Solved: Re: How do you keep up?

Cabooties · ‎12-01-2012

Is anyone else having trouble keeping up withe the holiday rush? I currently have 9 open orders, all for custom made goods that take 3+ hours to make, and am getting 4+ new orders every day. I raised my prices on the more popular/time consuming items thinking that I would get fewer new orders that way, but it actually increased the volume of sales...

Is anybody else having this (wonderful) problem? Do you have a system to help you keep up? My shop has only been open for a month and I definitely was not prepared for this kind fo demand... (not that I'm complaining!)

kidsstore · ‎12-01-2012

Congratulations to all of you!

This is my second holiday season on Etsy. I print off copies of the invoices, and stack them by date purchased. I try to make the same things ordered in groups. I deactivated some of my items that aren't already made up and take too much time to make. I am focusing on the most popular items. If it becomes too much to keep up with, I will put my shop on vacation mode until I catch up.

I was going to close my shop on the 10th so I can do my own christmas shopping and preparation. Then I decided to keep it open, but only keep active the items that I actually have completed and in stock. That way I only have to ship items instead of make them, and I might get rid of a few more pieces of inventory.

My shop has evolved during the past 2 years and the items offered in my shop have changed. Next year I will be focusing on the popular items, and through the year try to build up my stock so I will be prepared for next year's holiday season. Also, I will try to use up a lot of the fabrics that I already have on hand.

This is a great "problem" to have. Just remember, as was already mentioned, to take some breaks to rest your hands, neck, eyes, arms, etc. and to spend a little time with your family. Also think about when you are going to temporarily "close" your shop so you will have time for you own holiday celebratons.

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AudMod · ‎12-02-2012

First off, I’m so happy to hear you’re making holiday sales. Congrats! It’s also great to hear that your items are selling even for the higher prices you set.

I think the key here is organization – in terms of your orders, your inventory, and your time.

WithLoveFromLucille’s suggestion to set aside designated time for creating is great.

I also love the idea of Barbara’s Production Board. In this age of so much taking place online, it can be really helpful to have a tangible place where you can see your to-do list visually laid out.

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AudMod · ‎12-02-2012

Also, make sure you are being clear with yourself and your customers when it comes to holiday shipment deadlines. And be sure to establish realistic order processing times that allow you to create the items even when you have multiple orders to tend to.

Here are some resources about custom orders I’d encourage you to check out:
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/ten-tips-for-managing-custom-orders/
http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2010/etsys-guide-to-custom-work/

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AudMod · ‎12-02-2012

A few others have mentioned the importance of taking time outs. Such great advice! I know time is tight but please take care of yourself. You'll take better care of your shop if you are adequately rested and well.

I love Logan’s tips –preparing as much as you can in the slower months can help you for the rush of the holiday season, as discussed in this article: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/prep-for-the-holidays-during-the-seasonal-slowdown/

Thanks for all the great suggestions here. Best to you all!

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TOMgirlApparel · ‎12-01-2012

This is definitely your time of year! Buckle down and get to work, congrats :)

WithLoveFromLucille · ‎12-01-2012

Good call on raising your prices!

Yes! I can happily say I have that problem. But I did take down time last month to make a stockpile which is running thin :)
So now I HAVE to give myself strict time[s] during the day to focus on my orders....luckily they're pretty steady.
If it was like last week....I'd be soooo behind.

Just focus and take breaks :D
Congrats on the success!

Cheers all!

hooknsaw · ‎12-01-2012

We raised prices on some of our items. We quit taking custom orders for the rest of the year, 2 or 3 weeks ago. Everyone, so far, has been more than happy to wait until January for their custom items. We are sold out on over 40 items and won't be caught up again until probably April of next year. Congrats on your success and enjoy it!

ThekawaiiOD · ‎12-01-2012

you can do it!

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

I'm definitely feeling the rush. Hopefully by thus time next year I will be more prepared for the holiday season.

AuntBsAttic · ‎12-01-2012

Same problem here (but what a wonderful problem to have!)
Within days of deactivating made to order listings - because I can't get caught up enough to sew & tassel items that will be Ready to Ship ! No longer taking customs for Christmas delivery . . .

I have everything on a Production Board - and I'm just knocking out one order at a time . . . as long as nothing goes wrong - I'm on track - But still stressing out 'a bit' !!

Happy sales to all !

