The Philippines have a long, drawn-out Christmas season that promptly begins once September hits. Popularly known as the Ber months in the Philippines, these refer to the last four months of the year ending in the same suffix. With Christmas fast approaching, shoppers gear up for the festivities ahead. Consumers shop for the perfect gifts, holiday essentials, and incredible deals. E-commerce sellers must be ready to meet the surge in demand and capitalize on the holiday spirit.
In this article, we’ll examine what “Ber Months” means to e-commerce sellers and how to maximize sales potential.
Introduction to the “Ber Months” Season
The “Ber Months” in the Philippines, referring to September, October, November, and December, mark the beginning of the country’s festive holiday season. This period is a time of celebration and a significant shopping season for Filipinos and is also popularly dubbed the “four months of Christmas.” With the onset of the “Ber Months,” the Philippines transformed into a hub of commerce and festivities, making it crucial for e-commerce businesses to prepare for the surge in consumer activity.
What is the significance of ‘ber’ months in the Philippines?
During this season, Filipinos eagerly anticipate various holidays, including Halloween, All Saints’ Day, Bonifacio Day, and, most notably, Christmas. Gift-giving, family gatherings, and a spirit of generosity characterize these holidays. As a result, consumers are looking for the perfect gifts, decorations, and festive essentials, making it a prime time for e-commerce businesses to capitalize on increased consumer spending.
At the start of the Ber Months Sale in 2023, around 57% of shoppers in the Philippines purchased a product online, and nearly 11.9% used a buy now, pay later service to complete the online purchase.
E-commerce Sales Insights from Ber Months Sales 2023
Several e-commerce sellers with online stores on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Shopify partnered with Locad for order fulfillment. Here are some of the sales observations based on the orders fulfilled by Locad during the Ber Months Sales 2023 in the Philippines.
Ber Months Sale 2023 Top Product Categories
Beauty and Skincare
Storage and Luggage
Dietary and sugar substitutes
Non-perishables and Shelf-stable food and Beverage
Fashion and Accessories
With marketplaces, Shopee was the leading marketplace through which Locad fulfilled most orders during Ber Months Sales. Singles Day 2023 was when Lazada saw the highest number of orders fulfilled. For Shopee, it was the 9.9 sale during the Ber Months that saw the highest orders fulfilled. Locad saw TikTok orders double up during the 10.10 sale.
Welcoming the Ber Season in the Philippines
While this month used to mark the start of the rainy season in the Philippines, through the years, severe changes in weather patterns around the world have pushed the monsoon. September is still considered the peak of poor weather conditions in the Philippines. The country has a forecast of rain occurring on an average of 15 to 22 days out of September’s total of 30 days!
Analyzing the Impact of the “Ber Months” on E-commerce in the Philippines
The “Ber Months” are synonymous with increased consumer spending and bustling economic activity in the Philippines. As e-commerce continues to flourish, it’s essential to understand how these months impact online businesses and what opportunities they present for online sellers.
1. Surge in Online Shopping: With the “Ber Months” come a flurry of holidays and celebrations. Consumers turn to online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada to conveniently purchase gifts, decorations, and holiday essentials. This surge in online shopping is a golden opportunity for e-commerce businesses to boost sales through ber months promotional activities.
2. Peak Season for Marketing Campaigns: E-commerce businesses can use the heightened consumer interest during the “Ber Months” to launch compelling marketing campaigns. Special promotions, discounts, and festive-themed advertisements resonate with shoppers, driving more ber months sales and giving brands more revenue.
3. Diverse Product Demand: The “Ber Months” encompass various holidays with unique product demands. For example, Halloween calls for costumes and decorations, while Christmas sees a spike in gift purchases. E-commerce stores offering diverse products catering to these celebrations can capitalize on this season’s demand.
4. Intensified Competition: As more e-commerce businesses recognize the potential of the “Ber Months,” competition can be fierce. To stand out, it’s crucial to fine-tune your marketing strategies, provide exceptional customer service, offer competitive shipping and delivery timelines and ensure product availability.
5. Seasonal Inventory Management: Effective inventory management is vital to meet the increased demand during the “Ber Months” without overstocking or understocking. E-commerce businesses must plan their inventory and logistics meticulously to avoid potential issues.
Shopping Behavior And Customer Expectation During Ber Months
The “Ber Months” introduces a unique set of shopping behaviors and customer expectations in the Philippines. E-commerce businesses must align their strategies with these trends to cater to their target audience effectively. Here’s a closer look at the typical shopping behavior and customer expectations during this season:
1. Early Planning: Many Filipinos plan and shop for the “Ber Months” well in advance. A study into shopping patterns during the mega sale days reveal that shoppers begin their research as early as four weeks prior. They often look for deals, discounts, and promotions early to spread out their expenses. E-commerce stores should consider launching early bird promotions to attract these forward-thinking shoppers.
