Vacation mode Advice please

[Former_Member]

I am thinking of putting my shop on vacation mode till after the Holidays so that I can enjoy some family time and also work on a few Christmas gifts for family and friends.

Here are my questions.. Will I have a hard time getting the ball rolling again after the holidays? I have put in soooo much effort to get where I am at I don't want to lose any ground I have gained.

Have you done it? would you do it again? what did you like about it what didn't you like about it..

Thanks so much from a fellow Etsian!!

[Former_Member]

I think closing during the Holiday's isn't the greatest idea in terms of sales because this is one of the busiest times of the year.... On the other hand, you have to honor where your Heart calls you. You just can NOT go wrong with that!

[PithAndRootStudio]

I am a fairly new Etsy seller and I am curious about this too. I will be traveling to visit family during the holidays so it will be impossible to bring anything other than my smallest items with me to ship, just in case. I have put a message up in my shop that I will be traveling and that it would be best to make any orders by the 15th. It is also stated in my shop policies. Otherwise, the buyer would have to wait until after the new year for me to ship something to them.

[Former_Member]

I have to agree with Kristie. This is "THE" time to sell (if not now, then when?) but ... how can you compare ANYthing with the love for your family & the desire to enjoy them during the holidays. It's a REALLY tough call ... with no right or wrong answer. It looks as though you've had a good number of sales. If you're satisfied with that ... then there's your answer. I guess anyone who has a business feels the 'pull' between the business & family. Only you will know what is right FOR YOU.
GOOD LUCK! XXOO, Jujubeader:)

[Former_Member]

My experience may not be typical but I'll share it. I took a 2 week holiday in August and it took over a month to make up the lost ground. I won't say I'll never take another vacation but I'll think long and hard before I do. You need to do what you think is right. Also, I don't know if telling shoppers you're traveling and won't be shipping what they're paying for until your return might be equally or more harmful.

[Former_Member]

I put in my shop announcement that any instock orders placed starting today will processed & shipped, but not guaranteed for Christmas delivery. All custom orders will be created and shipped in January 2012. I need time to focus on the last couple custom orders I have to finish for Christmas delivery (local) and time with my family. I won't go on vacation mode, I just don't expect a huge demand. I'm also putting that above blurb in my message to buyer (so they see it on their receipt).
GL

[Former_Member]

I've gone on vacation mode a few times for various reasons and if it's prolonged then honestly, yes, it will be harder to come back from. In my experience, you do lose momentum. However, I think it all comes down to what you're looking to get out of this. If you feel that your family needs more of your time and this is more of a hobby, than to me, I thik that's a no brainer. You can't get the time with your family back.

[Former_Member]

Thanks all, Kim I guess thats exactly where I am at.. at the spot where my hobby is turning into a business and I need to make the necessary adjustments. I feel I have worked REALLY hard to get to where I am at in a year and DO not want to lose momentum.. I guess if I am really going to treat this as a business then I need to do what it takes to keep the ball rolling. I guess that means I'll be seeing some more 4:00 mornings and late nights so as to give my family their time with me that they deserve.

Thanks so much!!