Do holiday orders take longer than normal?Updated 14 days ago
During the holiday season (November through December), orders may take longer than usual due to higher demand and potential carrier delays. We recommend placing your order at least two weeks earlier than your usual timeline to ensure on-time delivery.
Why Holiday Orders May Take Longer
The holiday season is the busiest time of the year at Lead Apparel, with a significant increase in order volume across all product categories. Because of this, additional processing and production time may be required compared to standard turnaround times.
We update the estimated ship dates regularly based on our production schedule. You can view these dates under "Turnaround Time" before adding a product to your cart. This helps you plan more accurately based on real-time availability.
Shipping carriers like UPS may also experience delays during this period due to increased package volume nationwide. While we do our best to stay on schedule, these external factors can sometimes impact delivery timelines once your order has shipped.
Planning Ahead for Holiday Orders
To avoid delays and ensure your order arrives when you need it, we strongly recommend placing your order earlier than usual. Ordering at least two weeks ahead of your normal schedule provides a buffer for both production and shipping.
Artwork & Production Considerations
Orders that require new artwork will still go through our standard process, including proof creation and approval before production begins. This step is essential to ensure accuracy and quality, but it can add time—especially during peak season.
For repeat clients using the same artwork from a previous order, production may be faster in some cases. These orders can sometimes move through production in as little as 2–4 business days, since artwork is already approved and on file. While this is not guaranteed, it is a common advantage for returning customers.
Shipping & Delivery Timing
Even after your order leaves production, delivery timelines may vary depending on carrier performance during the holidays. Expedited shipping options can help reduce transit time, but they do not shorten production time.
Because of this, planning ahead remains the most effective way to ensure your order arrives before your event or deadline.
💬 Need Help?
If you’re planning a holiday order and working with a specific deadline, feel free to reach out to our team before placing your order. We can help review your timeline, recommend the best turnaround option, and make sure everything is set up for on-time delivery.
