With Black Friday and Cyber Monday expected to bring in $75 billion in sales this year, there’s a lot on the line. For direct-to-consumer (DTC), eCommerce, and retail brands, it’s a huge opportunity—but only if you’re ready for it.
Here’s how to dodge common pitfalls and set yourself up for a smooth, profitable BFCM.
1. Staff Up to Handle the Rush
First things first—are you fully staffed? It’s no secret that BFCM demands extra hands on deck. If you have a physical store, make sure you’ve got enough sales floor associates and cashiers to handle the expected foot traffic. For online retailers, prepare for a spike in order processing and shipping.
Have enough team members on standby to ensure smooth operations, especially if you offer post-purchase support. Customers will have questions, and quick answers will keep them from abandoning their carts. Temporary staffing agencies can help you scale up quickly if you’re short on time.
2. Secure Your Inventory in Advance
There’s no such thing as over-preparation when it comes to BFCM inventory. Running out of stock could mean lost sales, frustrated customers, and potentially damaged reputation. To avoid this, confirm your purchase orders (POs) early, allowing extra time for any possible shipping delays.
For online sellers, a well-stocked warehouse is critical. Keep an eye on top-selling items and ensure they’re front and center in your inventory, so you can fulfill customer demand without a hitch. Consider setting up a real-time tracking system for inventory levels—running out of stock shouldn’t be a surprise when you can avoid it.
3. Optimize Your Sales Channels
Today’s shoppers go where it’s easiest—sometimes that’s your website, but more often, it’s platforms like Facebook, Google, or TikTok. Customers increasingly shop directly from social channels, so be ready to meet them there.
Use a multichannel approach to give customers more ways to buy from you. Tools like Shopify can make selling across multiple platforms easier, so consider activating these integrations if you haven’t already. A seamless buying experience is more likely to convert impulse buyers and keep them coming back.
4. Track Performance in Real-Time
The last thing you want is to guess which channels are performing best during the sale. Use tools that give you in-depth insights into each platform and sales channel. This includes traffic, conversion rates, and sales figures by platform.
If you rely on a CRM or another sales-tracking system, set it up to capture data for BFCM. Having this data readily available means you can pivot quickly—whether it’s redistributing ad spend to a high-performing platform or adjusting your inventory based on real-time sales.
5. Automate Your Accounting
Your hard work has paid off—you’ve maximized sales and hit record numbers. Now, it’s time to make sure the back end doesn’t slow you down. The volume of transactions during BFCM can quickly become a bookkeeping headache, especially with returns, payouts, and sales tax to reconcile.
This is where automated accounting solutions like Bookkeep come in. Bookkeep syncs all your transaction data, keeping your books accurate and clean. The platform isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a way to avoid costly manual errors and free yourself up to focus on future sales strategies. Whether you’re handling thousands of transactions or just a few hundred, an automation tool keeps your accounting streamlined and ready for whatever comes next.
Final Thoughts
We get it, BFCM can be an overwhelming time for even the most seasoned brands. But the key is preparation—getting your staffing, inventory, sales channels, tracking, and accounting dialed in. The better prepared you are, the smoother your BFCM will run.
And if you’re looking to keep your accounting smooth and stress-free this season, we can help. Let’s make this your best BFCM yet—chat with us to learn how Bookkeep can simplify your accounting.
Start a trial or book a demo below.
