Question for the Seasoned Etsian

[Former_Member]

I know it's just about June, so it's kinda early to be thinking about this I suppose, but how early do you guys prepare for the Christmas rush?

[Former_Member]

I've only been through one Christmas season but last year I waited till the beginning of September and it was way too late, I got slammed with orders online and in person and didn't have enough inventory or time. This year I think I'll start in August

[efinegifts]

We do the majority of our Christmas listings in the spring and summer, because once Sept hits, we just don't have much time.

[Former_Member]

Sounds good, thanks!

[Former_Member]

Yep, like CreativeFiasco says. I am already starting to think of what I will be making for the holiday season and start some holiday soap. I would say the rule of thumb would be to try to stay at least a season ahead. If you have items that can be made and stored I would work on them year round. Good luck and hold on tight! It can be a wild ride.
Also a word of advice is to put your shop on vacation and enjoy the holidays. I close my shop on December 15th and don't reopen until after the new year. If they haven't ordered something that is ready to ship by Dec 15th they're not getting it in time. You will also welcome the chance to focus on family and holidays and unwind after the rush.

[Former_Member]

I would start at the end of July, first part of August. Seems like last year September -December was pretty busy for me!

[Former_Member]

Me too. I started making more hats and getting an inventory going, so I can have some for craft fairs and to have ready to be shipped as well. I want to be busy but not overwhelmed come christmas season.

[Former_Member]

I usually start listing my autumn items mid-July to August 1 (which means I need to start making them in the next couple of weeks - yikes!), and Christmas items mid-September to October 1. The key is to get them out well in advance of the actual season because treasury curators, Etsy admin, and bloggers will start running those themes super early. The earlier you have your products listed, the longer your period of visibility for features and for buyers who are only browsing in September, but may see you over and over again from September to November, and come back to you when it's time to finally start making their holiday purchases in November and December.

[Former_Member]

Magazines are also already gearing up for their holiday issues, and wouldn't it be nice if they chose your item to feature? It has to be in your shop now for them to find it!