What short cuts help you with your time management without sacrificing quality?

[MudCreekMarket]

I work a full-time day job in addition to running my Etsy shop, doing craft shows, and selling to local shops. So, needless to say - my time is precious. I really struggle with keeping up with the business that comes my way and was wondering if any of you might shed some light on anything you might do that saves you time. For example, I make each sign one at a time for the most part since mine are mostly made-to-order. Do you do the same or do you do a lot of background painting all at once, then paint the lettering once you get an order? Is there anything else you have found that saves you time in the long run that you would be willing to share?

Thanks in advance for your comments. I cannot tell you how much I've already learned just by browsing through the previous discussions. I love all of your signs!! Us sign girls (& guys?) totally rock!!

Sincerely,
Jen

[freelandfolkartsigns]

Hi Jen! Like yourself, I work a full-time job as well and have done craft shows in the past, although, I have had to narrow the craft shows down to one each year as it is a huge fair!

What I did find that was helpful is I try to stain at least 10 signs before I sell them. Most of my signs are the same length so this helps. Then, if I happen to sell a sign in the color I stained it is ready to stencil. Another suggestion would be you can up your shipping times to give you more time to ship.

I can totally relate with you as it's not as easy to make a sign with the time that goes into each and every one that's for sure! Hope this helps! Take care, Heather.

[MainelyMae]

I don't know if this is a possibility for you but I have hired a college student just to do all of my sanding. It gives him gas money and saves me so much time!

[MudCreekMarket]

Thanks ladies - I did actually hire someone just two days ago to help me out this season. She starts next week. I, too, am having to curb the Craft Show bookings. I really going to them and make good money usually, but making enough signs to take is killing me. I recently had a local shop buy some of my signs to sell and they just placed another big order (24 signs!) I think the pre-painting is a great idea. I do have about 2 or 3 colors that seem to be the most popular. Now - I just need to get my new helper trained and self-sufficient. I'm a bit apprehensive about what to expect as far as seasonal sales, but hopefully I can keep my head above water. :-)

[Former_Member]

I started a "ready to ship" section in my shop because I was getting several orders for the same sign over and over, with people not wanting to wait the time for me to make them. Also I write down all my orders and then paint/stain all of the same colors together to save time, then stencil them all together too usually. I do one coat on one while the other is drying, etc. Then I sand them all together, and clear coat them all together too. It helps me save a lot of precious time!
I like the idea of hiring a college kid to sand for me. I might do that, or hire a friend. LOL

[Former_Member]

Yes, I do the same as Jackie. Production line is best, Ready to ship section with most popular options and colors is a big help. I also do pre orders. So I'll list a few designs (on etsy, fb, Instagram etc) and offer customers the chance to pre order those designs in any colors they choose until a set date. I then deactivate all sections in my shop except ready to ship while I work on production of pre orders. This gives you a better idea of what's popular, color etc and ensures you don't have a lot of stock sitting around that you eventually have to discount.

I also only do one or two craft show a year and during my "free time" ( late night when my babies are asleep, in between orders etc) I'll work on a piece for my next specific show. It may mean working on a christmas sign in April etc but it's such a relief to have that stock ready to go rather than scrambling near the end over extending yourself for the show.

My only other tip is to purchase your lumber in bulk and spend a few days every other week or so, cutting and sanding. I always have a bundle finished and ready for base coats. It's so much less daunting! I hope to hire help someday but I think it'll be hard for me to keep from micromanaging lol