With millions of parcels criss-crossing the globe this holiday season, getting gifts delivered on time can sometimes be harder than choosing the perfect present.

To help you avoid stress (and disappointing your loved ones), we’ve put together a guide to help you steer clear of certain mistakes when ordering gifts this Christmas. From placing an order too late to trusting the wrong delivery company, there are many variables to consider this Christmas period.

1. Don’t leave placing your orders too late 

One of the biggest pitfalls of holiday shopping is procrastination. According to BussinessMondays.com more than 60% of UK online shoppers experienced delivery issues during December in recent years, with late parcels being a major source of stress.

If you wait until the last minute, you not only risk missing your own deadlines, but you also put additional pressure on courier networks that are already stretched. For best results, order early and consider reliable express options, such as Same Day or Next Day delivery services, especially for time-sensitive gifts.

CitySprint’s own first-attempt success rate for the millions of parcels we deliver annually sits at an incredible 97%. Our drivers receive regular training, meaning they go to all lengths possible to ensure every parcel is delivered to the right recipient at the expected time. If you’re using our services this Christmas, you can rest assured your gifts will arrive on time.

2. Ensure delivery details are correct

This is an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how often get at least part of their address wrong when not paying enough attention! A recent UK survey revealed that 35% of adults accidentally spoil Christmas surprises by signing for their own gifts (MyNewsDesk), often after a mix-up in where the delivery is meant to go.

Before pressing that ‘place order’ button, always verify the delivery address, including postcode and any special instructions for upstairs flats or gated communities. And if you’ve moved recently, don’t forget to update your address details on your shopping accounts, such as Amazon and eBay. 

3. Thoroughly research the retailer you’re ordering from

With the rise of AI and digitally altered images and videos, even the savviest shoppers can become victims of legitimate-looking small businesses that turn out to be scams. From unbelievable founding stories to images that are just a little too polished, if something feels too good to be true, it usually is.

It’s also no secret that China is the world’s largest hub for eCommerce sellers. This means that shopping sites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy can be full of sellers that have a UK address but are not actually based in the UK. Knowing this, ensure you allow enough time for International shipping, as well as custom delays and additional charges.

Our best recommendation is to check reviews thoroughly, then search for the business name + Trustpilot on your search engine. Should the business you’re ordering from turn out to be poorly rated or based somewhere international, you’ll be well equipped to deal with this.

Here at CitySprint, we’re very proud to boast a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating. With over 16,000 reviews, our customers know that when they choose us, they choose exceptional customer service, speedy operations and full transparency. 

4. Don’t choose the cheapest delivery option without considering reliability

According to SendCloud, nearly 2 in 5 UK shoppers have abandoned online purchases because of concerns about delivery, including slow speeds or lack of delivery choice. 
And it’s not just inconvenience: a poor delivery experience can turn customers away for good, with 64% saying they won’t reorder from a retailer after a failed delivery (Retail Rewired). Does this sound like something that would apply to you? 

While budget options might save a few pounds, investing in a delivery service that offers tracking, guaranteed time slots, and dependable performance can make all the difference between a merry Christmas and a frantic one.

Our Same Day delivery options include:

• Same Day – when you need a parcel to get there on the same day but don’t have a specific time in mind.
• Timed – when time is of the essence, and you need your parcel within a specific timeframe.
• Dedicated – the best option for highly-sensitive items that are delivered in a dedicated vehicle on a direct route.

If Same Day delivery isn’t required, our Next Day and International options are also great.

We may be biased but if you’re ordering from a retailer and have the option to choose a CitySprint delivery, we highly recommend it! 

5. Always consider security and parcel theft

With the festive rush comes a rise in opportunistic parcel thefts. Whether you live in a block of flats with communal delivery areas, a house without a porch, or ordering when you might not be in, security should always be at the forefront of your mind.

