When Zendrop announces a holiday, it’s more than just a calendar event, it can affect order processing, shipping timelines, and customer satisfaction.
This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare your store, and how to communicate effectively with your customers to maintain trust and smooth operations.
Why Zendrop Announces Holidays in Advance
Zendrop offers early holiday notifications to help sellers prepare in advance. During holidays like New Year's, Chinese New Year, Christmas, or National Golden Week, suppliers and logistics partners often pause operations, which may result in delays in order processing and shipping.
The purpose of advance notice is to help you:
Adjust your store’s estimated delivery times
Communicate proactively with customers
Prevent negative reviews and refund requests
Plan marketing and stock strategies ahead of time
Pro Tip: As soon as you receive a Zendrop holiday notice, add a banner to your store homepage or product pages stating:
“Orders placed between [start date] and [end date] may experience longer processing times due to supplier holidays.”
How to Prepare Your Store for Holiday Delays
1. Update Your Processing and Shipping Times
Extend your estimated delivery windows across your storefront and product descriptions.
Example:
“Please note that orders placed this week may take an additional 5–7 business days to ship due to supplier holidays.”
2. Align Your Refund Policy
Make sure your store’s refund and replacement policy aligns with Zendrop’s.
Zendrop follows a clear and transparent refund policy, available here: Refund, Replacement, and Return Policy
Key points:
Zendrop does not issue compensation for longer processing times during holidays.
Refunds or replacements are only approved when they meet Zendrop’s policy criteria (e.g. lost in transit, incorrect item, etc.).
Your store can still choose to offer goodwill gestures like discounts or coupons to maintain customer satisfaction.
Refunds for your customers are managed in your own store.
Refunds for the items you purchased through Zendrop are handled within your Zendrop account and typically appear within 5 business days.
Handling Customer Complaints During Holiday Delays
Even with the best preparation, some customers may become frustrated. Here’s how to handle it gracefully.
Customer Concern | What to Say | Optional Compensation |
“Why is my order taking so long?” | “Our supplier network is currently observing a holiday period, which has temporarily extended processing times. Your order will ship as soon as operations resume.” | 5–10% discount on their next order |
“I want compensation for the delay.” | “We understand how frustrating delays can be, we’re happy to offer you a store discount or free shipping on your next order.” | Coupon or free shipping |
“I’d like to cancel my order.” | “We can process your cancellation and issue a refund right away. Once processed, the refund should appear in your payment method within 5 business days.” | N/A
|
Always respond empathetically, customers care most about transparency and feeling heard.
What Happens If a Customer Cancels Their Order
If your customer cancels before the order ships:
The order will automatically be refunded on Zendrop.
The refund will return to your original payment method within approximately 5 business days.
Ensure your store also issues the corresponding refund to your customer.
Keep Operations Smooth During Holidays
Here are a few proactive steps to minimize disruptions:
Monitor Upcoming Holidays
Keep track of supplier country holidays. Zendrop will alert you, but it’s wise to keep your own calendar too.
Use “Ships From” Filters
Whenever possible, choose US or EU warehouses to shorten delivery times.
This can drastically reduce the impact of international holiday closures.
Communicate Everywhere
Announce delays in:
Your store banner
Order confirmation emails
Social media updates
FAQ section
Reward Patience
Offer small loyalty discounts, future order coupons, or thank-you messages.
A small gesture goes a long way in retaining happy customers.