With the biggest selling season of the year for wholesalers, are you concerned about your ability to keep up with the demand of products? Have you considered outsourcing some of your tasks?
During the holidays a few years back, we had a particularly large order (100 gift baskets!). We only had a short timeframe to get them assembled and delivered. Instead of panicking, we hired a local fellow to come in and help us assemble the finished product. Wow! What a relief it was 
knowing we had help — and, of course, got the order out in time.
Lots of tasks can be outsourced — if you look for ways to save time. Virtual assistants help with bookkeeping, website and graphic design, marketing and more.
Carolyn Edlund lists some option in her article: What Artists Should Know About Outsourcing
Following are some of the sources for help when you need it
Virtual assistance
Fiverr – This site gives you a range of specialty options, with fixed prices upfront. Payment isn’t made until you are satisfied with the result.
Upwork – Freelancing site based on billable hours or fixed-price jobs with set milestones to track progress.
Outsourcely – A site that connects employers and workers to longer-term or permanent remote gigs.
Reduce your risk by starting small with outsourcing, by delegating limited projects for a set period of time. Once you find someone who delivers what you need on time and without problems, keep the relationship. Rather than choosing the lowest bid for any job, look for the highest quality and customer recommendations at a rate you can afford.
Even some production tasks can be outsourced. Rather than hiring another person, you can outsource some of your manufacturing duties.
Outsourced production
Makers Row – Get help with pattern making, product development or domestic small batch manufacturing to help scale up your creative business. This site matches you with U.S. manufacturers who can accommodate your needs.
Shapeways – Their services include 3D printing, which can expedite the design process, mass-produce components, fulfill orders and even test market your work.
Spoonflower – Perfect for surface designers, this service produces short-run fabric, wallpaper or gift wrap featuring your designs. Great for creating samples, or order larger quantities for bulk discounts.
Contrado – This provider offers print-on-demand on a huge range of fabrics, clothing, homeware and leather goods. They also wholesale, and may be an option for ongoing production that allows you to increase your product offering and price point spread.
Before you panic during the holiday season, check out some of these useful services.