Seasonal Production and Storage: Planning for Off-Season Demand
Jam makers surge in summer harvest. Holiday bakers peak in November-December. Off-season means no production and no income. But with strategic storage and planning, you can produce year-round and smooth your cash flow. This guide teaches you seasonal strategy.
The Seasonality Challenge
Peak season revenue: Product in high demand. Easy to sell. Higher prices justified. Example: jam makers in August-September
Off-season gap: 4-6 months with no production. No income unless you had inventory. Cash flow suffers.
Storage cost: Refrigeration, facility rental, insurance. Can cost $300-$1,500/month depending on volume and facility
Strategy: Over-produce during peak season and store. Sell from inventory during off-season. ROI on storage costs vs. year-round income is usually positive.
Storage Strategy Comparison
No Storage (Seasonal Only)
Pros: No storage costs. No inventory carrying costs.
Cons: 6-month income gap. Constant cash flow stress.
Home Freezer/Pantry Storage
Cost: $0-$50/month (incremental electricity).
Capacity: Limited. 100-200 units max depending on product.
Best for: Small-scale makers who can manage at home
Commercial Storage Facility
Cost: $300-$1,500/month depending on climate control and size.
Capacity: 1,000+ units. Professional environment.
Best for: Production at scale where storage cost ROI is clear
Storage ROI Example (Jam Maker)
Peak season (3 months): Make 1,200 jars at $0.50 profit each = $600 profit
Off-season inventory sales: Sell 800 jars from storage at same profit = $400 additional
Storage cost: $600/year (3 months × $200/month)
ROI: $400 off-season profit - $600 storage = -$200 net
BUT: You now have year-round income instead of 6-month gap. Better for cash flow and employee retention.
Key Takeaways
✓ Peak season: Over-produce 30-50% above typical monthly sales
✓ Home storage feasible for 100-200 units; use commercial for larger volumes
✓ Storage cost: $0-$50/month (home) or $300-$1,500/month (commercial)
✓ Calculate off-season profit to justify storage investment
✓ Year-round inventory smooths cash flow and enables consistent income
Plan Seasonality. Build Year-Round Revenue.
TrueCraft tracks seasonal demand and storage inventory.
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