So, I’ve been debating whether to close up my shop up for a few weeks. There are so many other things I need to attend to – finalizing new products I have on the back burner, setting up some admin documents, that darned wholesale stuff, finishing up my .com…seriously, the list just goes on and on.
These days, it seems I just have no spare time or the focus to get it done. Obviously, getting orders out to customers in a timely fashion is my first priority, and some days, that’s a whole days worth of work. So, hunkering down at night to attend to the other to-do’s in my day simply isn’t happening. The reality is, this just adds to the stress and lack of focus because in the back of your mind, that mental to-do list is just eating away at you. I think in part, this explains some of the reasons I’m feeling burnt out too.
Of course, the major kicker to closing up for a wee bit is missing out on potential sales, especially when they are steadily coming in. Then there’s the fact that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I had a pretty good success rate for a new shop last year. It makes me wonder if I’d be bonkers to close at the peak of a possible sales surge.
As always, there’s a flip side. Opting to temporarily lose sales will actually allow me to generate more down the line as I’ll finally have my wholesale up and running as well as my wedding line launched. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. I’m just going around in circles and circles about this decision. Where’s the answer fairy when you need one?
Have you ever been faced with this decision? If so, what did you do?
Image Credit: bluecinderella
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I struggle with this all the time. But around the holidays I realized that not only was I no good (at business) if I was burned at both ends, but that you could easily become a slave to sales and customers if you are open all the time. It’s hard to find the balance, but if an employer can pay me for two weeks vacation then I can too. One of the best things about running a small business is that you get to keep in mind the person behind the business. Or so I like to think when I realize how crazy it is to be up and at it 365 days a year :)
karen | January 20th, 2010Hi, I had a similar situation myself just around the Christmas/New Year period. I too was feeling burnt-out and completely overwhelmed with orders. This led to getting the flu and the realisation of having really just too many things going on in my life (up til now I have been part-time self-employed, part-time employed and am completing a one-year web design course). So I bit the bullet and closed my shop for a couple of weeks (even with the knowledge that I often have late-comers for xmas gifts, and last year continued to sell well into the new year) and I tend to be indecisive, so this was not an easy decision to make!
Cat (WildCat Designs) | January 20th, 2010…suffice to say it was the right choice for me, as I have had time to recover and think about things, plus dream up some new product ideas. This actually led to making the decision to quit my part-time job and concentrate on doing what I love (textiles).
Adele, I have found myself in this situation plenty of times. But never did anything about it. I’m actually going to be closing the shop for a few weeks at the end of February. Mostly because I am moving, so I don’t have a choice. But I am also looking forward to the down time to focus on other things. I think you’re doing a good thing. :)
Jen | January 20th, 2010Maybe a compromise would be to stay open through Valentine’s Day because that seems to be a lucrative time for stationers and then commit to closing from the end of February through March?
PJ | January 20th, 2010Adele, I am going through the same thing you are right now. It’s like we are leading similar lives! Although I sell craft supplies it’s still a struggle for me to do everything I want to do every day. I want to start a newsletter, talk more on twitter, research more fabric lines but I just don’t have time to do it all and still take care of my family.
I need to find a more sustainable way to run my business (ie. me not working 12+ hours a day and doing every job – web developer, photographer, blogger, email correspondent, buyer etc) but just don’t know where to start on this. :(
Sorry I have no advice to give you. I do want to say though that I understand your struggle and hope that you’ll be able to figure out the best decision for you and your business.
XO
Cheryl | January 20th, 2010Girl, I feel your pain. I’m going through some creative crisis of my own and find myself just wanting to unplug from it all and really think about what I’m trying to accomplish and what I’m really all about. I feel like I’m headed in the right “general” direction, but I’m taking some long, roundabout route to get there. If I just stopped for a minute and took the time to map out my route, I might get there a bit quicker than if I just keep using something really vague, like the sun, to guide me! Does that make any sense?! If not, feel free to delete this comment-LOL!
Nicole : Three By Sea | January 20th, 2010Adele,
Sorry that you are faced with such a hard decision. Obviously, you have a lot of people behind you and your business (wow, look at all these great and positive posts!). I closed down for a week just before Christms (crazy, but I couldn’t keep up with everyone’s last minute panic). When I opened up again, I really did have a creative spurt of energy and a new, better rested eye to look at my business.
Best of luck in everything
pennyglassgirl | January 21st, 2010Hi Adele,
It sounds like a break from things would do you good. Maybe close down after Valentine’s Day and recharge your batteries in time to launch your wedding line in the Spring.
I know how you feel although I’m not in the same situation. Business is slow for me (growing organically ;) and I have a little boy and another on the way (early days so shhh don’t tell!) I am completely exhausted and I’m trying to launch a new business that will satisfy my creative urges. I love my marketing business as I get to help so many great creative people but my target market has no money and it’s hard to compete with people who are able to be online promoting all day everyday. I have thought about closing for a while while I launch my new biz but since I’m not getting many sales at the moment it wouldn’t make much difference. It’s my blog really that takes time to generate new articles and I do a lot of free work but I don’t want to let anyone down by stopping those.
Anyway I just thought I’d add so you know you are not alone. And really only you know what’s best for you and your business. That’s the joy of being self-employed after all.
Isa Maria | January 21st, 2010Adele,
I think in your situation with Valentines day just around the corner stay open for another 2 weeks and then take a hiatus to work on your other projects. Let your customers know to stock up in advance (and they will).
You have the feedback & the following for your store to survive a temporary closure. Just don’t be a stranger because we’ll miss you :)
Tara
Tara (Boutique Karma) | January 21st, 2010I am in the exact same situation right now, with the exact same issues! Working on wholesale…my website…new products…it’s difficult! I, too, am hesitant to close up shop, but at the same time when will my “to do’s” ever get done? Not to mention, keeping my sanity, doing things I love, and spending time with my family all get pushed to the back as well. I still am on the fence right now…I hope you are able to make a decision soon that you are comfortable with!
Amanda | January 21st, 2010[...] of all, I just wanted to thank everyone who commented on this post for their most sincere and thoughtful opinions regarding my struggle about whether to close up my [...]
modernemotive: eco-friendly paper goods » Blog Archive » This Self-Employed Life: Follow Up to Sorry We’re Closed | January 23rd, 2010Hi, I had a similar situation myself just around the Christmas/New Year period. I too was feeling burnt-out and completely overwhelmed with orders. This led to getting the flu and the realisation of having really just too many things going on in my life (up til now I have been part-time self-employed, part-time employed and am completing a one-year web design course). So I bit the bullet and closed my shop for a couple of weeks (even with the knowledge that I often have late-comers for xmas gifts, and last year continued to sell well into the new year) and I tend to be indecisive, so this was not an easy decision to make!
Cat (WildCat Designs) | February 17th, 2010…suffice to say it was the right choice for me, as I have had time to recover and think about things, plus dream up some new product ideas. This actually led to making the decision to quit my part-time job and concentrate on doing what I love (textiles).