Running a business often means thinking months in advance, and with Christmas just six months away, July is the ideal time to begin the preparations.
The more you can do now, the more prepared you will be for Christmas shoppers! A great tip is to plan ahead so that by Christmas you will already have planned Easter and be moving onto products for next Summer!
What to Think About
Firstly, decide which products will be in your Christmas range. You can then begin your preparations!
Think about your existing range and how you could evolve that for Christmas. For example, could you do Christmas T-shirts or pyjamas, candles, stocking tags, signs, food or beauty gifts with a Christmas theme or scent?
Sourcing and ordering in stock is your first priority, followed by deciding on the packaging and presentation. Once you have decided on this you can order in any Cricut materials that you will need to make or enhance your packaging.
Labels, gift tags, stickers, envelopes or boxes are great ideas to make with your machine for personalised and unique packaging solutions.
Next, you should focus on your marketing campaign! Revisit your Social Media Platforms and Website. Schedule in your campaigns and decide if you are going to have themed newsletters for your existing customer base.
Remember to also check whether your terms and conditions/return or refund policies are up to date too.
Pricing Up
It’s super important to take time to calculate the costs of your materials and time vs the cost you will price the product as on your website.
A good idea is to bundle up items! Do you have any stock that you could bundle together with seasonal packing? Providing different options is a great way to sell further products.
You may want to consider offers and discounts throughout the season. Maybe think about ‘Gift One, Buy One’ as this encourages customers to buy a gift for a friend, whilst also treating themselves.
A 5% or 10% discount code may also encourage this, or offering a discount on future purchases could bring in new and returning customers.
The Fun Bit
Get making! It’s time to create your products, packaging labels, gift cards and whatever else you have considered to make the perfect product. The more you can prepare in the coming months the better!
Make sure you have spare mats and blades for your machines as they will be working hard for you!
When Should I Launch?
The answer is simple – now! There are many people who like to shop ahead, so as soon as your products are ready, pop them on sale, and offer them to your existing customers and launch your items on your Newsletter and Social Media Platforms.
You could even have an exclusive offer for your most loyal customers, or offer a prize on your Social Media Platforms to launch your Christmas Campaign.
What Part can my Cricut Machine Play in This?
You can use your Cricut machine to make your products and your packaging! From cutting material for Christmas stockings to making cards or coasters, adding infusible ink or vinyl to Christmas slogan clothing/Pyjamas, adding personalisation, and so much more!
Labels, stickers, envelopes, tags, are just a few of the items that can be made on your machine to enhance your packaging. All of these can be personalised to your business and add that special touch.
Remember, a sticker on the outside of the box or padded envelope will be seen by everyone who deals with that parcel. A great way to gain further exposure for your business!
The list is endless, but what you can guarantee is that whatever you make will be exclusive to your brand.
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