ICYMI: Preparing for Black Friday Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are the ultimate tentpole events for ecommerce sellers, but success doesn’t come without preparation. During a recent webinar, industry experts Richie (Levanta), Ali (Trellis), and Samantha (Finale Inventory) joined forces to share actionable insights on how sellers can thrive this holiday season. Whether optimizing pricing, managing inventory, or strategizing your marketing campaigns, the key takeaway was clear: agility, planning, and data are your best friends.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

1. Know Your Goals and Build Strategies Around Them

• Start with business goals. Are you focused on clearing excess inventory, increasing revenue, or launching new products for 2025? Your BFCM strategy should reflect these goals.
• Prioritize your best sellers. The 20% of products driving 80% of your revenue should be the backbone of your promotional efforts.

2. Leverage Data and Insights

• Historical data is invaluable. Use sales trends from last year’s BFCM alongside data from events like Prime Big Deal Days to inform your strategies.
• Track real-time performance. Be nimble. Monitor KPIs like impressions, click-through rates, and inventory levels hourly during the event to pivot your approach as needed.

3. Smart Inventory Management

• Set channel guardrails. Avoid inventory blowouts on platforms like TikTok by limiting inventory allocation to avoid overselling due to virality.
• Diversify fulfillment strategies. Ensure your inventory is distributed strategically to meet demand across various channels.

4. Master Pricing and Promotions

• Dynamic pricing is a must. Automating price adjustments ensures you remain competitive while protecting margins.
• Bundle creatively. Holiday bundles boost average order value and can appeal to loyal and new customers alike.

5. Lean on Technology and Expertise

• Invest in tools and partners. Software like Finale Inventory can optimize inventory management and forecasting, while partners like Levanta and Trellis can enhance your affiliate marketing and pricing strategies.

6. Adapt and React During Cyber Five

• Stay present and flexible. Monitor sales velocity, adjust advertising budgets, and introduce backup products if key SKUs sell out.
• Run a “war room” strategy. Check performance metrics frequently to capitalize on what’s working and adjust what’s not.

Pro Tips for Long-Term Success

BFCM is not just a sales event—it’s a case study for future strategies. Document your wins, misses, and insights to refine your approach for 2025. Keep a continuous feedback loop with your team, partners, and even customers.

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Missed the webinar and still want more insights? Don’t worry. Watch the on-demand recording. Let’s turn your BFCM hustle into your best season yet! The holiday hustle is here—let’s make it count!