Avoid leaving packages in plain sight on porches. Opting for a delivery method that requires a signature or delivery to a secure location (like your workplace or local collection point) can dramatically reduce the risk of theft.

Christmas should be about connection, not delivery chaos. By planning, choosing the right delivery options, and taking care with the small details, you’ll be far more likely to see smiles on Christmas morning, not frantic last-minute tracking updates. Fingers crossed your family also had the same great tips to rely on! 

Rising customer expectations, shorter deadlines, and increased delivery volumes challenge operations across all sectors. With the right planning and a dependable delivery partner, SMEs, retailers, and public sector teams can ensure their services run efficiently and customers or citizens receive the reliability they expect this Christmas.

Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises

For SMEs, the Christmas period offers valuable opportunities, but also increased operational pressure. Whether you’re fulfilling client orders, sending goods to distributors, or delivering marketing materials for seasonal promotions, timely delivery is essential to maintaining momentum and reputation.

Same Day delivery provides the flexibility and responsiveness smaller businesses need when resources are stretched. CitySprint’s 97% first-time delivery success rate and nationwide coverage allow SMEs to meet last-minute customer demands or urgent project deadlines confidently. With 26 service centres across the UK, our local teams provide personal support and quick collection within an hour, helping businesses stay productive throughout the festive rush.

Sustainability is also a growing consideration for many SMEs. CitySprint’s net zero by 2040 commitment, supported by our expanding fleet of pushbikes, cargo bikes, and electric vans, ensures that businesses can meet their delivery goals while reducing environmental impact. This counts as a win for both efficiency and corporate responsibility.

Helping retailers deliver on customer promise

For retailers, Christmas is the defining season of the year and fast, reliable delivery can make or break the customer experience. With online orders peaking and in-store stock needing constant replenishment, seamless logistics are vital to maintaining brand trust and customer satisfaction.

CitySprint’s Same Day and Timed Same Day delivery options ensure that products reach customers within hours, enabling retailers to meet same day dispatch promises and replenish stock faster. Our 97% collection within 60 minutes and proven delivery accuracy allow retail teams to focus on sales and service while we take care of the logistics.

Every touchpoint matters from secure parcel tracking and proof of delivery to professional couriers representing your brand at the doorstep. CitySprint’s 2,500+ uniformed couriers uphold the same high standards your customers expect, reflected in our ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating and 15,000+ verified reviews.

We also understand the importance of cost-efficiency in competitive retail environments. Smart routing and co-loading help reduce delivery costs while supporting your commitment to sustainable operations which is a growing differentiator for modern consumers.

Supporting the public sector to serve communities

For the public sector, reliable delivery is critical to maintaining essential services particularly during the holiday period when time sensitivity increases and resources may be limited. Whether transporting medical supplies, secure documents, or equipment between sites, precision and accountability are vital.

CitySprint’s secure Same Day and Dedicated Same Day delivery services are designed to meet these requirements. With full end-to-end tracking, photo-verified proof of delivery, and encrypted booking systems, we ensure parcels containing sensitive or confidential items are handled with the highest levels of security.

Our nationwide network enables consistent service across local authorities, healthcare providers, and public institutions, supported by our security-checked couriers who understand the critical nature of these deliveries. With sustainability also a key part of public sector procurement strategies, our ‘Silver’ EcoVadis rating and environmentally conscious fleet align with government and local authority sustainability goals.

Plan ahead for a reliable Christmas

Across every sector, preparation is key to a smooth festive period. Partnering with a trusted delivery provider allows organisations to adapt quickly to seasonal peaks, maintain efficiency, and deliver exceptional service.

CitySprint’s range of Same Day and Next Day services ensures your business or organisation is supported every step of the way. So whether you’re managing retail fulfilment, public sector logistics, or SME client deliveries, you can depend on us to keep things moving this Christmas.

---

We deliver Courier services you can depend on. Find out more about our Same Day delivery or Next Day delivery solutions.

View all Blogs