Holiday Boot Camp - Week 2!

[#1]

Hi all,

Are you following along with the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp program? Week 1 is almost over, if you need to check out all the task for last week you can find them here: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/holiday-boot-camp-a-flying-start/

This week we're going to focus on developing the right products for the holidays (or tweaking the products you already sell).

Keep your eyes on your email inbox for your instructions.

And if you have any questions let us know in this thread.

I'd also love to hear if you plan on offering your buyers something different for the holidays!

Best
Danielle

[RainGirlDesigns]

I might have to consider gift wrapping this year. Many of my items are soft and flexible and don't give much for gift wrap but perhaps sturdier butcher paper with stamped images would work.

[PenguinCraft]

My to do list is already full! Eek!

[DiBeauDesigns]

Since I already ship my items in a box with a ribbon (inside a bubble mailer) for the holidays I just usually switch to a red or silver box with a holiday or glittery ribbon. This way if the buyer wants to look at it before giving it to the recipient they can. I wouldn't really charge any extra for gift wrapping if requested because my items are pretty small, and I always have loads of wrapping paper on hand. I even include a small gift or birthday card on occasion if I know what the occasion is.

[Former_Member]

My 'holiday' season started in August. Many of my items are already sold out with a waiting list for more.

Last year we cut over 1,500 soap dishes in 500 dish batches between September and November and were back cutting again between Christmas and New Years.

This year we've been cutting in 1,000 dish batches and as soon as they are ready, they pretty much sell out within a couple of weeks.

Without hiring help (which we don't really want to do) how do we manage to keep stock and stay competitive without working around the clock?

[AnnaDelores]

Does anyone have suggestions for offering "gift wrapping" on photography prints? I want to offer something extra for holiday shoppers (for free) but just can't come up with something that works for a photograph...

[Former_Member]

This site seems to have some USPS dates: http://www.shippingdeadlines.com/

I'm wondering about UPS, too. : ) Think I'll ask the guy when I'm there!

[Former_Member]

Crochetgal - have you raised your prices recently? Sounds like you are working hard. Maybe you deserve a raise? :)

[Former_Member]

very informative and motivating email this week!
really enjoyed MaryMary's article too!

making lots of changes, slow and steady :)

[SweetEttaRose]

CountryCents:
This is from another thread and really helped me download the spreadsheet. Hope this helps you too!
*******************************************************
artCain says

If you have a google account, you can save documents into your own private account.

1. Setup google account via gmail.com
2. Visit the Google documents main page. (lists all the documents you can view & share)

3. Create a NEW "Spreadsheet." Click on the Create button at the top left of the page. Select Spreadsheet.
4. Rename the new spreadsheet to a title of your liking. ex: "Holiday Book Camp Budget" Click the title bar to rename and save.

5. Click the Google Doc logo at top left to exit back into the main page.
6. Open Sample Holiday... Spreadsheet.

7. At the very bottom left of your screen, there is a button called Holiday Budget, click it and SELECT COPY TO.

8. You should see your NEWLY Created Spreadsheet listed. If it is not, search the title in the search box. If you have your new spreadsheet open, CLOSE IT. It needs to be closed to copy over.

9. ENJOY your private spreadsheet!

[Former_Member]

AnnaDelores - last year I went to Michael's and bought some decorative folders and twine. I packaged my prints as usual but "wrapped" them in the folders and twine and wrote attached a gift tag with a little handwritten thank you note. (You could also leave the note blank so your customer could fill it out)

[DyNaModuo]

Oh wow! I have a lot of work to do! I am hoping to have at least 4 full pages of items in my shop by the end of November....now if I can just find the time to craft.....

[Former_Member]

We will be offering free gift wrap when requested:)

[Former_Member]

Oh, and dont forget everyone to include a picture of an item wrapped, so that your customers know what to expect :)

[CandiWareArt]

I am going to offer a early bird sale. daniellexo when is the best time to start a x mas sale?

[PatsPottery]

I printed up this weeks stuff, and I don't have a buddy, but have been sharing with my whole team. Pottery really doesn't lend itself to wrapping, but I might try to come up with something besides the required ton of bubble wrap and peanuts:>)

[Chanchala]

Thanks Danielle. Really hope you implement it soon.

I give out gift box and ribbon with every order. Wonder whether I should add a photo of it in all my listings?

[Former_Member]

I think you should! This can even plant the seed in a buyers mind that the item would make a great gift.

[Former_Member]

Candychick - hmm probably just after Thanksgiving? Or earlier if you like. Black Friday to Cyber Monday is the big sale weekend, so you might want to save your biggest sale for then!

[CandiWareArt]

Thank you daniellexo I didn't know what Black Friday to Cyber Monday is since I live in Toronto. So its the day right after the US Thanksgiving. Thank you so much.

[VintageEye]

Filled out & printed my budget sheet.
Will offer free gift wrapping.
I am a loner. So no buddy for me. ;)
Ready to rock the holidays!

[Former_Member]

@Danielle

I've gotta come up with something snappy for Christmas. I'm working on it! :D I bought that little pie pumpkin just to shoot it for the shop.

[Former_Member]

I'm working on offering party favors, soap of the month clubs etc. I also am working on laundry detergent for the shop as well :) Finding time to get all this together is the hardest part I'm finding! But I've got my budget all mapped out and ready to hit it hard!

[RoughMagicCreations]

bellaandbeya says

I currently make bridal / special occasion accessories and I’m thinking about creating & launching a holiday line. I’ve already created a few pieces but I’m not sure how people will respond. For all of the ladies out there, would you wear a holiday flower pin on a sweater or on your hair?
_______________

I'd wear it on my sweater. Because winters are cold here, I always wear a hat, so a flower in my hair wouldn't work for me.

[CandiWareArt]

@bellaandbeya I would wear a hair pin I don't think I will wear pins on sweaters till I'm older :P

[Former_Member]

I'm so glad that I have a buddy this year! This is going to be a great season!