15 Simple Ways to Finish Strong During a Slow Month on Faire

Hey Friends! Okay… We’ve all been there… the end of the month is creeping up, and sales on Faire haven’t been quite what you hoped. First of all—take a breath. You’re not alone, and a slower stretch doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Retail is naturally full of ups and downs.

The good news? You still have time to finish strong and squeeze in some bonus orders before the month closes. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Here are 15 quick, actionable, and totally doable ways to give your shop a little boost right now:

The Classic Quick Wins

1. Send a Friendly Check-In Message
Reach out to retailers who’ve ordered before. Something as simple as “How’s your display doing?” can spark a reorder.

2. Feature a Best-Seller Collection
Make it easy for buyers—put your top performers front and center so they know exactly what works and they can feel even MORE confident saying YES!

3. Run a Flash Promotion
Offer free shipping or a small discount that ends at midnight. The urgency is what makes it effective.

BONUS: I like to increase the minimum required to qualify for the discount AND target RETURNING customers only. Helps them feel valued and I’m not having to pay the $10 fee on those discounted orders.

4. Share Fresh Product Photos
A new cover photo or lifestyle shot can catch a buyer’s eye and make your shop feel refreshed. What’s doing well right now? Should you feature a best seller and/or seasonal products right now?

5. Use Faire Direct
Target some new retailers using your Faire Direct link. A simple link in an email or DM can do the trick. Nothing… and I mean NOTHING will get the ball rolling for you on Faire like bringing in Faire Direct retailers will.

Fresh and Fun Extras

6. Create a Mini “Mystery Bundle”
Bundle a few products together at a special price. Retailers love surprises and low-effort stocking decisions. Bonus: This is also a great way to get rid of older (but still relevant and sellable) stock.

7. Spotlight Seasonal or Holiday Items
Encourage buyers to plan ahead—Halloween, Christmas, and even spring are closer than they think. Encourage them to shop and stock up now!

8. Run a Retailer-Only Giveaway
Every order placed before month-end gets entered to win a free case of product or shipping credit. Adds excitement and urgency. We do fun stuff for our customers… why not our retailers too! They like fun things. ;-) Just make sure your offerings are modest given we’re working with wholesale margins here.

9. Go Live with a Shop Walkthrough
Hop on Instagram or Facebook Live and show off your products. Let retailers see your line in action and encourage them to order afterwards.

10. Send a “Last Call” Email
Highlight what’s low in stock or nearly sold out. Scarcity is one of the most powerful motivators to buy.

Keep It Personal

11. Share Retailer Testimonials or Displays
Post a photo or quote from a happy customer. Social proof builds trust and nudges other retailers to jump in!

12. Offer a Small Freebie with Purchase
Something simple—like a sample pack, tester, or bonus product—can be the little push someone needs to order.

Bonus: I like to offer an occasional promotion where I waive my custom design fees. It’s a little more of my time, but it encourages my retailers to think outside the box and “try us out” without the larger financial commitment that comes with custom design fees.

13. Create “Starter Kits” or Display Packs
Bundle products that work well together so retailers can set up an instant display. Easy decisions = faster sales.

14. DM Warm Leads
Reach out personally to retailers who’ve browsed, liked, or interacted with your shop. A quick “Just wanted to share what’s been hot this month!” feels friendly and proactive.

15. Lean into the “Support Small” Message
Sometimes honesty wins. Share from the heart: “Every order helps us reach our goals this month, and we love partnering with shops like yours.” People buy from people. They want to know who YOU are. ⭐️

A Little Pep Talk to Wrap It Up

You don’t need to try all 15 of these. Pick one or two that feel doable today. The key is to take some action, because little moves add up and often lead to surprising momentum.

And remember, a slower month does not define your success. You are building something bigger than a single sales total, and every connection you make is laying the foundation for long-term growth.

I’m rooting for you every step of the way. You’ve got this! 💛

- Your Faire Product Partner, Steph