More Than WE Know

Are you ready for the Holidays?

It may only be the first Monday in November, but 40% of Americans surveyed say they have already begun their Holiday shopping.

Despite high gas prices and an uncertain economy,  2007 projected holiday spend is up 3.7% from last year - It’s anticipated that US consumers will spend $474.5 Billion.

Thirty percent of them plan to do at least some of that spending online.

The average consumer is expected to spend $923 this season in gifts and special purchases.   That breaks down to:

• $470 on family 
• $90 on friends 
• $23 on coworkers 
• $37 on others, such as clergy, teachers, and babysitters
• $21 on flowers
• $95 on candy and food
• $32 on greeting cards and postage
• $105 - other non-gift purchases

In their letters to Santa, they’re asking for:

• 54% - gift cards and gift certificates (certainly lightens Santa’s pack)
• 50%  - clothing and accessories
• 51% - books, CDs, DVDs, videos and video games
• 37% - electronics and computer-related accessories
• 24% - jewelry
• 22% - home decor or home-related furnishings

(totals more than 100% due to asking for more than one item)

Is your website ready to take advantage of the holiday demand?

According to research most consumers:

• shop online because they desire discounts and specials (incl. free shipping) 
• conduct online research before purchasing: 
  • 75% visit three to five sites
  • 18% spend one to two weeks researching

Do you have web-only discounts in place and highlighted?

Do you have useful information including price, shipping times, materials, sizes, and pictures available for online comparison shopping?

Do you have contact info on every page so they can ask questions?

Do you have a newsletter, advertisement, special announcement or other way to capture their email address so you can follow up?

And don’t forget that over 50% of consumers would like to receive a gift card as a present - this is also the easiest way for the buyer to buy a gift and for you as a seller to provide one - especially at the last minute. 

Do you have gift card options available?

If you aren’t ready to take advantage of the holiday season - make a plan now to get ready.

• order your inventory
• identify discounts you can give that are still profitable to you
• create gift certificates (can be as simple as emails with terms and conditions) 
• update your website to make holiday specials, shipping terms and pricing info clear
• ensure your contact info is prominently displayed and accurate 
• determine whether you need extra help - start advertising and interviewing now

How ready are you for the holiday season? What do you still need to do?

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