Small Business Saturday: Making the Most of Christmas Week

Small Business Saturday: Making the Most of the Last One Before Christmas

The final Small Business Saturday before Christmas carries a special kind of energy.

Shoppers are motivated. Time is short. Decisions are happening now.

For creative business owners, this day isn’t about flashy campaigns or doing more than you can handle. It’s about focusing your energy where it matters most — making it easy for the right customers to say yes.

Here’s where to put your attention today.

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Shift From Marketing to Decision-Making

At this point in the season, customers don’t need convincing — they need clarity.

Instead of highlighting everything you sell, narrow your focus:

• Feature your best-sellers and proven favorites
• Call out items as “Most Gifted” or “Customer Favorites”
• Clearly state who each item is perfect for (teachers, hosts, coworkers, stocking stuffers)

When choices feel simple, purchases happen faster.

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Over-Communicate Deadlines (Calmly)

Holiday shoppers are already juggling a lot. Clear information builds trust.

Make sure your shop clearly states:

• Shipping cutoffs for Christmas delivery
• Local pickup or porch pickup options, if available
• Digital gift cards or instant-download items as last-minute solutions

If a customer has to message you to ask whether something will arrive in time, there’s a good chance they’ll move on before you reply.

Clarity converts.

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Focus On What Makes You Different

Big-box stores can deliver fast — but they can’t deliver meaning.

Today is the perfect day to remind buyers:

• Your work is handmade
• Your items are made locally or in a small studio
• Each order is packed by a real human who cares

A quick behind-the-scenes photo, a short caption about your process, or a simple note about why you love making what you make can go a long way.

Emotion matters more than discounts right now. (Now is the perfect time to pick up long-term customers! Buyers now may be your long-term fan.)

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Keep Your Offer Simple

This is not the time for complicated promotions.

If you’re running a special today, choose one clear offer, such as:

• Free gift wrap or a handwritten note
• Flat-rate shipping for the day
• Buy two items, get free shipping

If it can’t be explained in one sentence, it’s too complicated for today. Keep it simple sweetie!

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Think Beyond Today’s Sale

One of the most overlooked opportunities on Small Business Saturday is what happens after the holidays.

Every order today is a chance to build a relationship.

Consider:

• Including a thank-you card with a January incentive
• Inviting customers to follow your shop or join your email list
• Encouraging them to “come back and treat yourself” after the holidays

A holiday customer can become a year-round supporter — if you invite them to stay.

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Redefine What “Success” Looks Like

This final Small Business Saturday doesn’t need to look like “perfection”.

Success might be:

• Moving inventory that you’re ready to clear
• Gaining a handful of new customers
• Staying organized and calm
• Closing your shop at a reasonable hour (peddl shops never really close but cutting off order taking should.)

You do not need to compete with massive retailers to be successful. Showing up with intention is enough.

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A Gentle Reminder

This day isn’t about doing everything.
 It’s about doing what matters most — clearly, confidently, and with heart.

If you’re building a handmade business and looking for a platform that values creativity, community, and fair opportunity, peddl is being built with you in mind. You don’t have to do this alone.

Always, peddl 💛