Boost Holiday Sales: A Last-Minute Quick Guide for Small Business Owners
It’s mid-December, and you’re either late to the party or what you’ve tried so far hasn’t worked. Your business needs a quick jump start to take full advantage of the holiday season. As a business owner, you should know this is the ultimate money-making time for retail. With December packed full of vendor events, shopping sprees, and tight schedules, it’s easy to fall behind if you’re not prepared. But don’t worry—this quick guide will help you get back on track.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what you want. Are you trying to boost sales? Or do you need to network and build connections for the new year? Maybe both?
If your goal is to ramp up sales, focus on vendor events and running promotions that push your products. Market, market, market! Visibility is key, so get your offers in front of as many people as possible.
If your priority is networking, jump on Eventbrite or social media to find local opportunities. Join business groups and start connecting with other business owners. Your network is indeed your net worth—but you can’t network if you don’t do the work. Find the events, meet the people, TALK TO THEM, and FOLLOW UP.
Boost your holiday sales by applying these five tips to your strategy:
1. Inventory Check
Before you dive into sales or events, stop and check your inventory. Do you have enough in stock to handle vendor events or online orders? What about those products that have been sitting around from last season—time to separate them and make a game plan to clear them out. If you don’t have enough in stock- do you have enough time to order or make what you need?
And it’s not just about products. Are you prepared with shipping supplies or event materials like thank-you bags, branded labels, or festive wrapping supplies? A little organization now will save you a lot of stress later.
2. Find some last minute Vendor Events
December is buzzing with events, from local craft fairs at schools and churches to pop-up shops and holiday festivals. Even though it’s mid-month, there’s still a chance to snag a spot. But you’ve got to act fast—start searching now! Vendor events are a goldmine for making sales, meeting potential customers, and getting your brand out there. The foot traffic alone can expose you to hundreds of new faces who might not have found your business otherwise.
But let’s be real— you can’t just throw up a table and hope for the best. Go all in on the holiday vibes! Deck out your display, highlight your best products and offer holiday specials that no one can resist. Make your booth the one everyone wants to check out.
Explore local business social media groups or check platforms like Eventbrite to discover vendor events in your area, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from other entrepreneurs.
3. Run a Sale
Everybody loves a good deal, especially during the holidays. If you’re not running a sale, you’re leaving money on the table. Whether you sell in person or online, a well-planned promotion is the perfect way to draw in customers and outshine your competition.
Get those sales live on your website, Etsy shop, or wherever you sell your products. Then, make sure people know about it. Post about it on social media, send out emails, and SMS campaigns—they’re direct and effective. Need some help making your promotions pop? Check out Creative Fabrica for holiday-themed graphics, fonts, and templates to make your marketing materials impossible to ignore.
4. Clear Out Old Inventory
Clearing out old inventory is another way you can boost your holiday sales. With the year coming to an end now is the perfect time to move products from previous seasons out and make room for new inventory. You can pair some of your best sellers with items that didn't do so well or are out of season as "bundles" or markdowns with special pricing. Running some sales that suggest urgency like "last chance" promotions or holiday-themed "ready to wrap", "holiday bundle", or "stocking stuffer" promotions are a great way to reel in budget-conscious buyers and those looking for last-minute gifts.
5. Invest In Holiday Packaging
The way your products look when they reach your customer matters—especially now. Holiday-themed packaging adds that magical touch and can leave a lasting impression.
Think festive extras like:
- Holiday wrapping paper
- Holiday-themed thank-you bags or stickers
- Glittery or winter-themed tissue paper
- Mini candy canes, ornaments, or handwritten tags
Want to step it up a notch? Add scents like fern, peppermint, or cinnamon to your packaging. A small satchel or scented sticker can transform your customer’s unboxing experience into a holiday memory. And don’t underestimate how a simple handwritten note can make all the difference turning a one-time customer into a loyal fan.
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Check out other Holiday packaging options.
Attend Networking Events
Networking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer, especially during the holiday season. December is packed with opportunities to connect, from business mixers to community gatherings. Check Eventbrite, Facebook events, and your local Chamber of Commerce for last-minute meetups and mixers.
When you show up, don’t just sit in the corner. Engage with people, introduce yourself, and share what your business is all about. Bring business cards, samples, or even small holiday treats with your branding on them. The goal is to make a memorable impression.
The holiday season isn’t just about making sales—it’s about planting seeds for the future. The people you meet now could turn into loyal customers, collaborators, or even mentors down the line. And remember: follow up! A quick email or message after the event keeps the connection alive and shows you’re serious about building relationships.
This holiday season is yours for the taking. Follow these steps to boost your sales, clear out inventory, and give your customers a shopping experience they won’t forget. Now’s the time to organize, strategize, and prioritize your holiday hustle. End the year strong and make this a profitable season!
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