Planning for seasonal sales spikes at a research supply store

Forecast the busiest days, not just the month

Choose the days when order volume is expected to rise and compare them with the last comparable period. Estimate order count and ticket size separately. Include expected inventory arrivals and fulfillment capacity so the plan reflects what the store can deliver.

Check your payment and customer support capacity

• Review the agreement for relevant volume and ticket limits and ask how to report the planned increase.
• Make sure support can handle the expected number of delivery questions and refunds.
• Test checkout, order notifications, and the process for inventory exceptions before the event.
• Prepare a cash forecast using deposit dates and expected supplier payments.

Monitor the event as it happens

Set a time each day to compare accepted payments, unshipped orders, refund requests, and expected deposits. Assign someone to change the promotion or pause the affected sales when inventory or support falls behind. After the event, compare actual performance with the forecast and update the plan.