Holiday Prep in Summer
Why Now Is the Time to Design Christmas Files
If you're a laser maker or digital SVG seller, it might feel early to think about Christmas in the middle of summer, but trust us, July and August is exactly when the most successful sellers start prepping. Getting ahead on your holiday designs now not only relieves stress later, it also positions your business to capitalize on the busiest and most profitable season of the year.
Here’s why smart makers are starting their holiday prep in the summer and how you can do the same.
Makers Need Time to Source Materials and Create a Game Plan
Use this time to also look back at what sold well last year. What designs were a hit? What materials ran low? Data from your past seasons is gold, use it!
Preparing for the holiday rush takes more than just creativity, it takes strategy.
Laser makers often underestimate the time it takes to source materials, troubleshoot new designs, and build out a full seasonal product line. Starting in July gives you breathing room to:
Research and compare suppliers for materials like wood, acrylic, hardware, and packaging, ensuring you get the best prices and avoid last-minute markups.
Test new materials or product ideas before committing to bulk orders.
Create a seasonal launch plan that includes product photography, marketing timelines, social media content, and email sequences.
Your Files Need to Be Ready for Early-Bird Laser Makers
If you're a digital file seller, your customers are already looking.
Many makers start planning and prepping for holiday markets and online sales in early summer. That means they’re shopping for SVGs and design files in July and August , not November. If your holiday files aren’t published until fall, you may have already missed their buying window, however will still catch hobbyists and last minute buyers.
Uploading your Christmas SVGs in July or early August gives your customers:
Time to test your files and troubleshoot if needed.
Time to create product mockups and build out Etsy or website listings.
Time to batch-cut products and build inventory for markets and craft shows.
This is also the perfect time to release seasonal file bundles or complementary items like gift tag sets and packaging elements that help your customers create cohesive holiday collections.
🎄 Pro tip: Share sneak peeks or behind-the-scenes design previews on your Instagram or email list to build excitement as you release your holiday file collection.
Start Cutting Blanks for Bestsellers Now
Don’t wait until November to start cutting high-demand products, your future self will thank you.
If you've been in business for more than one season, you probably already know which products fly off the shelves during the holidays. Use July and August to:
Batch cut or engrave blanks for ornaments, gift tags, stocking name tags, holiday signs, or personalized teacher gifts.
Create semi-finished stock that can be customized with names or dates closer to order time, this allows you to fulfill custom orders faster without starting from scratch.
Build inventory so you’re not stuck in the workshop during family time in December.
By prepping now, you’re creating flexibility in your schedule. You can focus on order fulfillment, customer service, or even launch new last-minute products without burning out.
Use off-season cutting time to train a helper (friend, spouse, teen) on packaging or prep tasks. Delegating even a few steps in your workflow can be a game-changer during the rush.
Order Materials Early to Avoid Delays and Stockouts
One of the biggest mistakes makers face every holiday season is waiting too long to stock up only to face sold-out suppliers or massive shipping delays.
Here’s why ordering in July and August is smart business:
Popular materials like Baltic birch, 3mm MDF, and festive ribbon can sell out quickly once September hits.
Shipping delays increase significantly during Q4, especially for overseas or bulk orders.
You can often score better pricing on supplies when you're not competing with the holiday buying frenzy.
Don’t risk halting production due to a missing component. Do an audit of what you’ll need now, and place your orders while you have time to adjust if a supplier is out of stock.
📦 Pro tip: Think beyond just materials. Stock up on shipping supplies, thank-you stickers, gift boxes, and other seasonal packaging now while supplies are steady and costs are lower.
Final Thoughts:
Start Now, Stress Less Later
The truth is, Christmas starts in July/ August (or earlier) for laser businesses that want to grow. Whether you’re prepping physical products, designing new SVG files, or planning your marketing, getting a head start now is one of the best moves you can make for your bottom line.
By starting early, you create space for creativity, strategy, and even a bit of holiday fun. You’ll be more prepared, less stressed, and ready to make the most of the busiest shopping season of the year.
Ready to Prep for the Holidays with Less Stress?
Check out my free guide, The Ultimate Holiday Product Ideas for Laser Sellers
👉 Download it here
Or visit the Resources page for tools and freebies made for laser business owners like you.
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