout pages
- Use a reliable international shipping partner offering Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) options, so customers avoid unexpected fees
- Ensure your shipments include fully tracked delivery to keep customers updated in real time
#Get ready for the global returns surge
January is the busiest month of the year for returns. For international sellers, this means higher costs, more admin and increased risk of customs holdups — particularly when paperwork isn’t completed correctly. What you can do:
- Offer clear, country-specific returns instructions on your website
- Make sure your return labels include accurate customs descriptions to avoid parcels being held or rejected
- Consider using a smart returns solution that keeps costs predictable and protects your margins
#Use the right packaging for long-distance winter shipping
Snow, ice, rain… January weather can be unpredictable in certain parts of the world which can lead to damaged packaging, wet labels and goods spoiling. Poor packaging doesn’t just lead to returns — it damages your brand too. What you can do:
Good packaging is one of the simplest ways to reduce breakages, delays and unnecessary customer complaints.
- Use strong outer packaging for long-distance routes
- Consider insulated packaging for temperature-sensitive items
- Use waterproof labels and internal invoice slips so key information stays readable
- Review our shipping labels guide for best practices
#Double-check customs and duties requirements
January is a time when some countries reset or revise their duties and customs requirements. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it can be a real pain – especially when you’ve been running on autopilot.
What you can do:
January is the ideal time to conduct a quick international compliance audit.
- Check you’re using the correct HS codes
- Ensure product descriptions are accurate, compliant and detailed
- Review VAT, GST and import tax rules for each destination country
- Revisit restrictions on goods such as batteries, electronics, cosmetics and supplements
SAMOS keeps shipping simple – in January and all year round.
At SAMOS, we make global e-commerce shipping fast, reliable and frustration-free. With decades of hands-on experience, we help UK businesses navigate international delivery with confidence — especially during high-pressure periods like the January sales.
We know that major carriers often use a one-size-fits-all approach. So we’ve built something better.
What SAMOS offers:
- One-to-one bespoke support from real shipping experts
- Reliable, fully tracked global delivery with DDP options
- Smart returns solutions that protect your margins
- Transparent pricing tailored to your business
If you’re looking for a partner who understands the realities of international e-commerce —and won’t leave you dealing with delays, surprise fees or lost parcels — we’re here to help.
Sound like the service you’ve been searching for? Get in touch today.
Final Thoughts
The January sales offer huge potential for UK brands selling internationally — but only if your logistics, customs documentation and returns processes are ready. By planning ahead, reviewing country changes and tightening up your international shipping processes, you can turn January into a powerful launchpad for your best year yet.
If you want to streamline your international shipping, reduce costs or simplify your cross-border returns, the SAMOS team is here to help. Get in touch for tailored solutions that keep your global shipping running smoothly.
Grab a coffee, let's chat about how to make January sales shipping simple and affordable. Pick a time that suits you.
View our shipping and return rates and start shipping globally with confidence.
Still not convinced? See what our customers say.
SAMOS – Turn global shipping headaches into growth. It all starts here. SAMOS – Turn global shipping headaches into growth. It all starts here.
