A week before the big shopping wave, shipping early is suggested

SOLVANG, Calif. - From the smallest counters to the biggest drop off locations, customers who are shipping gifts and holiday products are urged to get ahead of the expected rush.

At The UPS Store in Solvang, they've already seen a busy counter this week. Owner Ranjeet Thiara says, "we're ready for the holidays, it's right around the corner. It's going to get really busy, we're ready!"

Every day matters in the holiday season where package delivery timing is critical. One frequent customer who ships lavender is already sending out his orders, days before Thanksgiving or the busy shopping season right afterwards.

Sean Crowder from Clairmont Farms Los Olivos said, "we used to start it December 1st  now we start it around the 10th or 15th of November."

Weather delays are often a factor in shipping. Crowder said, "if we've got a blizzard, a storm, if it interferes with air travel it definitely affects delivery time." Thiara has also seen it happen. "It can problematic so you will save a lot, with a slower option you  can save some money and it will get there early."

Customers are advised to package the shipments correctly before they arrive at the counter to avoid delays in securing boxes and envelopes. Crowder said, "I bubble wrap anything with glass,  do it with the use biodegradable packing peanuts.  I also use   tissue paper for extra wrapping and cushioning for packing."

Thiara says at his store "we are packing experts."

Thanksgiving hits the calendar five days later than normal this year, and that tightens up the window for shipping in between the holidays.

That puts shipping speeds and shopping sprees are in the same lane this holiday season. "A few weeks from now it is going to get very busy so it is to your advantage to get  it out now," said Thiara.

With modern technology, scanning and sorting, customer service and on time deliveries have a better track record. "It's safe, trusted technology that just makes it easier  for the customers. We treat the packages as if they are our own," said Thiara.