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

Yes, I am swamped in custom orders and even though my holiday delivery cut-off was Nov 23rd they just keep coming. :)
I cannot be prepared other than having samples in my shop because everyone wants different sizes and different colors. At this time I will be caught up by December 14th but if more orders come in i may never get caught up. lol
I just put my head down and keep hooking! :)

WatchMeWorld · ‎12-01-2012

Yes, I'm definitely starting to feel the pressure. At one point on Black Friday weekend I had like 64 open orders! That totally freaked me out, in a good way :) I've caught up a little now, but I can't really say how to prepare. Just give up sleep for a bit?

SugarSidewalk · ‎12-01-2012

I hear you!! Wonderful problem to have, and I'm grateful. Stressed, but grateful!

TreeCraftDiary · ‎12-01-2012

That is so good!
I so want to have the chance to feel of "don't have enough time" for receiving orders though :)
Congrats to make so many sales in your first month!

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

No, but I can see why your getting all the orders. You have a unique item. Texting mittens. Wow... you go girl!

Inugurumi · ‎12-01-2012

I have the same problem too! I deactivated half of my store a couple days ago, so I can keep up (I activated all once I sort of caught up). Today, I wrote down all the orders on a calendar, so I know which order I need to work on each day. Also, it helped me figure out how many more orders I can accept before Christmas. Once I hit the number of orders I can accept, I will deactivate everything but items in stock.

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

Thankfully I have the same problem :)
I make things in batches, so I've been focusing on restocking my popular items so my turnaround time is shorter.

Also, it never hurts to take a break when your brain begins to turn to mush. I tend to rotate projects every few hours so I can use different parts of my brain (that's totally the nerd in me lol).

High five on being a sales boss. I hope this winter will be great for you.

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

congrats!

I want to be busy! lol

CococutieCrochet · ‎12-01-2012

Yes, I have the same "good" problem. I had to put a 2 to 3 week shipping time on my orders. I don't want any customers to have unrealistic expectations of getting something guaranteed for Christmas delivery. I am so thankful even though I'm feeling a bit of pressure to get orders out.

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

Yep. I knocked out a bunch of orders today, but still have 16 open orders, that all take time to sew. I am getting nervous. I make 3 things, sell 2 more. I sew all day and sleep very little. I was sewing for 12+ hours today because I made arrangements for my kids to be elsewhere. I really don't have a plan B. I just hope to get everything made in time. I have decided that my biggest goal for 2013 is to be a ready to business by next Christmas! :)

Cabooties · ‎12-01-2012

I am glad to hear I am not the only one in this situation! Best of luck to everyone!

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

Congrats on all the orders! :)

Thankfully, I learned my lesson last year...too many custom orders too close to Christmas. I was a nervous wreck. This year I made sure to have my custom order deadlines earlier and organization is key! I had canvases stocked and prepped by the beginning of October so whenever I got an order all I had to do was paint. Things are going to much smoother than last year and I don't feel rushed which is awesome.

I also watch a lot of kids movies (Addams Family anyone?) while I paint...sometimes music just gets on my nerves.

amysfunkyfibers · ‎12-01-2012

I have had the same problem, then I got a large wholesale order , which really got me behind. I am happy that I am busy, but stressed at the same time!
I see that you do lots of work with your hands too...be sure to take breaks!

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

Hi,
I just opened my shop this year and by the time I figured out how things work things started taking off. This month was crazy and I was not prepared for it. I made a lot of sales and I was a little stressed. I have a full time job so I sew after work and on my days off.
Knowing what I know now next year I will get much more organized and stock up on finished items.
Now I started making a few of one item at one time so next time I will have it ready to ship. this is helping a lot.

congratulations and let's hope it will continue

PAPERFLORISTS · ‎12-01-2012

I only have a couple of Christmas items so I thought my shop would be dead this month.Wrong! Best month so far. Most things are custom. I am keeping up but I have 9 open orders which makes me nervous.

Former_Member · ‎12-01-2012

That's great to have those sales! It does get overwhelming, but you'll hit your rhythm soon. Just be sure to take breaks. It's super easy to allow the day to get away from you when you work for yourself.

bapsicrafts · ‎12-01-2012

what holiday rush?

pumpedonpaper · ‎12-01-2012

holy smokes -- when it rains, it pours! this is my first christmas here and i'm totally feeling the rush. good thing i ♥ being a slave to art! keep up the awesome work guys -- YOU ROCK!!