The majority of eBay sellers and online retailers in general experience a massive increase in sales around annual events and holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving and the turn of the seasons. To succeed during these annual events, you need to be prepared well in advance.
I've put together a definitive month-by-month calendar on what to sell, to help you to rake in sales during some of the most profitable times of the retail calendar. But first, let's go into more detail as to why a calendar helps you earn more money.
Why catering your product range for events is profitable
Have you ever walked into a department store or supermarket in October and seen Christmas decorations? Some people love it; some people hate it. The reason store owners do this is because consumers love a little hype and when a special occasion or new season rolls around, sales really skyrocket. That goes for offline and online retailers, including eBay, other marketplaces, and independent shops.
For this reason, catering to consumer needs leading up to these annual events is a great way to earn a fresh injection of cash on top of your usual sales!
Seller, beware
Before you get started, beware: This retail method can go wrong if it's not executed correctly. To make sure you get it right, you should only sell seasonal/occasional products that somehow relate to your existing niche or product range. I would never recommend a selling method that sends you skipping from Christmas to New Year, to Easter, to back to school, and I'm definitely not recommending that as a viable method of business.
The very best way to cash in is to simply curve your marketing and your product range toward the event or holiday.
If you did try to skip between events and holidays all year round, you'd constantly be working hard, and it would be tough to get your business into a strong rhythm. First of all, you'd be dealing with new suppliers all the time as you try to land new product ranges.
This would make it hard to build a relationship with them, which will eventually land you better wholesale deals. Second, it wouldn't be as easy to get a devoted following of repeat customers, and that is so important for the strength of your business!
Above all else, chopping and changing your product range between seasons/annual events goes against the principles related to selling niche items and in my opinion, that's the number one rule in online retail. So the take home point here is this: Make this calendar work for you, don't shape your business around it!
It's not just what you sell, but how you sell it
.jpg?84675&1392686170)
As I mentioned above, consumers love hype and this is definitely something you should capitalize on. Often, it's not what you're selling, it's how you sell it. For example, let's say New Years is upon us and you're selling dumbbells and other sporting equipment. Don't just list your dumbbells like you would throughout the year: Market them as a solution for a New Year;s resolution to getting ripped arms. See the difference?
If you sell on your own website, you will have more room to market your products in this way. For example, you can create listings according to the upcoming event and offer themed sales such as "Easter Extravaganza Sale" or "Back to School Blowout." Change up the way you list your products. For example:
- Don’t just sell notepads and pencils, sell bundles for back to school shoppers.
- Don’t just sell tents and BBQs, sell summer family camping packs.
- Don't sell kids toys, sell a complete Christmas stocking kits for a girl aged 8-10 (and other variations).
Our month-by-month calendar (and what to sell)
- Make sure you start planning for each event 8-12 weeks beforehand to allow for the time required for product research, placing and receiving an order from your wholesaler, and getting the items photographed and ready for sale. You should also allow plenty of time for early buyers to snap up your stock. For example, start selling Easter-related goods four weeks before Easter weekend.
- All dates go by the US calendar unless otherwise specified. Many of these dates apply worldwide, but if there are local events or religious holidays in your area that are worth getting prepared for, try making up your own calendar and incorporate whatever works from this one.
January
New Year's Day
New Year's resolution items such as exercise equipment, learn-a-new-skill books or DVDs (such as how to learn a language, quit smoking, get fit, or manage personal finances).
Source products from these SaleHoo-approved suppliers (requires login to access).
- Supplier #1 - Books, books and more books! This supplier is based in the US and can help supply how-to books that people are looking for to fulfill their New Year's resolutions.
- Supplier #2 - Another fantastic book supplier, based in California. There are no MOQs and drop shipping is available!
Back to School
Scientific calculators, stationery (exercise books, pens, art supplies), clothing, shoes, sportswear, lunchboxes, backpacks.
Source products from this SaleHoo-approved suppliers (requires login to access).
- Supplier #1 - This kids' clothing supplier is based in the US and offering a huge range of kid's apparel. Perfect for back-to-school customers!
Australia Day (Australia)
Aussie-related costumes, anything green and yellow (such as hats), kangaroo toys, Australian flags, novelty thongs (Aussie speak for sandals or flip-flops), Aussie-themed beer mugs.
February
Valentine's Day
This one is easy: Lingerie, soft toys, perfume, Valentine's Day cards and candy, Cupid-themed toys. Don't forget gifts for guys, such as neck ties, underwear and other clothing items.
Source products from these SaleHoo-approved suppliers (requires login to access).
- Supplier #1 - This US-based supplier offers lovely lingerie and has low minimum orders, perfect if you are on a budget!
- Supplier #2 - A dedicated perfume supplier, based in the US, with an minimum order requirement of $500. While the minimum order might be higher than some, the prices are very low!
Super Bowl
Big screen TVs, fanfare such as jerseys and caps, and decor for hardcore fans who want to dedicate their living rooms and dens to their favorite teams. Remember, the Super Bowl is as much about the food as it is the sport, so hosts will be on the lookout for servingware like platters and trays for tasty treats.
Interested in selling food and serving items? Browse our food and beverages category in the directory (requires login to access).
March
St Patrick's Day
Irish-related anything, including costumes, decor, beer glasses, Guinness beer products, anything resembling a leprechaun or a four-leaf clover.
