Mary & Dolls, a thriving one-woman venture, is a hub of festive cheer, especially as Christmas inches closer. In the whirlwind of the holiday season, my days are a blur, consumed by the meticulous task of packing orders. To ensure a smooth operation during this bustling period, intricate preparation is my secret weapon.
The Christmas countdown for businesses like mine begins early, typically around August or September. It's a time of creativity and innovation, designing and crafting new Christmas products that will captivate customers. Once these gems are ready, they hit the digital shelves, primed for eager shoppers. A brief detour into Halloween follows, but as soon as 1st November arrives, it's full steam ahead into the enchanting world of Christmas.
Being a proactive planner, I endeavour to complete my personal Christmas shopping well in advance. This not only alleviates the stress of December but allows me to channel my energy into steering the ship of my business through its busiest season.
With the products lined up and ready to shine, the next crucial step is assessing stock levels. I identify potential bestsellers and restock essentials, such as findings, stationery, and packing supplies, ensuring a seamless fulfilment process. Timely dispatch is key, and careful preparation is my ally in achieving this.
An early announcement of last order dates is a strategic move to avert the chaos of last-minute rushes. This thoughtful gesture empowers customers to plan their purchases, ensuring their coveted items reach them in time. For made-to-order pieces, I factor in creation time, allowing intricate designs to come to life, and for brooches, badges, and pins to set to perfection.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, there are moments of joy in the preparations that often go unnoticed. Selecting the perfect washi tape to adorn packing boxes becomes a delightful task, each design carefully chosen to spread a touch of holiday magic. Another whimsical aspect is deciding on the festive freebies that accompany each order. This year, UK orders will be treated to mini candy canes or chocolate coins, while my international customers will receive the delight of a Christmas-themed sticker.
Yet, not every task is wrapped in holiday glitter. There are the mundane and repetitive chores, like assembling packing boxes, which come with the added challenge of finding storage space. Currently, a bag of boxes resides in my room, a testament to the spatial challenges of a one-person show. Tissue paper is meticulously cut to size, ready to cradle each product, and backing cards are prepared with care.
Once the social media whirlwind is tamed, the final act unfolds—enjoying the rhythmic dance of order packing and fully embracing the festive spirit. In the heart of this organized chaos, Mary & Dolls emerges as a beacon of holiday joy, ready to deliver a touch of magic to each doorstep.