How Outsourcing Parts of Your Amazon Business During the Q4 Holiday Rush Can Be a Smart Move
It’s not too late to better your Amazon business for Q4. We may be into November, but Q4 is a marathon, not a sprint.
One of the most frequent comments we hear in Q1, after the holiday rush, is “I just wasn’t expecting . . .” The rest of that sentence varies, but the gist is always the same: sheer overwhelm. Here are a few of the most common holiday post-mortem assessments by sellers:
“I just wasn’t expecting to have to spend so much on advertising.”
“I just wasn’t expecting so many orders in such a short span.”
“I just wasn’t expecting the influx of customer service requests and buyers needing help..”
The common denominator is that while there will surely be some Q4 surprises, the sentiments above are the result of a lack of preparation. In short, all of them should have been on sellers’ radars and plans in place.
There’s a little bit more of everything during the holidays. Actually, there’s a lot more of everything. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the most harried. Why do you think bricks-and-mortar stores hire extra seasonal help every year? To cover for all of that increase across a business’s needs.
Even though your business may be primarily online, you should get similar seasonal coverage so you can not only expect the extra needs but also deal with them successfully.
Holiday help is where outsourcing portions of your business can be a smart move. Imagine how much of a difference it could make in your business if you had one person (or even an entire team) dedicated to your advertising campaigns or handling all customer contact. What would that increased coverage allow you to focus on and get off your plate?
Our advice, regardless of season, for anyone in any business is to spend the most time and effort where you can do the most good so as to maximize your impact. For things where you’re maybe not the best or the fastest, or you’re better used elsewhere, find team members who are best in those areas. Put talent and resources where they are best used for maximum efficiency.
In our many years as Amazon solutions providers as well as sellers, we’ve had the pleasure of connecting with some amazing partners. Whether you’re looking for Customer Service (Check out SellerSmile) or Accounting (Hello, Seller Accountant!) or even a network of freelancers to help with design and more, (Pop over to FreeeUp), our partners will help ensure that you have everything you need this holiday season.
And don’t forget Seller Labs Managed Services! Our dedicated experts can manage your Amazon Advertising, optimize your listings, and add power to your buyer-seller messages.
It’s no secret that the holidays can be intimidating. Whether you’re a new Amazon seller experiencing your first Q4 on the marketplace, or you’re a seasoned pro who’s been through every holiday under the sun, we’re here to help. Check out our tips for success in 2019. Some of our partners have even offered a few specials this holiday season. Take them up on it and see just how much your productivity ad revenue increases while your stress decreases.
Partner Offers:
Caroline is an Event Manager, Partner Specialist,and Marketing Expert at DISQO. When she's not offering excellent customer support she's doing pirouettes and cheering on the UGA Bulldogs.
