2 Minute Read

The pressure of Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) isn’t just about one weekend. It’s about the systems you’ve built, the data you’ve captured, and how well your tech stack can hold up when traffic spikes and expectations soar.

That’s exactly what we tackled in our latest webinar, BFCM Tech Stack Readiness. With panelists from Klaviyo, Platform.sh, Shopware, and ShipperHQ, we unpacked what it really takes to get your systems—and your strategy—ready.

It’s Not Just a Weekend. It’s a Test.

Let’s start with a reality check: BFCM doesn’t begin on Black Friday. And it definitely doesn’t end on Cyber Monday. As Klaviyo pointed out, success is built in the weeks (or months) prior. Prep early. Test everything. Lock down your stack at least a week in advance, ideally two—with rollback plans in place and tested by your infrastructure team (12:30, 16:20).

What should you test?

  • Mobile responsiveness (19:59)
  • Fulfillment processes
  • Discount logic and application (9:20)
  • Flash sale performance (4:50)

Is Your Tech Stack Ready for Peak BFCM Season? Hear from Klaviyo, Shopware, and more in our on-demand panel discussion. >>

Your Stack Should Work Harder, Not Louder

An eCommerce tech stack needs to do more than function, it needs to work together. “API-first and mobile-ready” is the baseline (49:50). You need smooth communication between systems, clean handoffs across channels, and infrastructure built to absorb traffic surges without delays.

Because even small delays hurt. They damage relationships and in a high-stakes window like BFCM, there’s no margin for error (48:21).

Messaging Without the Noise

Your customers are flooded with deals. Don’t join the noise, join the signal.

Use data to target smartly. Segment early and stagger your sends. Build urgency through short-term offers, not blanket discounts that hurt your margin and dilute your brand (44:44, 38:34, 23:20). As Klaviyo emphasized, lifetime customer value should guide your BFCM promotions—not just a one-time spike.

AI can help here, too. It’s not just for automation, it’s for insight. Predictive models based on historical data help you decide when to send, what to offer, and how to turn one sale into ongoing retention (25:51, 32:33).

Fulfillment Isn’t a Back-End Task—It’s a Front-End Priority

Customer experience doesn’t stop at checkout. Fast, transparent shipping matters, so does being honest about delivery dates and product availability (34:38, 53:02). Don’t promote new products until the first order is out the door. It’s about building trust, not just pushing volume.

A strong fulfillment plan isn’t just operational—it’s strategic. It reduces churn, boosts reviews, and gives your marketing team something powerful to promote.

Your Data Knows What to Do (If You Let It)

You already have a backlog of customer data. Use it. From browsing history to purchase behavior, every interaction is a chance to refine targeting, improve product recommendations, and deliver the personalized experience customers now expect (20:16, 3:20).

As Vance put it: “The best time to start capturing data was yesterday. The second-best time is today.” (25:51)

Sustainability Still Matters

Even during the busiest sale season of the year, customers are thinking about sustainability. Be transparent about your policies and values. It could be the difference between one brand and another (2:59).

Want to Dive Deeper?

This blog just scratches the surface. The full webinar is packed with practical advice, real-world examples, and tech-specific strategies to make your BFCM smoother, smarter, and more profitable.

Your stack doesn’t have to bend under BFCM pressure. With the right prep, it won’t break.

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