Promoting Your Business During The Holidays

There's no time of year for making sales like the holidays. Buyers are out in full force, looking for gifts and inevitably bringing home a few for themselves. This is a great time to capitalize on seasonal opportunities to promote your craft business. Whether you are a selling veteran or starting a new  business, the following tips will give you some great ideas to help boost your holiday sales.

1. Holiday Discounts
   Shoppers love a bargain! Send out holiday coupons or sale notices to your customers. When presenting your display, include a marked down basket with any slow-selling inventory you need to move. The end of the year is a great time to clean house and entice your customers with a deal.  Free shipping, BOGO 1/2 off or even a free gift with every order might be a deciding factor your shoppers.



2. Offer Free Tutorials
   Put together simple tutorials to offer your customers. If possible, put some kits together to make a beautiful presentation. Offer to teach a class at your work or church on making an item or two. Be sure to wear or bring your own creations and bring business cards.



3. Send a Holiday Card to Previous Customers
   Let your customers know that you value their business and that your product line is perfect for their holiday shopping needs. A picture of your smiling face and/or one of your designs adds a personal touch. Don't forget your web address, or other information on where to buy your products.



4. Wear, Use or Display Your Products
   This is always a wonderful way to sell your product. Enlist your friends and loved ones in wearing, using or displaying your creations to boost sales.



5. Free gift-wrapping
   Keep cotton filled boxes and wrapping paper with you when selling your products. Free gift-wrapping is a perk that holiday shoppers love.
   
   

Where to Sell Your Products

1. Home Parties
   Holiday-themed parties are a great way to show your products. Friends and family gather to shop your handcrafted lines and socialize. A little holiday music and some eggnog are sure to put everyone in the holiday shopping mood.
   



2. Online
   There are many websites that offer great tools for selling your product. Use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter to let your customers know about new holiday items or to advertise holiday sales. Link to a site like ArtFire, where you can set up an online shop for a small fee. Customers love the convenience of online shopping during the busy holidays.



3. Craft Bazaars and Other Local Events
   Talk to your local Chamber of Commerce to learn about holiday events where you can sell your products. Many areas hold large annual craft fairs or flea markets where you can rent a booth for a fee. If you are willing to travel, look into surrounding areas as well. Many churches, schools and employers hold similar events.  Remember the whole "buy local" push and take advantage of it by marketing in your own town. 



4. Local Retail Spaces
   Many retail spaces increase their consignment inventory during the holidays. Spend some time creating a professional and eye-catching presentation.



5. Trunk Shows at Workplaces
   Many full-time employees struggle to squeeze in their holiday shopping after work. By presenting a trunk show at a workplace, you give employees the opportunity to browse and shop on their lunch or break times. Give employees the chance to prepare for your convenient show by advertising in advance.

What to Sell

1. Holiday Themed
   No matter what you sell, holiday-themed items are always a hit. Depending on your product, you should be able to a your own holiday twist.  Use traditional holiday color schemes or create your own.
   



2. Everyday
   While adorable candy cane earrings are sure to be a hit, but don't forget that your customers are shopping for gifts that will outlast the holiday season as well. Items that can be used or worn all year round is an important part of your inventory, and remember that sets make great gifts.



3. Stocking Stuffers
   Inexpensive, small items are popular with shoppers looking to fill stockings. Now is the time to supplement you usual line with a few easy to make products.



4. Unique and One-of-a-kind
   
   Original designs or products are an easy and beautiful way to check someone off of a gift list. That's why these unique creations are always a popular gift item. Offer custom detailing, sizing or add-ons at no charge for a truly "unique" shopping experience.
    

Please let me know if you found this helpful or if you have any other ideas for your fellow artisans!  Share your great promotional idea and you could be my next featured artisan!  Good luck!