How to Prepare for the Holiday Rush and Not Run Out of Tape !

The holidays are the busiest time of year for e-commerce businesses and one of the easiest ways to get caught off guard is running out of essential packaging supplies like tape.

It might seem like a small thing, but not having enough tape can cause serious fulfillment delays, rush shipping costs, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.

Here’s how to calculate how much tape you’ll need, what types to consider, and a few pro tips to make sure you stay stocked through the holiday madness.

📊 Step 1: Estimate Your Holiday Order Volume

Start with a sales forecast. If you’ve been in business for a year or more, use last year's holiday numbers as a baseline.

Ask yourself: 

• How many orders did I fulfill last November–December?

• What’s my expected growth this year (10%, 25%, 50%)?

• Do I have any major promotions or new product launches?

👉 Example:

• Last year: 500 orders

• Projected increase: 30%

• Expected holiday orders this year = 650

📐 Step 2: Estimate Tape Usage Per Package

Next, determine how much tape you use per package, on average.

• Standard packing tape (2” wide) typically uses 20–30 inches per box

• Larger or heavier boxes may use 40–60+ inches

• If you double-seal boxes or reinforce seams, tape usage goes up

👉 Example:

• You use ~30 inches per order

• 650 holiday orders x 30 inches = 19,500 inches

• That’s 1,625 feet of tape

📦 Step 3: Convert That Into Rolls

Most standard packaging tape rolls are:

• 55 yards (165 feet) or

• 110 yards (330 feet)

Now divide your total feet by the roll size.

👉 Example:

• 1,625 feet ÷ 165 feet/roll = ~10 rolls

• Always add buffer: order 15–20 rolls to be safe

💡 Pro Tip: Order in case packs for better pricing and to avoid last-minute reordering.

🧵 Step 4: Consider Tape Types for Different Needs

You might use more than one kind of tape during the holidays. Consider:

Think through how many of each type you’ll need. It may be smart to split your order between tape types.

🛒 Step 5: Order Early & In Bulk

Tape shortages and shipping delays are common during peak season. Ordering early means:

• You’ll get better pricing (avoid rush orders)

• You’ll avoid stockouts from your supplier

• You won’t waste time making emergency supply runs

If you're a small business scaling up for the holidays, this is the time to buy like a big business. Don’t wait until Black Friday to check your tape stash.

✅ Holiday Tape Checklist

Here’s a quick list to make sure you’re ready:

✔️ Estimate order volume
✔️ Measure average tape used per order
✔️ Multiply and convert to rolls
✔️ Add a buffer (25–50% more)
✔️ Order multiple types if needed
✔️ Restock early, before November
✔️ Store in a cool, dry place for longevity

✨ Final Thoughts

It’s easy to overlook packaging tape, but when orders start flooding in, it becomes one of the most-used tools in your entire operation. A little planning now saves a lot of scrambling later.

By taking the time to calculate and prepare your tape needs, you’ll stay ahead of the holiday rush and keep your shipping operation running smoothly.

Need to restock?
Check out our full collection of clear, tan, white, and printed tapes, available in bulk, with fast shipping and options perfect for small businesses gearing up for the holidays.