Proactive steps you can take when sales slow down

Proactive ideas you can implement to keep and/or gain new business through different sales channels.

Retail

Let customers know you’re still open & shipping orders. (or if you're closed let them know that, too)
Offer free shipping on online retail orders at a lower minimum (or no minimum)
Offer additional services:
- Free postage with purchase of a greeting card
- Handwrite your customer’s note in a card & send it to their recipient for then.
- Gift wrap items and send them directly to the recipient
- Offer local pick up or delivery
Sell gift certificates online
Offer volume discounts on larger gift certificate purchases
Consider adding new products to your online shop through Print on Demand services to add new products without investing in lots of inventory.
Maybe run ads on Pinterest, FB or Instagram for direct to consumer sales — people are holed up at home & on their phones more.

Wholesale

Let customers know you’re open & shipping orders
Be flexible with sales terms
Be flexible with postponing orders
Ask buyers if they want to postpone ship dates (to fend off cancellations)
Offer free product with purchase
Offer free shipping at lower minimums
Waive opening order minimums
Discount certain items for a limited time
Reach out to sales reps to find out what’s going on in their territories

Custom Work:

Check in with current customers and ensure projects are still moving forward
Be flexible with postponements
Be flexible with your packages — add more value without reducing your prices for new projects
Ask past customers for new projects
Ask past customers for referrals
Collect deposits for future work

Feel free to add to the list below.

Connect with Katie Hunt

Katie Hunt is a business strategist, podcaster, mentor and mama to four. She helps product based businesses build profitable, sustainable companies through her conferences, courses and coaching programs.

Website: prooftoproduct.com | Instagram: @prooftoproduct

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2025 State of the Product Industry Report

Every founder I know has wondered:
How much are other brands making? What tech are they using? How big are their teams? Are they paying themselves yet?

And even though every business journey looks different, it's natural to want a peek behind the scenes — especially right now.

The product world is shifting fast.

Rising costs, tariffs, supply chain delays, and changing customer habits are reshaping how we create, market, and sell. We’re all adjusting, recalibrating, and figuring out what growth looks like in this new landscape.

So once again, we decided to check the pulse of the industry.

Over 400 product-based business owners answered the call, generously sharing insights for the 2025 State of the Product Industry Report.

We heard from brand new founders and seasoned six- and seven-figure businesses. They shared how much they’re earning, paying themselves, where they’re selling, how they’re building teams, and how they’re feeling about the future.

I hope you find these insights not just interesting — but empowering — as you plan your next moves.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your openness helps us track trends, spot opportunities, and better support this amazing industry.

Grab your favorite ☕️, find a cozy spot, and dig in. I’m so glad you’re here.

2024 State of the Product Industry Report

Everyday I hear from product-based business owners who are curious about other people’s business models, their teams, their tech-stack, how much revenue they are earning and what other product business owners pay themselves.

And although we know that every business is different, it is natural to want to see behind the curtain of other brands in your industry.

But it is more than curiosity.

We know the industry has experienced major shifts over the last several years. Everyone has been pivoting and recalibrating.

We're experiencing new normals.

You need to know what’s happening in our industry.

So, the Proof to Product team decided to take an industry-wide temperature check.

And, 925 product based businesses owners answered the call, anonymously sharing their business details with us for the 2024 State of the Product Industry Report

How to Find The Right Manufacturing Partners For Your Wholesale Business

Expanding your wholesale product line can be both exciting and daunting. There are a lot of factors that go into creating a new product and finding the right manufacturing partners to turn your vision into a reality is crucial, particularly if you’re planning to sell the product to the wholesale market. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of finding a product manufacturer that aligns with your product specs, budget, timeline and quality. We also want to make sure our manufacturing partners communicate well, work efficiently and have values that align with our brand.