And as shop owners we have more than the goose to think about! The Christmas shopping season is upon us and there is much to do. Most online customers will complete their gift buying by the second week of December, giving us just about 60 days until the end of 2009 Holiday shopping! So, if you haven’t already started—NOW is the time to prepare your shop.

For one, it is time to pull out that box of items you have been saving to list for the Christmas season. For me, it was a little stash of ornaments and lots of Christmas pins. Get them listed early in the month for maximum exposure.

Change your featured items on your store front to reflect the season. You can feature all Christmas jewelry, or all red & green items, or all blue items, or all snowmen—you get the idea. For furniture and larger items, add a picture with holly or pine boughs or red ribbons and use it as your primary photo. You can easily remove this one picture after the holidays.

Use power update to add a greeting or special idea to the non-searchable information on each listing. For example: “Merry Christmas! Guaranteed arrival for Christmas if purchased by 12/05,” or “Check out our great selection of Christmas jewelry,” or “A Christmas Pin is the perfect accent for your winter coat.” I am sure you can come up with even more.

Consider offering a Holiday shopping special and be sure to edit your shop info and shop announcements to reflect it. I went to the dollar store and found beautiful gold and silver gift boxes, bags and tissue to include with each purchase. Last year I bought small Christmas sticky note pads from a novelty company and sent them off to my repeat customers in October. On the top sheet I wrote a quick note, thanking them for the repeat business and offering 30% off one entire purchase during November. Offering a discount on multiple purchases not only increases your sales, it helps your customers stretch their holiday dollars. Your customers are being bombarded with specials and deals, so be sure to do your own marketing, and do it early.

Add lots of new items every few days to keep your shop exciting and dynamic throughout the season. Move some of your older stock, especially those items that are obviously spring or summer to your back room.

You should begin planning now for the big shopping days right after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bargain hunters will be looking for special deals and discounts. While Cyber Monday (the first Monday after Thanksgiving) receives lots of media hype, research shows that the biggest internet sales day of the year is the second Monday in December when shoppers are desperately trying to find that special and perfect gift even though they have procrastinated. Your shop can be the one that has what they are looking for if you plan ahead and add lots of items the weekend before.

Be informed about Holiday shipping deadlines at the Post Office, UPS, DHL and other carriers. Yours can be the shop with last minute sales by offering additional shipping options as the “big day” draws closer. Offering an overnight or Priority option can make or break those last minute purchase orders.

And last, but not least, remember that many people will be receiving cash for Christmas and will be looking to spend it on their favorite collectibles. Offering a special sale at the beginning of January, adding new items, or offering some fabulous spring items will start your New Year out just right!

Cindy Brown
Cinsababe's & Cinsababe's Too on Ruby Lane
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/cinsababe