How do you keep up?

[#1]

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!)

[Former_Member]

Keeping up with the packaging and getting things sent off is a little overwhelming! But it's going GREAT and definitely can't complain at all! For whatever reason packaging takes awhile for me.

[Former_Member]

I'll swap your 9 for my 42?!

I just nuckle down and get stuck in. I usually have to make sacrifices, I've not been out much socially for a couple of weeks, but once my international orders have been posted I'm having my works christmas party : D set yourself fun things to look forward to after you've completed them.

[Former_Member]

I had my 1st rush over the weekend, but nothing I couldn't handle. I would be happy to make 1 sale a day, as most of my stuff is made to order as well. But with 3 kiddos, I would be content with 1 sale a day to keep me busy...not that I would turn any orders down!

[Former_Member]

I spent the past week giving up quite a bit of sleep... then the schedule for next week at my "day job" came out - turns out they chose the perfect time to cut back on a few of my hours!

[ohmyclumsyheart]

Yes.. I thought I was prepared but I'm not.

x

[KnitBlossom]

That's very encouraging. Glad to hear it!

[PiecesofMeCardsnMore]

Congratulations to all of you! At some point you may have to stop taking special orders so you can take a breather and catch up.

I had an item in my favorites that I was hoping to buy after I got a few sales. The seller had posted in her shop announcement that she was taking 7-10 days to get items made because her shop had sold out. I went back into my favorites a few days ago and the item is gone and I can't find her anywhere through search (I forgot the name of her shop but I'd know her by the style of her photos). I thought maybe she closed her shop for vacation to catch up but the item would still be in my favorites if that was the case. I'm very sad now because I really wanted it. I just needed to wait until I had the funds to buy it. :(

Sorry, I'm just rambling while I have my first cup of coffee.

[kidsstore · Accepted solution]

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.

[Former_Member]

Man, I wish I had your problems. Best of luck to you.

[HoookedHandmade]

Three words and my one piece of advice to most sellers: ready to ship.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Congrats on all of those orders!

One warning though: don't take on more orders than you can finish within a reasonable time. That might turn against you, with buyers complaining about late shipping.
Don't be afraid to stop taking custom orders!
Simply explain that you are swamped with orders and won't be able to take any new ones untill <certain date>.
Put it in your shop announcement and in your listings.
It won't harm your shop, since buyers will realize how popular your items are and many of them will return after that date.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

I'm swamped also...but you would expect that since I primarily sell Christmas ornaments! While I typically only list items that I currently have made, people continue to buy - and then say...oh please paint this in blue, instead! Sometimes it's just easiest to remake and send them the item they want...becuase it's more time consuming exchanging messages with them. And all the poeple who want custom orders are too numerous to count! Good problems, I know, but stressful.

[AudMod · Accepted solution]

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.

[AudMod · Accepted solution]

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/

[AudMod · Accepted solution]

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!

[StuffJustStuff]

I just loose sleep

[MelsCreativeWishes]

I was on vacation for two weeks in November and was concerned this would affect my sales. But since being back I have been happy with a steady flow of sales.
All items in my store are ready made so that has helped too.