The holiday season is a make-or-break time for many businesses—but it’s also the riskiest. Imagine this: your warehouse is packed with high-demand inventory, your retail store is bustling with shoppers, and your e-commerce orders are rolling in faster than ever. Now, imagine a fire, theft, or shipment error wiping out a chunk of your hard-earned stock. The consequences could be devastating. That’s why protecting your inventory during peak season isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Here’s what every business owner should consider when safeguarding their inventory, whether you run a warehouse, retail shop, or e-commerce store.

1. Understand Your Coverage Needs

Not all insurance policies are created equal, and peak season exposes gaps that often go unnoticed. Standard business property insurance may cover certain perils, but it might not account for the surge in inventory or special shipping risks during busy months.

Example: A warehouse storing additional holiday stock may exceed the limits of its current policy. If a sprinkler system malfunctions and water damages the excess inventory, the standard policy may only cover a portion, leaving the business owner responsible for the rest.

Tip: Conduct a thorough inventory review before the holiday rush. Discuss with your insurance agent whether your current policy adequately covers higher stock levels, temporary storage locations, and shipment in transit.

2. Mitigate Risk With Smart Storage and Security Practices

Insurance can only do so much if preventable risks aren’t addressed. Reducing the likelihood of damage or theft can protect both your inventory and your premiums.

Warehouse Example: Installing surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and climate controls can prevent theft and protect sensitive goods from temperature-related damage. For instance, a warehouse storing electronics might invest in climate-controlled storage to avoid costly humidity damage.

Retail & E-Commerce Example: For stores and online businesses, consider secure shelving, fireproof safes for high-value products, and tamper-evident packaging for shipments. Even something as simple as organized stockrooms and clear labeling can reduce human error and shrinkage during busy periods.

3. Plan for Supply Chain Interruptions

Peak season doesn’t just increase the quantity of your inventory—it also increases the complexity of how that inventory moves. Shipment delays, lost packages, or supplier disruptions can all impact your ability to fulfill orders, potentially leading to lost sales and customer dissatisfaction.

Example: An e-commerce business sourcing holiday products overseas may face shipping delays. If the business isn’t covered for inventory in transit or business interruption, a delay could result in significant financial losses.

Tip: Look into policies that cover goods in transit, including third-party logistics partners, and consider business interruption insurance tailored to your sales channels. These protections can help you recover lost income if delays prevent you from meeting customer demand.

Protect Your Inventory and Your Bottom Line

Peak season is high-stakes, but with the right planning and insurance coverage, you can focus on growing sales instead of worrying about potential losses. From reviewing coverage limits to implementing robust security measures and planning for supply chain disruptions, there are practical steps every business can take to safeguard inventory.

Don’t leave your holiday season to chance. Contact your Hertvik Insurance Group agent today. Ensure your warehouse, retail store, or e-commerce business is fully protected during peak season. Your inventory—and your business—deserve it.