Though you may still lounging by the pool and enjoying summer BBQs with friends, the holiday sales season is right around the corner. That means it’s time to get ready for the busiest selling season of the year.
August is the time to prepare for the increased income that comes with the holidays. To help get you started, follow this easy checklist:
1) Send pre-holiday cards to your customers.
Instead of the traditional holiday card, try sending a pre-holiday card in September or October.
Let your customers know you wanted to reach out to them and wish them a great Thanksgiving and Holiday season.
Let them know you appreciate their business.
You also have the opportunity to remind them that if they have people on their list they still haven’t shopped for, you want to get to together to discuss your holiday sales bundles.
It's critical that this card is authentic and focuses more on your relationship with them rather than just the sale. This will benefit you more than simply focusing on how you can turn the opportunity into a sale.
This month, get together your list of all past customers and hosts and their home addresses. When the time comes to send your cards, you will be prepared and ahead of the curve.
You can order cards off of RedTag, Vistaprint or create your own on websites like www.canva.com .
2) Connect with other leaders for shared holiday sales.
Some of your best customers and hosts will always be other direct sellers.
Work with leaders from other companies to offer gift ideas for their team.
The leader can host a party with their friends and use the host credit and half-priced items towards gifts for their team members and other leaders.
A gift swap is another option if their product is something you will gift to your own team.
Find ways to team up with multiple leaders to host a major Facebook Event, where leaders/sponsors can come to shop from multiple companies.
This month, reach out to leaders who might be interested in planning a party, a swap or an event.
Also, don't forget to start brainstorming what products would be the best gifts for team members and how you are going to market them.
3) Create holiday sales bundles and stocking stuffer ideas.
If your company doesn’t offer specific holiday sales bundles, create them yourself!
These bundles don’t have to offer a discount. They are about providing convenience for your customers.
Instead of looking through your catalog and trying to figure out what pieces best go together to complete a gift basket or bundle, they will be able to select from bundles you have predetermined for them.
This month, brainstorm different bundle ideas. Create the graphics to use online and posters to bring to your home parties.
Don’t go overboard with the bundles though!
Stick between 3-5 and offer varying price points.
Again, you can use www.canva.com to create your marketing and graphic materials.
You will also want to offer stocking stuffer ideas.
These are small items that are under $20-$25 dollars. Go through your catalog and write down all the products that fit this price point.
4) Create a Bundle Script for your Upcoming Parties.
When you wrap up your recruiting talk and are ready to pass out the catalog, don’t forget to let them know about your holiday gift giving options.
This might sound like:
“Are there products you have seen tonight that just screams a friend or family member’s name? The best way to control your finances is to start shopping for the holiday season early.
Our products make perfect gifts/stocking stuffers for your friends and family. To help, I have put together some holiday bundle options to make your holiday shopping experience seamless.”
You then pass out the flyer you made of your bundles and stocking stuffer. Be sure to talk about who each bundle would be best suited for.
Another Tip: During the full-service check-out, don’t forget to ask again if there is anyone on their holiday list you could help with.
5) Book Gift Giving Parties.
Though you will offer the option of gift giving at every home party and Facebook party, you can also reach out to hosts to book parties that are specific to gift giving.
Have your host invite friends with the intention shopping for the people on their list instead of just themselves.
Often times during the holiday season, people spend less on themselves because they are trying to save money to shop for the ones they love.
At the end of these parties, you will want to remind your shoppers that there are products that will benefit them as well.
Offer specials or bundles that offer one product for a friend and one for themselves!
This month, get your list of together of people you think may be interested in this type of party.
Again, other direct sellers are great hosts!
Have any tips of your own? Be sure to connect with us on Facebook to share your best tips for the holidays!
If you liked this blog post, you might like Six Key Elements to a Successful Home Party [link to http://www.stepintosuccess.com/free-gift-6-key-elements/ and Facebook Parties 101 [link to http://www.stepintosuccess.com/free-gift-facebook-party-101/