It’s almost November… so welcome to the busiest season for all retail businesses – both big and small!
It’s such an exciting time, and today I’d like to share some ways to encourage more sales and gifting.
1. Always keep the gift recipient in mind.
As we head into the gift-giving holidays, it’s important to remember that your customers aren’t always buying for themselves at this time of year. They’re buying for friends, family, party hostesses, etc., and they’re looking for unique gifts. Encouraging customers to gift your product is a great strategy during the holidays because when your customer gives your items to friends and family, the gift introduces you to a new customer. It’s the best possible form of recommendation!
As you plan for the holiday shopping season, try and imagine who your customers might be buying for:
- Female friends
- Husbands, boyfriends or partners
- Parents
- In-Laws
- Grandparents
- Teenagers
- Children
- Babies
- Party Hostesses
- Coworkers and managers
- White elephant gift exchanges/Kris Kringles
What items in your inventory can be presented as gifts for any or all of the above recipients?
2. Cross-promote with other artists.
One of my favorite Etsy sellers sent an email last year that I thought was simply brilliant.
She contacted her customer list with a list of handmade gifts from various sellers that she was giving to her friends and family. Just imagine if you collected a handful of your favorite sellers and introduced your favorite shops and they agreed to return the favor? How many new customers might you share and gain?
3. Offer free shipping.
Free shipping has tested as one of the very best sales you can offer your customers. People simply don’t like the added amount at check-out; it’s not a fun surprise!
I always offer free domestic shipping in December, and my products already come gift-wrapped. If you want to ship 5 bracelets to 5 of your friends, I’m happy to eat the shipping costs!
Calculate what this would really cost your business, and see if you can swing it. Because of the price and light weight of my products, free shipping only equals a 10% discount off every order … completely doable! How much would free shipping cost you?
