Dilemma!

[MamaNeedsAMin]

So I have a bit of a dilemma....

I have been offered a new job that will require me to go through training 8 hours away from home for 7 weeks. I just moved and reopened my shop after 5 months so I feel bad putting the shop on vacation mode again after I just got back!

I am going back and forth - do I take everything with me and operate out of my hotel room or just go on vacation mode, focus on my job training, and miss out on holiday sales!! Ugh I don't know what do to!

[InsideSandysShop]

Jessica - What a cute shop! If it were me I would get as one each of your over the collar dog bandanas and whatever shipping items you need all in a box - it shouldn't take up that much room. Then I would put for my shipping "will ship in 3 days". Then if you happen to run out mid week you will be able to wait until you get home to ship out the orders that come in mid week. You will be sewing like a mad woman on weekends :-) but I would hate to loose the momentum gained - that's just my thinking. But try to make it as easy on yourself as possible.
BTW congratz on your new job and good luck with that training. Sometimes that can be stressful too.
Blessings,
Sandy

[TandRHandweaving]

Jessica, I would concentrate on your new job and put the shop on vacation. My reasoning is this, your main income I presume comes from your day job. Putting your best foot forward and learning all you can about the new job will be an asset to you in the long run. Your shop will be there when you get back to it and you will be able to concentrate on the shop without the guilt or the stress of trying to put too much on your plate at one time. Best wishes in your job!

[OneFairfaxRoad]

Jessica, congratulations on the new job! With the upcoming holidays, I would suggest packing up your items and taking them with you and then replenish as needed. If it gets to be too much, you can always put your shop on vacation mode at that point.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I agree with Anne. Try it. Your items are adorable. There are two female Chihuahuas in my family and I am already thinking about Xmas presents for them. I will be in your shop as soon as I measure their necks. I am sure you will sell many items during the Holiday season. As Anne said, if it gets to be too much, you put your shop on vacation.

Best wishes and much success in your new job.

[Former_Member]

If you have a large amount of stock pre made, you could find another local seller who could do your shipping. Working with other sellers is always a great resource and learning experience. There would be a lot to think about, but it could be an option for you.

Best of luck in your decision making!

[kidsstore]

Jessica, I've done both for different reasons. I think I would keep listed only what you have made up and ready to ship. I would deactivate the others, and then relist them when you get back and are ready to roll again. I would take the ready to ship ones with me plus enough of the packing materials, and ship them once they are sold. That way you won't need to spend time making new bandanas, but will also be able to take advantage of the holiday sales.

One more thing, plan to close your shop early for the holidays so you have time for your own holiday shopping and preparations. You will need a breather. In fact, if I were you I would not keep my shop open after the first week in Dec. and then reopen it after the first of the year or when you are rested and ready. Your new job is the most important thing right now, so focus on that. Also be sure to leave time for you to do all of the things you and your family normally do for the holidays.

Congratulations and good luck.

Oh, be sure to put a note at the top of your front page (I would do it in caps so it stands out more) that you are away but will be filling orders and answering messages, it just might take a little longer than usual.

[MamaNeedsAMin]

Thank you all for your awesome responses! I have some stuff to think about and may have to deactivate a lot of listings since most of my items are made to order. That also being said, packing up shop and taking it with me really isn't that bad....And would give me something to do when I'm not working!