Christmas Preorders

[HausofAriella]

I think I'm going to take Christmas preorders, but I'm not sure about a few of the details. I think it will be good for buyers who find the right gift, but don't want it shipped right away. And it will be good for me if I can make some of the Christmas orders ahead of time and have them ready to go on X date instead of trying to make a lot of stuff during exams. I might even offer free gift wrapping to make it a bit more appealing for customers.

I think I'm just going to offer preordering for domestic orders since international shipping can be unpredictable. I don't want to send the out too far in advance because that would defeat the purpose, but I also don't want any to arrive late. Most of the items will be shipped first class and the heavier ones will be sent priority, so nothing should take more than 5 days, but since it's the holidays there may be delays. Has anyone else tried this? When do you think I should ship the items?

[Former_Member]

I love your gift wrapping suggestion! (Much as I loath wrapping gifts myself, lol!)

I can't offer much help as a seller since I'm new. I can offer a little buyer's perspective though. I like the idea of being able to make some pre-orders. Perhaps you could start advertising them this month, and then plan on shipping sometime mid November through the beginning of December. Get in on the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals but have your items in hand before customers have a chance to go to craft fairs and spend the money there on an impulse buy instead of in your shop.

I'm not sure if that makes sense.

[HausofAriella]

Thanks for the input Rebecka! Anyone else have any ideas?

[HausofAriella]

No one?

[VintageBySesame]

Ariella, I think Christmas pre-orders is a great idea! Now when you mentioned it, I am considering doing the same in my shops. Thank you! :)

Gergana

[Former_Member]

How do you do pre-orders? Maybe i am a newb. but I have never even thought about this. I think it's a great idea and I want to do it too. heck I would even gift wrap if it meant spreading out my orders a bit.

[HausofAriella]

Anna - I'm planning on having people tell me in the notes at checkout if they want to preorder. I'm going to start working on the orders as they come in and packaging them ahead of time as well (marking who the order is for on the box). Then when I send them out on Dec. Xth (whatever date I decide on) I'll just have to print out the labels and put them in the mail. I'll have to be quite organized about it, but I think it's quite doable.