Scale or Pause SOP

Not every product or store deserves more investment. This framework helps you decide.

Green Light: Scale Signals

• Consistent orders for 30+ days
• Positive or break-even unit economics
• Customer feedback is 90%+ positive
• You have capacity to handle 2x order volume
• Clear path to expand SKU line

Yellow Light: Optimize Before Scaling

• Orders exist but inconsistent
• Margins are thin but positive
• Some negative feedback on specific issues
• Operations feel strained at current volume

Red Light: Pause or Pivot

• No orders after 60 days and 20+ SKUs
• Negative unit economics even at scale
• High refund rate (>10%) or disputes
• Platform warnings or account issues
• Personal burnout or time constraints

Scaling Actions