First of all, if you're considering a JV fueled launch ... and you haven't already recruited your JV partners by now, you're already starting out in the hole if you plan on launching around the holidays. For the most part, the more potentially productive the partner ... the longer lead time they are going to need to book mailings. I honestly think you should hit your perceived core partners (the 20% of partners you estimate will bring in 80% or more of your JV sales) at least 4 weeks or more prior to launch.
If you do have everything ready to go, you have 2 things going for you ... and a few against.
The first thing you have going fo you is less competition ... the 2nd may or may not be true, that folks are in a 'spending mood' this time of year (at least until the CC bills come through in January). On the flip side, prospects and potential JV partners often take time off around the holidays ... and some get downright offended if you try to sell to them on a holiday. Focus is a bit different, and I believe the IM market becomes more volatile.
Long story short, in my opinion ... if you have everything set to go, and you want to launch just prior to Christmas Day, or in between Christmas in New Years Day ... give it a shot, but don't do it (IMHO) if it's a major launch for you. Simply too risky for me ... but that's me.
Cheers,
Mike
PS
As Obie mentioned ... the target market matters, as well. My views are in regards to the general IM market.
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