Will you make these common mistakes when running an in school holiday gift shop yourself?
Use this list of mistakes as a blueprint for your holiday store. Whether you are just starting out or have been running an in-school holiday gift shop for years, you will find something useful here.
Mistake #1: Trying To Do This On Your Own
You might be thinking right about now…
“How hard could this be?”
“I had garage sales before, so How different could this be?”
“We can probably make more money if we do it on our own.”
If you can relate to any of these thoughts, then you are not alone. Many of our current clients tried to run a school holiday shop on their own at first. They would try to buy merchandise at the dollar store to resell. Over and over again they told us that it is never as easy as it looks at first.
For example, notice what Mellissa had to say:
“In previous years, someone purchased all of the items for sale and then we were either running out to buy more or stuck with returning things. This was the first year that we ran it as an order taker sale and you were the only company willing to work with us. We could not have done it without the help and support of your entire staff! Thanks again!” – Melissa B./ Brookside Elementary School
Mistake #2: Don’t forget about the extras!
Some schools worry so much about stocking their store with merchandise that they forget about getting all of the odds and ends that make running your store a success.
For example, notice what Cynthia had to say:
“For several years we have been contracting with Tracy Hamilton / School Holiday Shops, because of the terrific selection of affordable merchandise. However, your company makes the entire process such a pleasure, by including the colorful parent letters, the $ envelopes for the children, the coordinated table cloths and shopping bags….and the lovely posters that we hang around the school. We thank you for your wonderful customer service/support and we most definitely look forward to another year of working with you!” – Cynthia T. / Montessori 31 PTA Treasurer/Fundraiser
Mistake #4: Don’t buy JUNK
Some schools are tempted to buy cheap items from the dollar store only to regret it and have customers complaining about the merchandise.
Notice what Linda had to say about this:
“The quality of the merchandise you supplied was beyond what I had expected. I have gotten numerous compliments from families about how nice the gifts were that their children picked out. Keep up the great work, I look forward to doing it again next Christmas!” – Linda / St. Therese School
Mistake #5: Over complicating everything for your in school holiday gift shop
You might be wondering right now, “Is this going to be hard to do? Will we be able to do this?”
You are not alone. Many of our clients felt that way before working with us.
In fact, notice what Carissa had to say:
“I have worked with Chris at the Holiday shop for the last 7 years. It has been a pleasure to work with the friendly staff, the ease of ordering and always have exceptional customer service. The kids and staff at our school enjoy the variety of product and pricing options. The instructions on how to operate the shop and materials that are sent are easy to use and make the shop fun and easy for us as volunteers to put together. Looking forward to another holiday season!” – Carissa U. / Adams Central Wallace
Mistake #6: Running out of merchandise
It is never fun running out of merchandise at your shoppe and having to run back to the dollar store. It is even worse when you find out that the items are no longer available! You will not have to worry about this anymore.
Notice what Myra had to say about this:
“Reorders were received within 2 business days always. We enjoyed working and getting to know both Joe and Angie. At all times, they treated us with the attitude that the customer always comes first.” – Myra
Mistake #7: Don’t get STUCK with merchandise
Some school holiday shoppe suppliers require you to buy your merchandise up front. In other words, you pay BEFORE you sell it.
You will be happy to know that we don’t work that way.
We simply send you the product, and you only pay for what you sell. All you have to do is ship back the items that you have left over.
Mistake #8: Don’t get stuck waiting weeks for your merchandise
Let’s face it… a holiday shop needs to be open during the holidays.
Imagine ordering product and it takes several weeks to ship and then you can’t open your store on time! What a nightmare that would be.
We work hard to make sure that you get your merchandise in plenty of time for your in school holiday gift shop.
Here’s what Myra had to say:
“Our large order, which was in the $10,000.00 range, was turned around in less than a week and we were able to get the gifts sorted and wrapped and out to the students a week before their Christmas break.” – Myra
How to Make Your In School Holiday Gift Shop Store a Success
It’s very simple. Please contact us today at 1-800-645-6550. Let us show you how easy it can be to run a successful in-school holiday gift shop today.
