September: the month of pumpkin spice lattes, back-to-school excitement, and, for many PYOP studios, a bit of a sales dip. But is it truly the dreaded “slow month” that studio owners brace themselves for each year? Here’s the twist—many studios are shattering that belief with impressive growth numbers! I'm Donna Bordeaux with PYOP Accounting, and we’ve seen studios boost their September sales by 20-25% over last year. So, let’s break down what’s working and how you can turn those quiet months into growth opportunities.
Historically, September is a quieter month for many paint-your-own-pottery studios, as people shift focus back to routines and school. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Plenty of studios have proven that with the right strategy, September can actually be a month of growth. Rather than writing it off as a loss, why not make September a launchpad for building momentum into the holiday season? This year, we saw several studios conquer the “September slump” with engaging events and marketing strategies. The results? Substantial growth and increased foot traffic—exactly what every studio owner dreams of.
If you’ve been letting September, January, and February drift by without a plan, now is the time to rethink. These “off” months are actually hidden gems, filled with potential to drive new customers into your studio and re-engage your community. Why not brainstorm a themed event or run a “bring a friend” promotion? Events can fill your studio, introduce new customers to your offerings, and build brand loyalty. Think about what makes your studio special, then showcase that to your community—customers are often looking for something unique and local to support, especially when the weather cools down.
Here’s the game-changer: instead of obsessing over expense cuts, put that energy toward driving revenue. Sure, it’s tempting to scale back in quieter months, but you can make a bigger impact by strategizing on sales boosts instead. There’s always a way to engage new customers and give current ones a reason to come back, whether it’s through events, promotions, or simply communicating your studio’s value. Your studio’s job is to support you, and with the right approach, it can do that all year round.
At PYOP Accounting, we’re here to help you plan for success every month of the year. Don’t wait until next September to tackle the slump—start building your strategy now to ensure a smooth, profitable year. Ready to dive deeper? Check out our blog for more strategies and resources, and let’s make this year your best one yet!
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please make sure to check out our blog and our website link below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell to be notified when we post. You can email me at donna@pyopaccounting.com.
Donna Bordeaux, CPA with PYOPAccounting.com
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.
