Question for fans - when should the sale start?

[janisian]

Last year's sale began in early November and felt (to us) like it would never end... we would all love to start it later.
We'd toyed with the idea of a Dec. 1-31 sale, with a first ship date of Dec. 4, but that might leave the overseas folks stranded. Also, Chanukah starts early this year, which would cause problems for some of you.
Pat and I will be out of town Nov. 15-Dec. 3, which means even if we start early, people who want autographs will have to wait until a Dec. 3 ship date.

So we are thinking of opening the sale November 8 or 9, like last year, but shutting it down December 24; that way all of us can have a holiday, too!

Let me know your thoughts. Again, we'd all prefer December 1, but I'm concerned about you folks in Europe, Australia, Japan etc.

[ponytail]

December 1st sounds good to me.

[mixtymotions]

I have no location altering plans for the holidays...so if you send all the merchandise to my house, along with a big ol' stack of ca$h for postage, I'll start accepting orders and shipping TODAY! I'm also quite adept at forging signatures (shhhh) so no one need be any the wiser.....

[marjan]

If you'll promiss to come to Europe performing again after taking a year of for writing you're autobiograpic :D I don't care the less when you will send the holiday sale orders. I will just wait for you to come to Europe again and save all my "to be signed stuff" until you do

[hoops]

December 1st (or 3rd) works for me

[Michael from Chicago]

December 1st is fine - the sale is extremely generous, and thank you for offering one every year.

[GodSistah]

Dec. 1st to Dec. 24th sounds good to me!

~Andrea~

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

I think that perhaps you might want to consider a slightly different approach for years to come.... Lets say a shorter sale in December say of just two weeks or so and then a second sale "Christmas in July" with an acknowledgement that autographs may delay orders.... That way you will only be annoyed half as much twice as often ;)

Whatever you decide to do is really more then I would expect from any other artist already so I won't have any complaints....

Best to you and overworked staff...

R. from pa...

[Amy in Vermont]

I love the idea of Christmas in July...

..and a late August/early September back to school/Rosh Hashona-Yom Kippur sale..

...not to forget an Easter/Purim/Pesach sale......

[Oak Kitten]

December 1st kick-off is fine by me. It's also my birthday.

Oak

[Eva]

Whenever is convenient for you. I have no preference. In fact, I am just glad there is one.

Eva

[AceOn6]

I think you should do it when it works for you. December 1 is fine for North America. I'd be happy to chip in an extra buck per order to help you do expedited shipping overseas.

[Rika]

I agree with Eva. Take your time!

[Cardiffgal]

The first year we will all complain that the sale is starting later than usual.
We will then adjust. Out of country folks will just order this year for next if they know items will not be available until December 1st.

Do you think those of us who frequent the sale will purchase less?
I don't think so.

Remember, It is all ABOUT YOU and you are the boss!

[Annette]

As long as there will be a sale I don’t mind when.
Annette.

[DaveM]

I too have no preference as to timing. We need to be considerate and allow Janis to maintain her personal and professional schedule with as little extra demand on her time for the sale as possible.

Last year I was having financial problems and was unable to order anything. This year, I hope to make up for it....and whenever the sale starts it will be fine with me.

[Kathleen Brogan]

I'm surprised no-one suggested "Christmas in July"! (kidding) December 1st is fine with me!

[saxman]

i think the sale would be great when it feels good for you. and the staff that has to deal with it. stress has a lot to do with peoples functions in life . i think that when ever it is do it when there is less stress for everyone involved. i would buy in oct nov or dec ,or now. how can i help? is there such thing as a pre stress sale?

[Agnes]

Whenever suits you best, Janis. I'm grateful there is one :)

[Dee]

I'm with Agnes on this Janis. Your bargains are terrific, so whenever you think it's good then it's good. :)

[Bryan]

Seriously, why not stop the sale Dec. 20, get everything in the mail within a couple of days and then relax? Start it before Thanksgiving if possible to get a head start on the holiday rush.

[marjan]

Just one remark!
If you are planning to sell those cards for the next holiday sale, keep in mind that most people start sending those about 4 weeks before x-mas just to be sure their family and friends get them in time.
So we would need those cards before that.

[Anna from Dublin]

I agree with Marjan. If you are going to do the cards, then that means you probably would need to start November 8 or 9th like Janis said. I don't think anyone would object to ending it Dec 24th - quite frankly I thought it did end before Xmas! Maybe even a few days before that; I suggest Friday 22nd.

[dragonlady]

The only problem I can see is that I've been talking the sale up all year and have been telling everyone that it starts during the month of November...I'm sure it will be clear from the website that the date has changed but...

-di