3 Things to Do When Sales Are Slow

3 Things to Do When Sales Are Slow: A Guide for Handmade Sellers

Ah, the dreaded sales slump. Every handmade seller has been there. One minute you’re riding the wave of non-stop orders, and the next, you’re staring at your empty inbox wondering if everyone forgot about you! Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Slow sales can happen for many reasons, like off-peak seasons, changing trends, or simply a bit of bad luck. But instead of panicking, let’s use this time wisely. Here are three things you can do to boost your business when sales are slow.

1. Launch a Seasonal Promotion or Flash Sale

When sales slow down, one of the quickest ways to stir up excitement and attract customers is by launching a seasonal promotion or flash sale. People love a good deal, and a limited-time offer creates urgency that encourages customers to make a purchase sooner rather than later. Think about upcoming holidays or create your own themed event—“Mid-Summer Madness Sale” or “Fall Finds Flash Sale,” for example.

Example from My Experience: During a particularly slow time one summer (gotta love those J months!), I decided to launch a “Sunshine and Savings” flash sale, offering 20% off on all items for 48 hours. I promoted it through email and social media, and the orders came rolling in! Not only did I clear out old inventory, but I also gained some new repeat customers who discovered my brand during the sale.

2. Collaborate with Other Makers for Cross-Promotions

Why go it alone when you can team up with fellow handmade sellers? Collaborations can be a fantastic way to introduce your brand to new audiences and create buzz. Reach out to other sellers whose products complement yours and set up a cross-promotion. This could be a joint giveaway, a bundle sale, or simply featuring each other’s products in your newsletters and social media posts.

Example from My Experience: I collaborated with a fellow seller who makes handmade mugs. We created a “Cozy Night In” bundle featuring her handcrafted mugs and my scented candles. Each of us promoted the bundle to our respective audiences, and the response was amazing! Not only did we both see a boost in sales, but we also gained followers who were interested in our products.

Feeling the sales blues? Turn it into an opportunity! Collaborate with other makers, and turn a slow season into a bustling one

3. Refresh Your Product Photos and Listings

When was the last time you updated your product photos or rewrote your product descriptions? Slow sales periods are the perfect time to give your shop a little makeover. High-quality photos and engaging descriptions are essential for grabbing the attention of potential customers. Make sure your photos are bright, clear, and show your product from multiple angles. Don’t forget to tell a story with your product descriptions—why is this item special? What inspired its creation?

Example from My Experience: I noticed that some of my listings weren’t getting as many views or sales as others. I decided to refresh the product photos and rewrite the descriptions to make them more engaging and to highlight the unique aspects of each item. I even added some behind-the-scenes stories about the inspiration behind the designs. The result? A noticeable increase in both traffic and sales.

Question for You:

What do you do when sales are slow in your handmade business? Have any tried-and-true strategies that work for you? Share your ideas in the comments below! Let’s help each other thrive. Remember, slow sales are just a part of the business journey. Instead of feeling down, see it as a chance to innovate, collaborate, and rejuvenate your handmade business. Before you know it, the orders will be rolling in again! 🌟