Christmas sales problem
A complicated and perhaps unachievable solution???
I work alone hand making a traditional gardening Sussex product. I can make enough to satisfy orders ten months of the year, but due to orders for Christmas presents, November December orders far exceed my ability to supply so have to close down Amazon selling shortly after beginning of November. In January/Feb I have almost no orders. I had an idea and had Christmas cards printed with a picture of my product and the promise that their gift will be shipped in Jan/Feb (no-one is gardening during Dec-March). This enables the customer to give the card, not the product as their gift and for me to continue busy production during otherwise slow months. My question is:- how is it possible to ‘sell’ my product without the items actually being shipped on Amazon. I understand there is an Amazon Voucher available, but it is not dedicated to my product so not as desirable.
Christmas sales problem
A complicated and perhaps unachievable solution???
I work alone hand making a traditional gardening Sussex product. I can make enough to satisfy orders ten months of the year, but due to orders for Christmas presents, November December orders far exceed my ability to supply so have to close down Amazon selling shortly after beginning of November. In January/Feb I have almost no orders. I had an idea and had Christmas cards printed with a picture of my product and the promise that their gift will be shipped in Jan/Feb (no-one is gardening during Dec-March). This enables the customer to give the card, not the product as their gift and for me to continue busy production during otherwise slow months. My question is:- how is it possible to ‘sell’ my product without the items actually being shipped on Amazon. I understand there is an Amazon Voucher available, but it is not dedicated to my product so not as desirable.
59 replies
Seller_j4qOx3FnSoENm
why not during that period increase your handing time to allow for the time it will take you to produce them?
Seller_Yja9oH7DLHk2I
I think there is a maximum handling time for domestic orders. It is not very long unfortunately.
If it was I would be tempted to do what the Chinese do and put my handling time so long that if I get a defect it does not affect my account!
Seller_sgYr7AUPDRN33
Hi struggling to understand, is it not possible for you to limit the stock availability during your busy times so you are able to keep up with demand. As for the gift card idea I can see a to z claims for non delivery even if you clearly explain in your advert as people don’t always read the full description. Also you run the risk of Amazon suspension for late delivery
Seller_qZO3ZCjoBXEeL
You cannot do what you are saying. You either send them the product or you don’t.
Why don’t you use the Jan and Feb months to produce extra stock to sell at Christmas. Get ahead of the problem rather than behind it? Most retailers who are busy at Christmas have to pre-stock items for many many months to avoid manufacturing/supply shortages.
Seller_EJIX7rqDNQJi2
Just like others already mentioned, Amazon doesn’t allow sellers to advertise any pre-orders or vouchers for their products. You will either fulfill the order in a timely manner and within your Handling Time or you don’t offer the items for sale.
The maximum available Handling Time is 30 days. Or another solution would be simply hiring more staff members to help you cope with the extra sales volume.
Seller_bdSdLjti4IugQ
If your product is that popular have you thought about increasing the price for November / December ? This should decrease the volume of orders and make you more money at the same time.
Seller_gNy1FAKBKrGOw
Dead good undies - this would just create a backlog and failing to deliver within time.
Peter B - All my items are signed and Dated, I cannot send itemsthat are ‘out-of-date’.
Kika - There are no makers available and to train them is too time absorbing, takes years!
Happy Learners - Already thought of that but I strongly feel it is unfair to the buyer.
Seller_bdSdLjti4IugQ
I had a look at a few of your listings and I can see it’s a very well made product that you take pride and joy it making… I’m not surprised they fly out that door around Christmas. The best solution would be to limit how many you have in stock for the months of November / December so you don’t sell too many and re-stock it when you feel you can meet the demand. If you simply stop selling them for 2 months it’s going to impact your sales when you start selling again in Jan / Feb.
Seller_iP4VbNXDDSZMG
Not sure I have anything to add to all the other posts but I have just ordered a Trug for my wife’s birthday. Cheers!
Seller_THte9Ti6D9kqC
Why not simply increase your prices during christmas period and once demand falls - drop your prices again
