How to Decide When to Launch your Fall & Winter Collections | Maker's Guide
Ever feel like you blink and it’s suddenly busy season again? Yeah, same. One minute you're in iced coffee mode and the next you're staring at holiday deadlines wondering how it's already time to plan for pumpkins and peppermint.
The good news? You’re not the only one. Our maker community is full of generous, creative folks with thoughtful timelines and practical wisdom to share.
Turns out, everyone does things a little differently - and that's kind of the point. The responses were full of helpful context, grounded timelines, and encouragement to do what works for you.
Fall Launches: When Makers Lean Into Cozy Season
We asked over 100 makers: "When do you usually launch your Fall collection?"
Here's how it broke down:
September and Mid-Late August tied as the top picks - those dates give you enough lead time for Fall vibes without feeling too rushed after summer.
But it was the why behind these dates that stood out:
"It's still hot here in California," shared Tiffany. "So I wait until October. My customers just aren't ready for Fall vibes in August."
Suzy skips the traditional timing entirely: "I sell Fall fragrances year-round and focus on wholesale in June. That's when my retailers are planning."
Your timeline should reflect your customers, your climate and your capacity. That's the real secret.
Winter Launches: When Makers Shift Into Holiday Mode
Next, we asked: "When do you usually launch your winter collection?"
Here's what our community said:
November was the most common launch month for winter, by far, with many makers aligning their collections with holiday markets and events.
"I always have two shows at the start of November where I do a soft launch of winter," shared Megan. "Then the big launch happens along with Black Friday to capitalize on the busiest day of the year."
Sara said, "I start offering winter soaps November 1. That gives planners plenty of time to buy stocking stuffers."
And while fewer makers launch in September, or December, those timelines still work - especially if they align with your customer base or production schedule. The goal is to build around what feels sustainable and effective for you.
A Note from Me (Kenna)
When I was juggling our candle company launches, I always asked myself if I was doing it right.
Wholesale clients? They needed products early. We tried Fall in late July, but eventually adjusted to mid-August when we realized orders actually picked up later.
Retail customers? September was our sweet spot - early enough to catch Fall lovers, but close enough to feel seasonal.
For winter, we aimed for mid-October to catch early shoppers and give ourselves a buffer in the holiday chaos.
You don’t have to race anyone.Your timeline is valid.Your capacity matters more than a calendar.
What This Means for You
Whether you're a spreadsheet-loving planner or figuring it out as you go (we've all been there), here's what we learned:
✨ September & late August are the most popular times to launch Fall.
✨ November is a top pick for winter, with October close behind.
✨ Wholesale timelines push some folks to launch earlier.
✨ Climate & customer readiness will beat trends every time.
✨ There is no late. There is only your timeline.
Scents That Work With Your Timeline
No matter when you launch, we’ve got a lineup of fragrance oils to help you set the mood - whether you're channeling crisp autumn mornings or cozy winter nights.
🍂 Fall Favorites
❄️ Winter Bestsellers
From full seasonal collections to small-batch experiments, these scents are ready to support whatever you're creating.
Browse Fall & Winter Fragrance Oils
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