Real-World Tips for Staying Prepared and Stress-Free as a Handmade Seller
Running a handmade business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges—and stress. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to reducing stress is preparation and smart strategies. From having backups for essential tools to outsourcing the right tasks, here are five things I’ve done that have made a huge difference in keeping my business running smoothly (and keeping me sane!).
1. Always Have a Backup Plan
When you run a business, things are bound to go wrong. The last thing I want is to be in the middle of fulfilling a large order and have something crucial break down. That’s why I always keep backups of essential equipment.
When I first started selling online in 1990 (yes, nineteen-ninety!), the only label printer available was the UPS LP 2844. That model number is still ingrained in my memory some 35 years later because it was so wonky. If it wasn’t working, we couldn’t ship orders. One day, after the printer decided to get moody and orders were piling up, I went on eBay and found a second one. Just having a backup—and eventually a backup for the backup—gave me such peace of mind. Today, we have 9 printers in our office alone, and I always keep backup printers for our most popular models. This way, if one goes down, I’m never stuck in a jam.
The same goes for supplies. I always make sure to stock up on extras like labels, printer ink, and packaging materials so I’m not caught off guard by supply shortages. I’ve been that person waiting outside the office supply store at 6AM or rushing to a 24-hour Walmart, praying they have the right ink. I’m definitely not above heading to the UPS store in the middle of the day to beg for 4x6 shipping labels because we ran out. Been there, done that—more than once!
I've even driven 3 hours round trip to pick up boxes at the Uline warehouse, or paid three times as much for padded mailers when we ran out. Those last-minute scrambles are no fun, and they taught me that having a backup plan in place saves both time and money—and a whole lot of stress!
A backup plan isn’t just about having extras; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected so you don’t lose valuable time or stress yourself out when things don’t go as planned.
Action Tip: Take stock of the equipment and supplies you rely on most, and create a list of backups you need to keep on hand. This applies to everything—from office supplies to product packaging. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Instead, prioritize and save up during times of extra cash flow so you can stock up without putting yourself in a financial crunch. Being prepared little by little can make all the difference when you’re faced with the unexpected!
2. Outsource What You Can
One of the best things I ever did for my business was learning to outsource the tasks I either don’t enjoy or don’t have the time for. In the beginning, I tried to do everything myself—creating products, packing orders, managing social media, handling customer service—but it quickly became overwhelming.
Now, I outsource tasks like customer service, social media management, and even order fulfillment during busy times. This allows me to focus on the aspects of my business that I truly enjoy and excel at, like creating new products and engaging with my customers.
Real-World Example: I hired a virtual assistant to manage customer inquiries, and it has been a game-changer. Instead of spending hours replying to emails, I can trust that my VA is handling everything efficiently, which frees up my time for product development. I'll get more into outsourcing in a future blog post. :)
Action Tip: Look at your to-do list and identify tasks that take up too much of your time or energy. Could you hire a VA, freelancer, or even a part-time assistant to help? You don’t have to do it all yourself.
3. Stay Organized with Systems
Organization is key to avoiding chaos. One of the best ways I’ve alleviated stress is by implementing systems for everything—inventory management, order fulfillment, and even daily tasks. For example, I use Trello to brand assets so that I always know what it available to share with everyone on my team. I also rely on inventory management software to track stock levels and automatically reorder supplies when needed. While I have a ton of room for improvement here, it's a start and what I like to call a constant WIP (Work in Progress). Can you relate?
By having clear systems in place, I avoid the last-minute scrambles and stress that can come with disorganization. Everything is streamlined, which means less time spent searching for things or trying to remember what needs to be done next.
Action Tip: Take a look at your current workflow and see where you can improve organization. Whether it’s a simple spreadsheet for inventory or a project management tool for task tracking, having a system in place will save you time and reduce stress.
4. Automate Repetitive Tasks
Automation has been a lifesaver for me. Instead of manually handling every task, I’ve set up automations for things like email marketing, inventory reordering, and even social media posts. By automating these repetitive tasks, I free up time to focus on the creative and strategic parts of my business. This is my jam; and it's something no one else on my team can do.
For example, I use Klaviyo to automate follow-up emails with customers after their purchase and to send personalized product recommendations. These automations not only save me time but also improve customer retention and engagement, which is a win-win.
Action Tip: Look at the tasks you repeat daily or weekly. Are there tools or software that can help automate them? From email marketing to social media scheduling, automating repetitive tasks can free up your day.
5. Take Time for Yourself
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that taking time for myself is essential for avoiding burnout. Running a handmade business can be all-consuming, but making time for self-care is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a short walk during the day, 30 minutes of reading, or a weekend off to recharge, taking time away from work is what keeps me going.
When I prioritize my well-being, I come back to my business with more creativity, energy, and focus. And that means I’m better equipped to handle the challenges that come with running a business.
Real-World Example: I recently scheduled a girls weekend with friends from high school after a particularly busy month of orders and strategy planning. When I returned, I needed a vacation from my vacation, but was refreshed and able to approach my work with a clearer mind—and more enthusiasm.
Action Tip: Schedule time for self-care, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. You’ll be surprised how much it helps reduce stress and increase productivity in the long run.
Conclusion: Reduce Stress and Boost Productivity
Running a handmade business can be stressful, but with the right strategies in place, you can reduce the overwhelm and keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s having a backup plan, outsourcing tasks, staying organized, or automating repetitive work, these tips can help you find more time to focus on what matters most—growing your business and enjoying the journey.
Question: Which of these stress-busting strategies will you try first to keep your handmade business running smoothly?
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