Smooth Manufacturing = Better Sales

2011/12/15 6:00 AM

I have been working on my calendar for next year and I wanted to share a few tips and tricks that I find really helpful to keep your business running more efficiently and hopefully, with less forgotten details.

As many of you know, I am a single mom to 4 yr old twins and don’t have one second to spare (most of the time) unless of course you want to come over for a martini! I am the queen of organized and rely on my calendar to tell me what to do when or it never gets done. Not sure what I’d do if google ever went down! AAK!

This is actually pretty simple so just follow the steps and you’ll be on your way to success before the year rolls over! I like to work backwards so everything has ample time to get done. One note: I usually pad everything by 2 weeks to make up for any disasters……we all know manufacturing has disasters!

Enter all delivery/shipping times for the seasons you sell. For example, most accessories and clothing for Fall ships on or around July 30^th every year.
Back out when you need to have samples ready for your photo shoot and creating catalogs. * Don’t forget to schedule the photo shoot and book any graphic designers you need to use if any.
Now back-out when you need to start your production to make those delivery dates and mark that down.
Back up again and note when you need to order your raw materials to start production on time. * Don’t forget to check your inventory of hangtags & labels.
Back up again and note when you need to begin your design process. Everyone is different so be sure to give yourself the time you require.
Special note: If you need to attend fabric shows, gem shows and the likes, be sure to calendar those as well.

These simple, yet important steps will help you stay on track and deliver on time. Being late with manufacturing only gives the “other gal” the chance to make the sale instead of you!

Good luck!

Tagged: Costing Products, Manufacturing, Marketing, Public Relations, Wholesale

Written by Sarah Shaw

There are 9 comments

Reija says:

December 15, 2011 at 10:50 am

Great tips! Thank you Sarah!

Haralee says:

December 15, 2011 at 11:14 am

Good tips Sarah, thanks. I would add if you can partner with your manufactor to have your production during their slower times it is a win win for everyone!

Lill says:

December 15, 2011 at 11:44 am

Sarah,

For a procrastinator like me, these tips are lifesaving. Also knowing the deadlines is so helpful. I will be passing this along to all my other entrepreneur friends and groups. Wish I had you to schedule my calendar!

Karin says:

December 15, 2011 at 11:55 am

I couldn’t live without my calendars! I keep one with me in my purse at all times! It really helps me keep on track with my tasks and helps me schedule my life around my creativity! (Plus, I always know what’s a good day to visit a doctor or have friends over for Happy Hour!)

Latoya Walker says:

December 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm

WOW! Very imformative and helpful! I love your site!

Sarah Shaw says:

December 15, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Glad you all enjoyed this post!

Vicki Butler-Hagen says:

December 15, 2011 at 2:16 pm

Thank you so much for sharing how you schedule your calendar ahead of time for smooth manufacturing! I feel so blessed to be able to learn from you, Sarah! I LOVE all your articles – VERY helpful xoxoxo