Planning a festival or seasonal catalogue

Festivals and seasons bring the year's busiest weeks. A catalogue made two weeks early beats a rush on the last day.

A timeline

Four weeks before: decide what to sell and order stock. Check last year's notes.
Three weeks before: take photos, write descriptions, set prices.
Two weeks before: publish the catalogue, send it to regular customers, and post the order cut-off date.
The last week: update availability daily; remove items that are out.
After the season: write down what sold, what stayed, and what you would change.

Offers that work

Offer something that does not cut your margin too deeply: a gift with a larger order, free delivery above a total, or a combined set. Check each against your numbers with the discount calculator and the bundle calculator.

The cut-off date

Say the last day for orders and the last day for delivery before the festival. It protects you from impossible promises and gives customers a reason to order early.

Stock and money

Festival stock ties up money, and what is left after the festival may sell slowly. Order in two rounds if you can, with a small first order. See the cash flow page for the effect of slow stock.

Keep the old catalogue

Download the catalogue file from the maker after the season and keep it. Next year you can reload it, change the prices and the date, and you are ready in an hour.

Respect every community

Use festival names correctly, and do not use religious images or names in a way that could offend. When unsure, ask someone from the community.

Common questions

When should I send my festival catalogue?

Two to three weeks ahead for gifts and sweets, and earlier for custom or handmade items that take days to make.

Should I raise prices at festival time?

If your cost rises or your time is stretched, you can, but tell customers clearly. A price change that is explained is accepted more easily than a hidden one.

Keep going

Photos stay in your own browser. The order link holds the item names, prices and descriptions but no photos, and orders go only to the shop's WhatsApp. Example items and prices are made up. No tax or food rules are stated here: check them where you live. Checked 14 November 2026.