Readiness scorecard

Have you decided your headline offer - discount depth, bundle or gift with purchase?

Have you checked the margin maths on every SKU you plan to discount?

Have you set a margin floor you won't discount past, whatever competitors do?

Do you have an early-access or VIP offer for your best customers?

Have you forecast demand for your hero SKUs using last year's numbers?

Have you placed stock orders with supplier lead times factored in?

Do you have a plan for what happens if a hero SKU sells out mid-sale?

Is your stock count accurate and synced across every sales channel?

Has your site been load-tested at several times your normal peak traffic?

Have you tested your mobile checkout end to end, including express payment options?

Are your BFCM landing pages and banners built and ready to switch on?

Have you set a code-freeze date after which nothing on the site changes?

Is your list segmented - VIPs, last year's BFCM buyers, lapsed customers?

Is your full sequence written and scheduled, from teaser to last chance?

Have you kept your sending domain warm with regular sends through autumn?

Are your BFCM creatives produced, approved and uploaded?

Have you set budgets and target ROAS for the sale period?

Have you started warming up audiences with prospecting campaigns?

Have you confirmed capacity and cut-off dates with your 3PL or courier?

Are you stocked up on packaging and staffed up for support and returns?