2. Price Sensitivity: Price-consciousness is prevalent during this period, with consumers actively seeking value for their money. Google’s Year In Search report reveals that the internet in the search query “best deal” grew by 40%. Competitive prices, bundle deals, and free shipping can appeal to cost-conscious shoppers.
3. Demand for Unique and Personalized Gifts: The “Ber Months” encompass various holidays with unique product demands. For example, Halloween calls for costumes and decorations, while Christmas sees a spike in gift purchases. E-commerce stores offering diverse products catering to these celebrations can capitalize on this season’s demand.
4. Festive Themes and Decorations: As more e-commerce businesses recognize the potential of the “Ber Months,” competition can be fierce. To stand out, it’s crucial to fine-tune your marketing strategies, provide exceptional customer service, offer competitive shipping and delivery timelines and ensure product availability.
5. Convenient Shopping: With the increased hustle and bustle during the ber season, consumers prefer the convenience of online shopping. They expect e-commerce websites to be user-friendly, offer secure payment options, and provide reliable delivery services.
6. Responsive Customer Support: Customer support plays a vital role during the “Ber Months.” Shoppers may have inquiries about product availability, delivery times, or returns. E-commerce businesses should ensure their customer support teams are readily available and responsive.
7. Delivery Timeliness: Timely delivery is critical this season, especially for gifts and holiday preparations. E-commerce stores must collaborate with reliable logistics partners to handle surge in product demand, utilize fulfillment centers close to key customer bases, quickly pack and ship orders to meet growing customer expectations.
8. Safety Measures: Given the ongoing concern about health and safety, customers may expect e-commerce businesses to implement stringent safety measures in the warehousing and delivery of products. Clear communication regarding safety protocols can enhance customer trust.
Understanding these shopping behaviors and expectations allows e-commerce businesses to tailor their marketing, inventory management, and customer service strategies to provide a seamless and satisfying shopping experience during the “Ber Months.” In the following sections, we will explore practical steps to meet these expectations effectively.
Top Ber Months Sales Days
The “Ber Months” in the Philippines are synonymous with various holidays and celebrations, each with unique sales potential. E-commerce businesses can leverage these top sales days to maximize their revenue during this festive season. Here are the key dates to mark on your calendar:
1. September 1 (Start of the “Ber Months “)
Filipinos often kick off their holiday preparations as soon as the “Ber Months” begin. Launch special promotions, discounts, and early bird offers on this day to capture the attention of eager shoppers.
2. Halloween (October 31)
Halloween has gained popularity in the Philippines for costume parties and trick-or-treating. E-commerce stores can boost sales by offering Halloween-themed products, costumes, and decorations.
3. Singles’ Day (November 11)
While Singles’ Day originated in China, it has become a significant shopping event in the Philippines. Shoppers expect steep discounts and exclusive deals on this day, making it an excellent opportunity for e-commerce businesses to drive sales.
4. Black Friday (Fourth Friday of November)
Although not an official holiday in the Philippines, Black Friday sales have entered the local e-commerce scene. Shoppers anticipate massive discounts and promotions from both local and international online retailers.
5. Cyber Monday (First Monday of December)
Cyber Monday continues the shopping frenzy with online-exclusive deals following Black Friday. E-commerce businesses can extend their promotions from Black Friday into Cyber Monday to maximize sales.
6. Lazada and Shopee 12.12 Sale (December 12)
These e-commerce giants host the 12.12 sale, one of the most significant shopping events in the Philippines. Shoppers eagerly anticipate discounts, vouchers, and flash sales on this day. Participating in these events can significantly boost an online store’s visibility and sales.
7. Christmas (December 25)
Christmas is the pinnacle of the “Ber Months.” E-commerce businesses should prepare in advance by offering various festive products, including gifts, decor, and holiday-themed items.
8. Boxing Day (December 26)
While not widely celebrated in the Philippines, some shoppers still look for post-Christmas bargains. Consider extending your holiday promotions to Boxing Day to cater to this segment.
9. New Year’s Eve (December 31)
As Filipinos welcome the New Year, there’s a demand for party supplies, decorations, and fireworks. E-commerce businesses can capitalize on this by offering countdown essentials.
