The 2017 holiday shopping calendar

As the holiday season rolls around, make sure you’re not missing out on some of the largest shopping events of the year! As buyers start making their lists and checking it twice, it’s time to learn how to take advantage of this year’s marketing holidays.

November 

November is one of the most active months for buyers! Check out the below tips to maximize your profits.

November 23: Thanksgiving

Though Thanksgiving is not a traditional shopping holiday, it is widely regarded as the ‘start of the season’ within the US. Sellers can use this day to send out last minute marketing emails, as well as late night promotional offers.

November 24: Black Friday

The mother of all seasonal holidays. Black Fridays sales in the US are expected to reach well over $1 billion this year, and over $3 billion worldwide.

Be sure your products are ready

Maximize your real estate. In addition to new designs, add popular ‘cold weather’ items (such as hoodies and mugs) as well as homeware items to all of your products. For sellers with international buyers, make sure your US and EU listings are globally link to give your overseas audience access to cheaper/faster shipping.

Try testing a promo code

Did you know that holiday shoppers are 75% more likely to purchase from a retailer offering free shipping? Or that 88% of buyers consider promotions before making a Black Friday purchase? Try offering your buyers a 24-hour discount code for 15% off, or create a promotion that runs through Cyber Monday.

November 27: Cyber Monday

Continue the momentum from the weekend. As with Black Friday, maximize your listings and promotions. Offer your buyers free shipping as a part of a flash sale, or surprise buyers with an even greater coupon code.

November 28: #GivingTuesday

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) #GivingTuesday kicks off a global day of giving fueled by social media.

Consider donating part (or all!) of your profits to charity that day, and promote this to your buyers. Setting up a verified charity contribution is super easy, and you can get started by following these steps.

 

December 

Don’t forget about last minute shoppers! Utilize upcoming holidays to create urgency messaging and encourage last minute sales.

December 12: Hanukkah Begins

Promote Hanukkah deals and designs roughly 2 – 4 weeks before the start of the holiday.

December 24/25: Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Relax, you’ve earned it!

December 26: Boxing Day / Coupon Code Day

One of the largest days for deal hunters! Be sure to use coupon codes and post holiday sales promotions.

 

Tips and tricks:

List your products early

Looking for some easy ways to get your designs in the holiday spirit? Check out our guide for creating easy, holiday themed merchandise.

Use Teespring’s Buyer Messaging Tool

Message your previous buyers with new updates, designs, promo codes and more! Learn how to use the tool and give your email marketing a boost here.

Plan your social media content

The early bird gets the worm! Start building out your content calendars and promotional content now to save time and increase your sales opportunities. Check out some of our favorite low-cost content creation tools, and free Teespring product templates.