Tips for holiday prep: A maker’s guide to surviving the season
The holidays are the busiest (and often most stressful! 🫣) time of year for indie makers and small businesses. Between wholesale orders, retail sales, shipping chaos, and the pressure to offer something festive and new, it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re sprinting a marathon with no finish line. I don’t know about you, but the only marathon I want to participate in this season is one that involves my couch, ambient flickering candlelight, and my favorite Halloween movies.
But here’s the good news: a little planning now can save you a lot of headaches later. Whether you already know the drill or you’re heading into your very first holiday season, here are a few insider strategies that will help you stay organized, protect your sanity, and actually enjoy the magic of the season.
Nail down your wholesale deadlines
If you sell wholesale, make sure your accounts know your deadlines—and then remind them! A friendly follow-up email is more than just logistics; it’s also a great chance to highlight seasonal collections or bestsellers they might want to stock up on.
Pro tip: set your wholesale deadline earlier than your direct-to-consumer deadline. Last-minute wholesale orders can eat into your inventory and leave your retail customers disappointed. Protect your stock and your timeline by giving wholesale accounts a solid cutoff date.
Streamline your packing and shipping
Future-you will thank current-you if you prep ahead. Line boxes with filler, tuck in thank-you cards, and pre-pack bundles of your bestselling products now. That way, when the holiday rush hits, all you’ll have to do is tape the box and add the shipping label.
This kind of prep not only saves time but also keeps your brand experience consistent, even when things get hectic.
Keep your holiday line tight
It’s tempting to roll out a dozen new products for the holidays, but restraint pays off. Focus on adding 1–3 limited-run products or scents to bring the festive feel without overwhelming yourself (or confusing your customers). Your core collection is what people love about your brand, so don’t bury it under too many extras.
Plan for the inevitable: shipping & raw material shortages
Every holiday season comes with delays and stock issues; it’s just part of the landscape. Stock up now on your must-haves: wax, wicks, vessels, and signature fragrance oils. Running out of your bestseller in December is far more costly than carrying a little extra inventory into January.
(By the way, did you know Makesy has a pre-order feature for the larger fragrance oil sizes and other popular products like our 12oz aura® jars? Very handy for planning purposes this time of year!)
And don’t forget to communicate! Keep customers informed about shipping deadlines and potential delays via your website, social, and email list. A little transparency goes a long way in building trust.
Invest in holiday photos
You don’t need a whole new brand shoot, but having a handful of styled, professional photos of your holiday products will make your marketing shine all season long. A strong visual goes a long way on social media and in emails when you’re competing for attention.
And don’t forget to communicate! Keep customers informed about shipping deadlines and potential delays via your website, social, and email list. A little transparency goes a long way in building trust.
Reward your regulars & encourage early shopping
It’s tempting to roll out a dozen new products for the holidays, but restraint pays off. Focus on adding 1–3 limited-run products or scents to bring the festive feel without overwhelming yourself (or confusing your customers). Your core collection is what people love about your brand, so don’t bury it under too many extras.
Invest in holiday photos
Give your loyal customers first dibs with early access to your holiday collection, or even create an exclusive bundle that’s only available for a limited time. This strategy not only rewards your biggest fans but also helps generate early revenue and gives you a sense of demand before the full launch.
Match production to reality
Don’t set unrealistic cutoff dates. Reverse-engineer your capacity: how much can you pour, cure, and ship in a given time frame? Then set your shipping cutoff dates accordingly. Customers value honesty and would much rather order early than be let down later.
Stage your marketing in waves
Many makers only do one big holiday push, but spreading it out catches different kinds of shoppers. Think of it in waves:
- October: Hype your upcoming collection (pre-orders, waitlists, sneak peeks).
- November: Push your bestsellers and giftable products (this is prime shopping season).
- December: Highlight “last chance” urgency with shipping cutoff reminders and sprinkle in a little FOMO.
This way, you connect with both early planners and last-minute shoppers, without exhausting your audience (or yourself).
The holidays don’t have to be chaos. By setting smart deadlines, prepping ahead, staying realistic about your capacity, and communicating clearly, you’ll not only survive the season—you’ll thrive in it. Come January, you’ll be able to step into the new year proud of what you accomplished, instead of burnt out.
Here’s to a season full of full carts, glowing candles, and happy customers!
Be sure to tag us in your finished creations on Instagram using #makesymade for a chance to get featured on our wall of inspo! Happy holidays, and making!