10. New Year’s Day (January 1)
The first day of the year is often spent with family gatherings. Consider promoting products related to family activities, meals, and New Year’s traditions.
By strategically aligning your marketing efforts and promotions with these top “Ber Months” sales days, you can tap into the festive spirit and consumer enthusiasm, driving higher sales and revenue for your e-commerce store. In the following sections, we’ll delve into specific strategies to prepare your online store effectively for these peak shopping periods.
Challenges Experienced During The Ber Months
While the “Ber Months” offer significant opportunities for e-commerce businesses in the Philippines, they also come with their set of challenges. Knowing these challenges can help you prepare better and navigate the season successfully. Here are some common hurdles that e-commerce stores often face:
1. Increased Competition: With the “Ber Months” being the peak shopping season, competition among online retailers intensifies. Standing out in a crowded market and attracting shoppers’ attention becomes challenging.
2. Inventory Management: Managing inventory levels during this season can be tricky. Overstocking can tie up capital and lead to storage issues while understocking can result in missed sales opportunities. Striking the right balance is crucial. Consider partnering with a flexible warehouse solution provider who can scale storage options for your e-commerce store for the Ber month sales.
3. Logistics and Delivery Delays: The surge in online orders during the “Ber Months” can strain logistics and delivery services. Delays in shipments can lead to customer dissatisfaction and impact your store’s reputation. Consider partnering with a 3PL that can give you multiple last-mile delivery providers to ensure that your orders are dispatched as quickly as possible.
4. Customer Support Demands: With more customers making purchases, the volume of inquiries, complaints, and customer support requests tends to rise. Providing timely and effective customer service becomes paramount.
5. Seasonal Marketing Costs: Running promotions, advertising campaigns, and discounts can increase marketing expenses. It’s essential to budget wisely to ensure a profitable season.
6. Payment Processing Challenges: Handling a high volume of transactions can strain payment processing systems. And with shoppers across different demographics, you need to ensure that your online store is capable of accepting their preferred methods of payment. Ensuring that payment gateways are available, reliable and secure is crucial to prevent disruptions.
7. Stockouts and Backorders: Despite careful planning, some products may still need more stock or end up on backorder. Communicating transparently with customers about product availability is vital. Ensure to send out alerts to shoppers when the product they were looking for is back in stock.
8. Returns and Refunds: The “Ber Months” often see an uptick in returns and refund requests, as customers may change their minds or receive gifts that need to be exchanged. Having a transparent and customer-friendly return policy is essential.
9. Website Performance: Increased traffic can sometimes lead to website slowdowns or crashes. Ensuring that your e-commerce platform can handle the surge in visitors is critical.
Understanding and proactively addressing these challenges will enable your e-commerce store to operate smoothly during the “Ber Months.” In the following sections, we’ll explore strategies and solutions to overcome these obstacles and make the most of the festive shopping season.
Preparing Your E-Commerce Store For Ber Months Sale 2024
As the “Ber Months” approach, it’s time for e-commerce businesses in the Philippines to gear up for the busiest and most lucrative season of the year. Effective preparation can ensure a seamless shopping experience for customers and maximize sales. Here are essential steps to prepare your e-commerce store for the “Ber Months”:
1. Embrace Multi-channel Selling: Filipinos use multiple platforms to secure the best deal before deciding where to shop. The rise of Shopee, Lazada, Shopify, and TikTok caters to different customer demographics. With multi-channel selling, you ensure your online store is right where your customers are and increase the opportunities for sales.
2. Building a Diverse Product Catalog: Expand your product range to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of “Ber Months” shoppers. Add seasonal items, sensible gift bundles, and exclusive deals to increase the perceived value of your products attract a broader audience.
3. Offer Fast Shipping at Affordable Rates: Shoppers during Ber Months Sale often look for faster shipping options and low shipping costs. In a heavily competitive market, offering a great product with flexible shipping methods can help sellers stand out. A compelling offer would mean increased footfall to the online store, translating to more sales.
4. Crafting Compelling “Ber Months” Marketing Campaigns: Develop creative and engaging marketing campaigns tailored to the festive season. Highlight promotions, discounts, and limited-time offers to entice shoppers. Use social media, email marketing and paid advertising to reach your audience effectively.
5. Prepare for the Surge in Sales Volume: The Philippines was one of the markets that experienced significant growth in 2023. As the most important sales block of the year approaches, businesses may experience unusually high orders. Sellers must have the required resources to avoid breaching marketplace fulfillment SLAs.
