In the light of the recent financial woes it would appear that eCommerce remains one of the few relatively healthy and stable retail sectors. What is more, the majority of revenue (and the majority of profit) from most eCommerce retailers is generated over the festive season. In order to maximise this once a year opportunity it is essential to get planning and think around the potential issues. So here goes with a few hints and tips to help make your eCommerce winterval a cracker :

- If your eCommerce site has been running for more than one season get in touch now with the customers you did business with then. It is likely they will remember you and offering a promotional discount code or free shipping can often secure their loyalty. They may have forgotten you. But don’t forget them. Its always easier (and often less costly) to sell to your past and existing customers.

- Plan for the best : many sites report a 30-50 fold increase in business over the festive season so be prepared. Load test your entire system from the hosting through to payments and delivery. It can be costly to expand infrastructure for just a short period, so outsourcing elements on a temporary overflow basis, or shipping products direct from the manufacturer may be a useful option.

- Think about how your site is organised for the impatient Xmas shopper : persona-based gift finders can allow your customers to search what is on offer more easily and find the right product for their loved one. Typical gift finders search by price, age and sex, but also give help to your customers to find products for the characters you know – from Gadget Freaks to Fashion Divas.

- Many online vendors are so happy that the rush is over, that they forget the advantage that they have above the high-street retailer, which is the ability to start their sale as soon as their last Xmas shipping day is finished. So this year, online retailers that ship next day could start their sale up to 5 days earlier, without cannibalising their Christmas deliveries.

- Offer Gift Wrapping : its not just a profitable additional service but can increase the conversion on key products because. Remember there are a many customers who will not see their loved ones over the Christmas period and would much rather ship items direct rather than receive, wrap and then forward them.

- Get in the spirit : Make each customers experience special; from the ordering experience, to packaging, every aspect has to exceed the consumer’s expectations. Over the festive season, most people are meeting their friends and family so there is no better time to have consumers talk about how great you are. Advocates are the best way of marketing. Throw in a free gift or voucher with their order and they won’t stop shouting about you all Christmas.

So there it is. Get down to work to ensure you make the best of it; wishing you all a prosperous e-Christmas.