Side Hustle School Ep. 3198 - Q&A: “I went viral, but now I can’t meet demand!”
Oct 3, 2025
What happens when your product goes viral and orders skyrocket? Discover a four-step plan to manage overwhelming demand while keeping customers happy. Learn how to pause sales, communicate honestly, and potentially hire short-term help to meet production needs. Get insights on canceling orders selectively and celebrating this unexpected success. It's all about turning chaos into a sustainable opportunity!
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Virality Creates Operational Strain
- Viral exposure can create great demand but also catastrophic logistical problems for small makers.
- Treat a viral spike as a growth challenge, not just a marketing win.
TikTok Spike: 500 Orders Overnight
- Valerie woke to a TikTok clip with 2 million views and nearly 500 paid orders overnight for her hand-printed tote bags.
- She can realistically sew about 40 totes per week while the store promised five-day shipping.
Pause Sales And Tell Customers The Truth
- Immediately switch the product to sold out or pre-order to stop new orders and set an honest shipping timeline.
- Send a radical-honesty email explaining delays and offer a small bonus for customers who wait.