6. Enhancing Customer Support and Fulfillment Services: Higher order volumes mean higher customer inquiries. Ensure your customer support team is well-prepared and can handle increased requests promptly. Streamline your fulfillment processes to avoid delays and provide accurate order tracking.
7. Tracking and Measuring Success During the “Ber Months”: Use analytics tools to monitor website traffic, sales, and customer behavior. Track the performance of your marketing campaigns and adjust strategies based on real-time data. This allows you to make informed decisions and optimize your efforts as needed.
8. Tracking and Measuring Success During the “Ber Months”: Use analytics tools to monitor website traffic, sales, and customer behavior. Track the performance of your marketing campaigns and adjust strategies based on real-time data. This allows you to make informed decisions and optimize your efforts as needed.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of the “Ber Months” shopping season. The “Ber Months” presents a significant opportunity for e-commerce businesses to boost sales and build customer loyalty. With careful planning and execution, you can ensure a prosperous holiday season for your online store.
Winning the Ber Month 2024 Sale with Locad
During the peak sales season, e-commerce sellers have to split their time managing inventory, making core business decisions, and staying on top of logistics and fulfillment. With Locad, sellers can comfortably outsource inventory storage and fulfillment to ensure that their e-commerce orders are:
Stored close to customers Picked accurately and packed per branding Shipped on time to reach customers faster Tracked from the warehouse all the way to your customer’s doorsteps
Leverage the Locad Advantage for your Ber Months Sale 2024
With Locad as your e-commerce fulfillment partner, sellers in the Philippines can supercharge their sales with best-in-class scalable storage and logistics infrastructure. Here’s how:
Multi-channel Selling: With a tech-driven Locad Logistics Engine, integrate your online store across multiple marketplaces like Shopee, Shopify, Lazada and TikTok into one central dashboard.
Distributed Inventory: Enjoy nationwide coverage across the Philippines and fast fulfillment by storing inventory across Locad’s warehouse network. Decentralize inventory to ship orders faster and at lower costs.
Multi-carrier Last Mile: Partner with top last-mile carriers in the Philippines to get the best shipping rates for your orders. Auto-assign the cheapest carrier options to bring down shipping costs and delight customers.
Forecast Management: Log your expected sales volume during Key Ber Months sales for Locad to support you with additional warehouse staff. Pick and pack orders and make sure that you meet the fulfillment SLAs without impacting your online store ratings.
Precision Tracking: Locad helps you with sharable tracking links that let your team and your customer track the fulfillment journey of every order from dispatch to delivery. Reduce tracking-related questions to your customer service team and have them prioritize resolving key customer inquiries instead.
Customized Packaging: Enlist Locad’s support to pack your orders by adding customized inserts or packing orders in seasonal packaging. With Locad’s VAS features, you can pre-assemble stock through kitting and bundling assistance.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday becoming a global phenomenon, it is only natural for shoppers from outside the Philippines to engage with your online store. Offer international shipping options or learn how you can expand your business to newer markets across APAC, the US and other regions through Locad’s Cross Border Solutions.
Conclusion
As the “Ber Months” draw near, your e-commerce success story awaits. By optimizing your website, expanding your product offerings, crafting irresistible marketing campaigns, and providing top-notch customer support, you can make this festive season your most profitable one yet. Embrace the holiday spirit, meet customer expectations, and watch your e-commerce store thrive during the “Ber Months.”
With careful planning and execution, you can make this season joyful for your customers and prosperous for your business. Prepare to shine during the most wonderful time of the year in the world of e-commerce!
Experience fulfillment by Locad today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the “Ber Months,” and why are they important for e-commerce in the Philippines?
The “Ber Months” in the Philippines refer to the four months from September to December, known for heightened festivities and shopping, making them crucial for e-commerce.
How can I optimize my e-commerce website’s performance to handle increased traffic during the ‘Ber Months’ ?
To optimize website performance for increased traffic during the ‘Ber Months,’ consider using content delivery networks (CDNs), optimizing images and code, and upgrading hosting resources.
What types of products are popular during the “Ber Months,” and how can I prepare my product catalog accordingly?
Popular “Ber Months” products include gifts, holiday decorations, and seasonal items. Prepare your catalog by diversifying product offerings to cater to festive shoppers.
What marketing tactics work best for e-commerce stores during the “Ber Months”?
Effective marketing tactics include holiday-themed promotions, email marketing, social media campaigns, and collaborating with influencers to engage shoppers.
How can I ensure secure and smooth payment processing for increased sales during this time?
Ensure secure payment processing by implementing trusted payment gateways, SSL certificates, and fraud prevention measures. Conduct testing to handle peak transaction loads smoothly.
