Bigblue x Réseau Entreprendre: 15 Logistics Tips to Ace Q4

Bigblue is thrilled to announce our sponsorship and participation in Réseau Entreprendre, a renowned network supporting entrepreneurs across France. 

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As part of our collaboration, we recently participated in a roundtable that provided expert insights and strategies to help businesses optimise their logistics ahead of the Q4 peak season.

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Clément Gavault, founder of Flakon, Bigblue’s client, and a proud laureate of Réseau Entreprendre’s 2024-2025 cohort, joined us at the event. 

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Drawing from our experience managing peak demand for high-demand brands like Flakon, we shared 15 actionable tips to help businesses optimise their Q4 operations and prepare for the season’s challenges.

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15 expert tips to master Q4 logistics

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1. Clear out old stock 

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Turn unsold inventory into revenue by offering discounts on older collections during Black Friday or holiday sales. This helps with cash flow and frees up warehouse space for new arrivals.

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2. Be strategic about international shipping

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Avoid expanding internationally too soon, as it can be challenging and expensive. 

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First, focus on perfecting your domestic operations. When ready, carefully research customs, taxes, and local regulations before entering foreign markets.

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Tim Dumain, CEO of Bigblue, highlighted the importance of choosing the right markets: "It’s better to start with markets where the logistics are easier to handle, such as other EU countries if you’re based in Europe, before moving into more complex regions like the UK or the US. Spain and France, for instance, are more straightforward from a regulatory standpoint and allow businesses to expand without facing the same level of logistical headaches."

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3. Offer flexible delivery options

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Provide shipping choices like free delivery for high-value orders or express options with accurate ETAs. Customers value speed and transparency, especially during the holiday rush.

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4. Optimise the unboxing experience with simple solutions

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Instead of investing in expensive personalisations like branded boxes or silk paper, focus on simple, cost-effective options like flyers or inserts. 

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Prioritise growing your business through acquisition and sales before scaling your unboxing experience.

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"Personalisation is important, but it’s best to start simple. Focus on optimising your acquisition and logistics first, and introduce more personal touches gradually, ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness," highlights Tim Dumain.

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5. Simplify the return process

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Implement an easy-to-use return portal and consider extending the return window through January to cater to post-holiday shoppers. Encouraging exchanges rather than refunds also helps retain revenue.

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6. Use data to forecast demand

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Analyse last year’s sales and factor in your marketing campaigns to forecast demand accurately. This helps avoid overstocking or running out of popular items at the worst time.

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7. Monitor operations in real time

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Use real-time tracking tools to monitor warehouse operations. Address any issues quickly to avoid costly delays or errors during the busiest time of the year.

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8. Communicate delivery cutoffs clearly

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Be transparent about shipping deadlines for holiday orders. Use your website, emails, and social media to keep customers informed and prevent missed deliveries or frustrations.

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9. Review performance and improve

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After the peak season, review how your logistics, inventory, and shipping processes are performed. Learn from the data and tweak your strategies for the next high-demand period.

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10. Compare shipping providers

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Research and compare courier services before the holiday season. Each provider offers different strengths in coverage, cost, and delivery speed, so pick one that aligns with your customer needs.

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11. Align customer support with operations

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Ensure seamless communication between your support and logistics teams for quick issue resolution during peak season.

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12. Test new logistics processes early

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Before launching new products or systems, run a test to ensure everything—from receiving to packing and shipping—flows smoothly. Identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies early.

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13. Automate repetitive tasks

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Use automation to handle repetitive tasks like order tracking notifications and customer delivery updates. This lets your team focus on more critical activities during busy times.

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14. Utilise pre-orders for better planning

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Offering pre-orders allows you to gauge demand, manage stock efficiently, and stabilise cash flow. It also builds anticipation for your products.

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15. Boost team morale

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Offering incentives, recognition, and regular check-ins will keep your team engaged and motivated throughout the Q4 rush. 

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A motivated team is key to handling the pressures of the holiday season effectively.

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As Q4 approaches, businesses face the challenge of scaling their logistics while providing exceptional customer experiences. 

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During the Réseau Entreprendre roundtable, Bigblue shared 15 expert tips to help brands optimise their operations for the peak season.

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By focusing on simple, scalable solutions like efficient fulfilment and cost-effective unboxing strategies, businesses can prepare for high demand while maintaining customer satisfaction. 

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Tim Dumain, CEO of Bigblue, emphasised the importance of starting small and strategically expanding, especially when considering international markets.

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With these insights, Bigblue aims to help businesses streamline their logistics, boost sales, and navigate the complexities of Q4 with confidence.

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About Bigblue 

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Bigblue provides a comprehensive logistics solution designed to help e-commerce businesses scale efficiently. 

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By offering real-time tracking, fulfilment and returns services, and flexible shipping options, Bigblue ensures a smooth customer experience while optimising brands’ operational workflows. 

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Whether you're preparing for a high-demand period like Q4 or expanding internationally, Bigblue’s tailored approach makes logistics simple and scalable.

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About Réseau Entreprendre 

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Founded in the 1980s, Réseau Entreprendre is a renowned network supporting French entrepreneurs' growth and job creation efforts. 

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Through mentorship, funding, and valuable resources, the organisation provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to scale their businesses sustainably. 

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Réseau Entreprendre is dedicated to fostering a strong entrepreneurial community across France.

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About Flakon 

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Founded by Clément Gavault in 2020, Flakon offers premium wine and spirits tasting boxes, revolutionising the tasting experience for wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike. 

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The brand focuses on curating rare and high-quality wines and spirits, providing memorable tasting moments. 

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As a Bigblue client, Flakon has successfully scaled its operations to meet the demands of a growing customer base. 

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