Five Reasons to Think about the Holidays in July
We have five reasons why everyone thinking of selling decorated products this winter should already have the holidays on their mind:
Stock Up on Substrates: October, November, and December are peak months for substrate sales. Many product decorators find themselves running out of substrates right in the middle of the holiday sales cycle. Ordering more takes time, and you run the risk of your supplier being out of stock as well. Think about what products you want to offer and estimate how much you will need. Planning ahead and buying now will minimize the risk of you running short in the winter.
Spread Material Costs Over Time: The cost of substrates is the most expensive part of any sublimated product. Laying out the money for a large order, all at one time, may not fit with your budget, especially when you have an increased amount of inventory for the holiday season. Planning for holiday production ahead of time can help you budget your substrate purchases, and gradually build your stock in preparation for the winter.
Time to Experiment: Were there products on the market last year that you were thinking of adding to your shop? Maybe you have seen some new, trendy products that have been selling really well this year. Now is the time to buy some samples and test them out with your customers. You may find that one or two products sell especially well within your market, so consider adding them to your holiday line-up.
Take Advantage of Summer Promotions: Summertime is a slow production period for many product decorators. That means suppliers are not selling as much as they do the rest of the year. Many suppliers will offer discounts, rewards and other incentives to inspire customers to buy during these months.
Get Ahead of the Game: Planning systems and strategies ahead of time for your busy season is a great way to ensure less stress and smoother production. You will be ahead of the game when orders start coming in, ready to fulfill them and produce more. This, in turn, results in great service and loyal business.
Though the weather outside might be delightful for summertime fun, make sure you also have your mind set on the future of your business this fall and winter. The holidays will be here before you know it, and you want to be as prepared as possible.