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