Prepping for Christmas

[#1]

Have you started yet?

[SantasSockCentral]

I basically only do Christmas ;)

[Cottonbags]

I have made a list of things that I would like to have in my shop for christmas :)

[CedarwoodCreations]

Yes ~ I'm making more and trying to list at least one per day (and/or renew).
I'm also prepping for the 6th Annual CIJ (Christmas in July) on Etsy. This will be my first time participating and I'm very excited about it!

[Former_Member]

I am really no good at self discipline. I have had a couple of no sale weeks, so I do not have any orders, I keep telling myself that I should be gearing up for Christmas, by finishing off Christmas Stockings and then I only do the personalization in the Christmas rush, but I haven't yet started....

[Former_Member]

I'm going to attempt some sort of 'Christmas in July' this year. I'm thinking of releasing a new christmas goodie each day, to start getting christmas tags in my shop, and building stock.

I've got all of my ideas planned out, and a few sketches started so hopefully I will be ready by the first!

[ForeverSweethearts]

I only have a couple of Christmas items. I'll sell them til they're gone and then make-to-order if there's time.... but this isn't a full-time job for me, so I'm not trying to hit a certain number or keep a certain stock. When it's gone, it's gone.

[DoodlepopDesigns]

I'm just starting to get my stock organized and will be listing items next month.

[Former_Member]

You made me worry. I didn't realize that I should start xmas in june.. :(
I was thinking that I should start xmas goodies making in august/septemer.
>:
Ok, I can do it. I am starting next week. (I hope so).
Tnx for the heads up!

[Swiejko]

OK... so it's time! thanks ;)

[Former_Member]

You can start whenever you want, I look at it this way:
People start purchasing for the holidays around August and on. Between June and August people are busy away from their shops going on vacation and enjoying the weather - let's face it, we tend to work a lot less during that time. Suddenly August is here and school starts, and Halloween is here before you know it, and Thanksgiving, and suddenly Christmas is over. Build stock early, less things to stress about between September and December because that time passes way too quick, and there is already too much to think about and do during that time without adding 'stocking shop' to that list! And of course you can (hopefully) start selling your goodies early! :)

[ShadyLaneDesignz]

I should be but I'm not in the mood. Most of my items are gifts for any season but the Christmas themed ones (like my Christmas trees), I have no motivation for whatsoever. But I plan on starting late July on holiday themed items.

[LeeliaSupplyVintage]

Pretty strange, I just sold the last of my Christmas ornaments last week and was just thinking that I need to make some more in time for Christmas. As everybody else, my goal is to get more ready to ship items in stock, especially for my children's section and ornaments. Will need to get busy!!!

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

My plan was to start making and listing Christmas 2013 items in July. I just realized the other day that July is right around the corner! Eeek!

[WintergreenDesign]

I sell Christmas ornaments in my shop year around and they do sell year around. Christmas is my top search word everyday of the year. I was contacted last month about a feature in a magazine for Halloween... I've learned that I need to be WAY ahead of the actual holiday in order to get noticed

[Former_Member]

Ariana Neala - I LOVE that idea! (Releasing a new item each day in July)

[SageNThymeDesigns]

I'm getting supplies fully stocked for my busy season (Halloween-X mas) so I don't have to run around getting more fabric, or freak out because they're out of what I needed yesterday. I'm even thinking of getting a part time assistant to help me sew during October.

I usually make multiples of the more popular stuff. I'm trying to make an extra of certain costumes in multiple sizes when someone orders one, just so I have a 'ready to ship' (love being able to stick it in the mail and pat myself on the back!!)

When certain things become really popular (costumes in October) the price goes up. A few weeks before Halloween my more popular costumes are 40-50% higher than during the rest of the year (when they get to be on 'sale'). If you can't keep up with production, increase the price. Really. Increase by enough that it makes the extra craziness 'worth it' to you, whatever that price point may be for you.

[DeidreDreams]

This is such an interesting thread! At first I thought, huh?? But reading all this, makes me realise I still don't know yet what'll happen. Last year was my first year. I wasn't really busy throughout the year until September hit. I was busy from September till December in one big haze. It made me vow I would have enough Halloween pieces in time and also to pre-make about a dozen of each of my made-to-order Christmas items. I thought I would have plenty of time for that. But now, this year, I had 1 quiet month (which was April) and the rest has been busy as well (not as busy as September to December, but still). I keep making ready-to-ship pieces to have enough stock when September comes, but it keeps selling! So now I just keep making goodies and I'll see what happens.
I still can't seem to find some logic in the year's sales (unless this year's sales will be my usual logic O.o )

Have a wonderful Christmas season everyone ;-)

[Inugurumi]

I started preparing for Christmas in March. Last year I started preparing for Christmas in August and it wasn't early enough. I probably missed more than 50 sales during Christmas season because I wasn't prepared enough. So, I decided to start early this year. Unfortunately/Luckily, I am not doing great because I keep getting orders and can't stock up for Christmas.

[PeonyKnits]

June 1st I started re-knitting, re-stocking, and re-photographing everything in my shop.

I had to close my shop 3 times last Christmas season to catch up on orders. Fingers crossed this season is just as successful now that I will be prepared :-)

[Former_Member]

OH, yes I have started sorting for handmade coat and scarf pin sets to wrap. I have shows through the holidays and what I don't sale at shows gets listed on etsy.

In my BoxesSquared shop I already have the Christmas In July section full of what will be season cheer.

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153816646/brown-furry-rabbit-slippers-mauve-fleece?


Second Slipper offering from the Shop - posted earlier today. These are definitely being considered for the Christmas season for the Cuddlies.

[TheNorthWayStudio]

I'm starting to bring in more jewel tones for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons--but I'll really start hoarding pieces once September rolls around!

[Former_Member]

I just opened last month so I have no idea what Christmas will bring. I should start to prepare I guess just in case....

[PotteryLodge]

@miyuki I missed at least 10 sales during the Mother's Day rush due to not being prepared enough. Stocking up items is hard when you live a little apartment. I am making more shelves this weekend to store my greenware/bisque on so I can always have my popular items in stock. Makes it even harder when a lot of my customers want an item but in a different color...So this is what I am trying to work out.

I love being busy with orders, but I would also love to have stock of items that I can ship in a hurry.

[ButterflyFeetDigital]

I have had a few Christmas sales in almost any month... Also, there's that Christmas in July promo coming up if Etsy does it again this year.