10 ways to prepare your small business for the holiday season

The holiday season can be a goldmine for small businesses, but it’s also chaos if you’re not ready. Between the rush of customers, fast-moving stock, and the juggle of time off and tighter cash flow, things can go sideways fast.
If you don’t plan ahead, things can unravel fast. A solid plan helps you stay calm under pressure, support your team, and keep sales flowing (without the festive-season meltdown).
Here’s what you can do now to make the holidays feel less hectic and a lot more profitable.

Review last year’s sales activity

Before diving into this year’s holiday prep, take a moment to look back. Your sales data from last season is packed with helpful clues — what sold fast, what flopped, and when things got busy.

That kind of insight is gold when it comes to forecasting revenue, ordering stock, and figuring out if you’ll need extra hands on deck.

Start by asking yourself the right questions. Which products flew off the shelves? Were there specific days or weeks when business peaked? Look for any bottlenecks that slowed you down, like delayed deliveries, out-of-stock items or staff burnout. Were some promotions a total hit, while others fell flat?

And if this is your first holiday season in business? No stress. Look at your current sales patterns or even broader industry trends. A ballpark estimate is better than going in blind, especially when it comes to ordering inventory or planning staff rosters.

Plan for higher demand

Holiday demand isn’t always predictable. One minute it’s quiet, the next it’s all systems go. The trick is to get ahead of the chaos by planning for those busy days now.

Think stock, staffing and systems. If you expect more customers through the door or more orders hitting your site, now’s the time to prep. That might mean boosting your inventory, tweaking rosters, or giving your booking and checkout process a quick polish.

When it’s easy for customers to shop, they’re more likely to follow through. And that means more sales, fewer headaches, and a better bottom line.

Prepare your team

Strong holiday sales start with a strong team. December and January often come with leave requests, shorter availability and the occasional last minute roster change. All of that can impact how quickly you serve customers and how smoothly your business runs.

Chat with your team early about their plans and lock in your roster ahead of time. Schedule your most experienced staff during the busiest windows, and give new team members enough training before things get busy. A well-prepared team can reduce your stress and keep sales momentum going strong when it matters.

Confirm supplier capacity and lead times

The last thing you want is to be caught off guard mid-rush with a “sorry, we’re out of stock” email from your supplier. So reach out early to confirm delivery windows, lead times, and any changes to their holiday hours. Ask about cut-off dates, restocking delays, or potential shortages, especially for your bestsellers. The sooner you know, the better you can plan and the less likely you’ll be scrambling last-minute.

Strengthen your pricing and promotions

Holiday sales don’t have to mean slashing prices until your margins cry. With a bit of strategy, you can give customers a reason to spend more without gutting your profits.

Think bundles. Think giftable add-ons. Highlight your bestsellers and make it easy for people to say “yes.” Promotions that solve real customer needs (not just the ones that race to the bottom) are the ones that drive stronger revenue, now and beyond December.

So skip the panic discounting. A smart promo plan with clear value will do more for your bottom line than a 50% off sign ever could.

Improve your online presence

When the holiday surge rolls in, your digital experience can make or break a sale. So give your website, checkout or booking system a once-over. Are pages loading fast? Can people find what they need without playing digital hide-and-seek?

Even small tweaks can lift conversions. Sharpen your product descriptions, make navigation effortless, and be crystal clear about delivery timeframes. The easier it is for customers to click ‘buy now’, the more likely they’ll do it.

Manage your cash flow

December might be merry, but it’s also expensive. You’re likely paying for stock up front, extending your hours, or calling in extra help. Those costs will hit your account before your revenue does.

Run the numbers early. Compare your income forecasts with your upcoming expenses, and check where you might need to rein it in. A little forward thinking can help you avoid a post-holiday financial hangover.

Communicate with your customers

Stand out by keeping your communication calm, clear, and helpful. Make sure your updated trading hours, delivery windows, and refund or exchange policies are front and centre on your website, socials, and anywhere else people might look.

Be honest about shipping delays or limited stock. Setting realistic expectations now means fewer complaints later (and happier customers all around).

Protect your operations

Busy periods mean more foot traffic, more online orders, and more moving parts. But they also mean more chances for things to go wrong, like a stockroom accident, a customer slipping, or your equipment deciding it’s had enough.

The right cover helps you bounce back faster from disruptions, protect your revenue, and keep your business running smoothly through the chaos. And when your operations are protected, you can focus on what really matters — delivering a standout experience and ending the year strong.

Reset and review

Once the last order is out the door and the tills stop ringing, take a beat before diving into next year.

Use the quieter days to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Did your team cope well? Were there any surprise wins… or avoidable headaches?

A quick debrief now gives you a head start next time. You’ll go into next year’s silly season with a sharper plan and fewer unknowns. That’s how you turn one good season into long-term momentum.

Wrap the year with confidence

The holidays might be unpredictable, but your business doesn’t have to be. With a little forward planning and the right protection, you can finish strong, serve customers with confidence, and skip the seasonal stress.

Need cover sorted before the rush hits? BizCover makes it fast and easy. Compare multiple quotes online, buy in minutes, and get instant cover for your business.

Get your free quotes today so you can tick insurance off your list and get back to business.