🎧 Listen to this blog post as a Podcast instead #79 - Is Your Shop Holiday-Ready? Take This 5-Minute Check (Handmade Sellers)

🎄 Are you really ready for the Christmas rush... or just hoping it’ll all come together in time? In this episode, I’m walking you through a super quick 5-point checklist that’ll help you give your handmade shop a festive glow-up without the stress.

We’re talking banners, giftable products, delivery cut-off clarity, festive upsells, and simple holiday promotion tweaks you can make today. If you’re a handmade seller on Etsy or your own site, this 5-minute check will help you feel more confident and less scrambled heading into the busiest sales season of the year.

Plus, I’ll share a sneak peek into my “Get Your Shop Ready for The Holidays In One Weekend” mini course and why now is the time to take action.

Let’s make this your most organised, profitable Christmas season yet! 🎄

Is Your Shop Ready for Christmas? Run This 5-Minute Festive Check (Handmade Seller Edition)

If you’re like most handmade sellers, the holiday season seems to sneak up out of nowhere.

One minute you’re prepping autumn markets…

The next, your inbox is pinging with “last order dates” and everyone’s asking if they can still get gifts in time. 😅

So let’s slow down for a sec and ask the big question:

👉 Is your shop actually ready for Christmas shoppers? 

If you’ve been meaning to update your banner, sort out your cut-off dates or tweak your listings but haven’t had the time (or energy)… this blog is your shortcut.

We’re going to walk through a quick 5-minute holiday readiness check – because sometimes, small changes can make the biggest difference.

✅ Check 1: Does Your Shop LookFestive?

When someone lands on your shop, does it feel like the holidays are coming?

Or is it still in summer mode?

Your customers are looking for a vibe. They want to feel confident they’re in the right place to shop for gifts.

🎄 Quick wins: 

• Update your banner or header with a warm, cosy festive feel

• Add a friendly shop announcement: “Now taking Christmas orders!” 

• Make sure your shop doesn’t feel quiet or abandoned

✨ Tip: A festive visual refresh builds trust and shows you’re open for business.

✅ Check 2: Are Your Giftable Products Easy to Find?

You’ve probably got amazing items that would make beautiful gifts… but are they visible?

🎁 Here’s what to check: 

• Are your gift-ready listings in your top row or pinned category?

• Do you have a clearly labelled “Christmas” or “Gift Ideas” section?

• Do your titles include festive keywords like “gift for her” or “stocking filler”?

🛑 Don’t edit your existing bestsellers - make a duplicate listing for your festive version so you don’t mess with the algorithm.

✅ Check 3: Are Your Delivery Dates Clear?

This one’s a biggie.

Buyers are panicked in December - especially if they’re last-minute shopping. If they’re unsure whether their order will arrive in time… they’ll bounce.

🚚 What to add: 

• Accurate dispatch times in your shipping settings

• Bold cut-off dates in your listings, shop announcement, and even images

• International order deadlines (not just UK!)

💡 “Order by 10th December for UK Christmas delivery” – add it everywhere!

✅ Check 4: Do You Have Easy Upsells?

Little extras can add up to big boosts in revenue — without needing to create anything new.

🎀 Try this: 

• Add a gift wrap option

• Include a personalisation box

• Link matching products in your description (e.g., “Pair this mug with our handmade hot chocolate mix”)

Bonus points if you include a photo of the upsell in the listing!

✅ Check 5: Are You Telling People You’re Holiday-Ready?

This is not the time to be subtle, boss.

You don’t need to shout “BUY NOW” — but a gentle nudge that your festive range is ready goes a long way.

📣 Where to promote: 

• Instagram posts and Stories

• Your email list (even if it’s tiny!)

• Your bio, banner and shop announcement

Try: “Looking for a cosy handmade gift? My Christmas range is now live 🎄” 

It’s not pushy — it’s helpful.

🎯 Your Action Plan:

Open your shop.

Run through these 5 checks.

Anything that’s a “no” → pop it on your to-do list for this week.

Because here’s the reality…

Up to 40% of handmade shops’ annual revenue happens in Nov–Dec. 

Yep. It’s that important.

💡 Want to Tick It All Off in One Go?

If you’d love someone to walk you through exactly how to get your shop holiday-ready — without the stress — I’ve got something for you:

🎁 Get Your Shop Ready for The Holidays In One Weekend 

It’s a simple, step-by-step mini course that shows you how to:

✔️ Make your shop feel festive

✔️ Optimise your listings for gifting

✔️ Add upsells that boost order value

✔️ Gently promote without posting daily

✔️ Build buyer trust (with templates and examples)

📅 It’s designed to take 2–3 days max, so you can get it done and dusted — and actually enjoy the Christmas season.

👉 Grab it here before your customers start shopping elsewhere:

https://www.handmadebosses.com/offers/GVL5roFG

You’ve got this.

Let’s make this your most joyful, profitable Christmas yet.

Keep going toward your handmade business goals boss,

because the world really does need those special creations only you can make 💛

Steph xox