5 Things To Do In Q3 To Prepare Your Pet Business For Profitable Q4 Money Months

Repeat after me– “I will start planning for Q4 in my pet business during Q3 so I can maximize my profits!”

Well, we’re officially IN Q3, so let’s get to it! 

As a quick recap, if you aren’t familiar with the idea of breaking the year into quarters to plan in your pet business, here’s the breakdown…

Q3 is a quick way to say the “third quarter of the year.” 

Q1 = January, February, March

Q2 = April, May, June

Q3 = July, August, September

Q4 = October, November, and December… Also known around here as “the money months!”

Why do we call them the “money months?”

Because they tend to be the HIGHEST earning revenue months in pet businesses due to holiday shopping, fun events, and lots of people traveling. 

But they can also be the most exhausting months as a pet business owner– complete with early mornings, long nights, and missing out on holiday fun with loved ones.

NOT THIS YEAR! This year you will take charge of Q4 ahead of time and start executing the tasks that will set you up for success NOW– during the third quarter. 

So here are 5 things you should be doing during Q3 to prepare your pet business for a smooth and prosperous Q4: 

1. Start to audit your pet business’ inventory.

Before the holiday rush hits, take a good look at your current inventory. What products have been flying off the shelves? Which ones have been collecting dust? Use this information to make informed decisions about your Q4 stock.

Start by identifying your top-selling items from last year’s Q4. Are these products still popular? If so, make sure you have plenty in stock. For slower-moving items, consider running promotions to clear them out and make room for more profitable products.

Don’t forget to factor in any emerging trends in the pet industry. Has a new type of pet toy or treat taken the market by storm? Make sure you’re ready to meet that demand! 

2. Start planning dates to run Q4 promotions.

The early bird catches the worm, and the early planner catches the customers! Start mapping out your Q4 promotional calendar now. This should include Neighborhood Pet Store Day, happening on September 28, 2024 (get your store on the map!) And we know you won’t forget…Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and any other holiday-specific sales you want to run.

Consider creating a loyalty program or special offers for repeat customers. Maybe a “13 Treats of Halloween” promotion with a different deal each day? Or a “New Year, New Pet” campaign focusing on health and wellness products for January? Our Pet Boss Nation Clients have access to all our “bounce back coupon” ideas, too! Dive into the portal here.

Remember, your competitors will be planning promotions for those holiday dollars too. Planning early lets you create unique, attention-grabbing promotions that will set you apart from the Q4 pack.

3. Beef up your online presence and get eyes on your pet business during the second half of the year!

With more people shopping online than ever before, now’s the time to ensure your digital storefront is in tip-top shape. Is your website user-friendly and mobile-responsive? Are your product descriptions compelling and informative? Do you have high-quality images of all your products?

Consider implementing or improving your e-commerce capabilities if you haven’t already. Can customers easily purchase products or book services online? If not, Q3 is the perfect time to get these systems in place.

Don’t forget about your social media presence! Start planning your holiday content calendar now. Think about fun, engaging posts to draw in customers and showcase your products or services.

4. Start Q4 training for your pet business’ team.

Your staff is your front line during the busy Q4 season. Use Q3 to ensure they’re prepared for the rush! This might include refresher courses on customer service, product knowledge training, or workshops on upselling techniques.

If you’re planning to hire seasonal staff, start the recruitment process now. This gives you plenty of time to find the right people and train them thoroughly before the holiday madness begins. 

5. Review and optimize your pet business’ pricing strategies for Q4.

Q4 is all about maximizing profits, so take a close look at your pricing strategy. Are there areas where you could increase your margins without turning off customers? Are there loss leaders you could use to drive traffic and increase overall sales?

Consider implementing a tiered pricing strategy for your services or creating premium product bundles. These strategies can increase your average transaction value and boost your overall revenue.

BONUS TIP! Get Ready for Q4 at SuperZoo!

Want to dive deeper into these strategies and more? Don’t miss Candace D’Agnolo’s talks at SuperZoo this year! As a seasoned pet business coach and the founder of Pet Boss Nation, Candace will share her expert insights on how to make the most of the upcoming holiday season.

In her session “Deck The Halls With Dollars: 8 Key Strategies To Maximize The Holidays,” Candace will expand on these tips and provide even more actionable strategies that will make a HUGE difference to your bottom line. 

Candace will also present “A Prosperous Holiday Season In Your Pet Business Starts Here: Promotions & Events For Holiday Success,” where she’ll share examples of successful pet business promotions and events, help you understand what makes an offer irresistible, and so much more!

Don’t miss this opportunity to perfect your Q4 plans and set your pet business up for profit success! Catch her talks on August 14th at 9:30-10:30 AM and 11 AM-12 PM. 

Remember, preparation is the key to a successful Q4 in your pet business; that last quarter will sneak up on you quickly! By tackling these tasks now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the busy season arrives. So don’t wait – start implementing these strategies today and watch your pet business thrive in Q4 and beyond!

Learn more with us!

• Need 1:1 support to make massive action now? Book a discovery call with us to see if working 1:1 with Candace is the right fit for you.