Holiday Rush Preparation – Step 1: Reflect

MERRY CHRISTMAS in September? Yes, you heard that right!

The holiday rush can become stressful quickly and it is only weeks away! Now is the time to get everything organized so you can enjoy a successful, stress-free holiday season without unexpected emergency roasts or shipping delays. To gear up for the upcoming holiday season, it is important to take a look back at last year. Understanding what worked and what didn’t will help you fine-tune your sales and planning strategies.

With these five key questions, your holiday preparations are set for a magnificent start!

1. Did you offer a special holiday blend or bundle last year?

Think about how well these items sold and what you could improve. This helps you decide whether to repeat or tweak your offerings.

2. How much coffee did you roast last year?

Review your Cropster Production Report to see last year’s roasting volume. Conduct a thorough inventory check to know your current stock levels of green beans and finished products. This is crucial for planning your roasting schedule and managing orders smoothly.

3. Was the amount roasted adequate for demand?

How quickly did your holiday blend sell out? Did you roast extra batches or stick with your regular blend? Consider whether you need to ramp up sales and roast more this year, or if you ended up with extra stock last year.

4. Did the number of customers increase or decrease compared to the previous year?

Take a moment to see if your customer base has grown. The size of their businesses and their holiday season activities can significantly influence their coffee needs. Knowing how they’re growing will help you predict demand better. Also, understanding the operational schedules of your key partners is vital.

5. What challenges or setbacks did you experience?

Reflect on last year—whether it was staffing shortages, longer delivery times for packaging or green beans, keep those challenges in mind. Adjust your actions and timeline accordingly this year. Consider the increased shipping demands and potential delays during the holiday period. Allocating extra time for deliveries is crucial to meet customer expectations and avoid last-minute stress.

Let’s make this holiday rush a festive celebration filled with cheer, connection, and joy!

Head over to Step 2: Prepare

Head to the full Holiday Rush Preparation Guide