April
April Fool's Day
This one isn’t such a big market for retailers but if you are already selling toys, games, etc, go for tricks and prank items such as fake dismembered body parts or toy spiders. Search Pinterest for more ideas.
Easter (usually falls in April, depending on the year)
Bibles, Easter eggs and other chocolate treats, egg hunt supplies, festive home decor, egg decorating kits.
May
Mother's Day
This one is easy: Sell gift items that moms would love, such as cookbooks, jewelry, house wares, sporting equipment, gardening equipment, healthy and beauty items such as cosmetics and skin care, perfume. The possibilities are endless here and almost everyone can incorporate Mother’s Day gifts into their product ranges. Offer free gift wrapping and watch the customers roll in!
Source products from these SaleHoo-approved suppliers (requires login to access).
- Supplier #1 - Want to sell cosmetics this Mother's Day? You got it with this US-based supplier! The minimum order is $100.
- Supplier #2 - For fragrances that will fly off the shelf, check out this supplier.
Memorial Day
Patriotic items such as flags and anything red, white and blue will sell. While there are not a great deal of extra products you can sell here, shoppers are used to big Memorial Day sales around this time of year, so make sure offer discounts if you want to cash-in.
June
Start of summer
Endless opportunities here! Camping equipment, beach equipment, sports gear such as mountain bikes, volleyball sets. As this is the changing of the season, you will see a lot of movement in the clothing market. Think bikinis, dresses for guests to wear to weddings, sandals, etc.
Source products from these SaleHoo-approved suppliers (requires login to access).
- Supplier #1 - Sporting gear here, sporting gear there, sporting gear everywhere! Did someone say sporting gear? This supplier has it all.
- Supplier #2 - This shoe supplier offers sandals, flip flops and everything buyers are looking for in their summer footwear!
Father's Day
Another holiday that almost anyone can make the most out of. Clothing, cologne, sports gear, fishing gear, books, gadgets, premium alcohol and more.
Source products from these SaleHoo-approved suppliers (requires login to access).
- Supplier #1 - This China-based supplier of electronics is hugely popular among SaleHoo members and can supply you with the gifts you need for Father's Day shoppers.
- Want to sell more travel and outdoors-related goods? Browse our travel and outdoors category here.
Queen's Birthday (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other commonwealth nations)
There aren't a great deal of extra products you can sell on this day, but shoppers are used to big sales around this time of year, so make sure you deliver.
July
Independence Day
Stock up on fireworks (if your state allows), USA flags, patriotic items that are red, white and blue, BBQ supplies, pool party supplies, decor, costumes, etc.
Canada Day (Canada)
Canadian flags, moose headbands, and maple leaf-anything. In general, any discounted items with a “Canada Day sale” sign will go down well, as sales are common among Canadian retailers around this time.
Get all your party supplies for these holidays from these suppliers: supplier #1, supplier #2 and supplier #3 (requires login to view).
August
Time to start planning holiday sales for November and December! Remember, it takes time to get organized for these big events so start early.
All products sell well around Christmas, but if you want Christmas decor and supplies, try these suppliers:
- Supplier #1: New York-based wholesalers with no minimum order
- Supplier #2: Georgia-based wholesalers with no minimum order
- Supplier #3: Michigan-based wholesalers with a minimum order of $100-$500
- Supplier #4: UK-based suppliers who offer drop shipping and wholesale orders
- Suppliers #5: Pittsburgh-based suppliers offering wholesale orders with a minimum spend of less than $100
Back to school (USA, Canada, most of Europe)
See suggestions here
September
Labor Day
Labor Day usually marks the end of summer and means BBQs, pool parties, parades, and marathons. Buyers are also on the lookout for sales so if your margins allow it, offer a great discount like 25 percent off a product category, or even store wide.
October
Halloween
Another great events for retailers: Costumes, pet costumes, decor and candy all sell really well leading up to Halloween.
Source Halloween products from these SaleHoo-approved suppliers (requires login to access).
- Supplier #1 - Costumes galore! Check out this US-based supplier for a full range.
- Supplier #2 - This supplier is huge and offers a large array of items, including Halloween costumes!
November
Thanksgiving (USA)
The American holiday that mostly known for food is perfectly suited for anything related to cooking or hosting: Kitchen equipment and appliances, home ware and decor will all fly off the cyber shelves.
Want to sell more housewares leading up to Thanksgiving? Browse our kitchenware and major-appliance suppliers.
Don't forget about Black Friday either. It's THE holiday shopping kick off -- some people do ALL their Christmas shopping then. If you're going to have holiday sales, that's the day to have them.
December
Start of winter
Anything winter-oriented, such as clothing, sporting equipment, snow shovels, new home decor, and blankets will start increasing in sales throughout December, January and February.
Browse SaleHoo for trusted suppliers in all these categories:
Hanukkah
Candles, candle holders and items with the Star of David will see an increase in sales around this time.
Christmas
This is the big daddy of all holidays and the single holiday that helps some eBay sellers/retailers generate more than 40 percent of their yearly income! If you want to cash in this Christmas, planning should take place all year round.
New Year's Eve
Confetti and decor items will sell well leading up NYE, as will party supplies such as champagne glasses and noisemakers.
Need trusted suppliers to source these products? Become a member of SaleHoo today and get instant access to our wholesale directory, full of quality suppliers who have great products that you can sell for a profit. Join SaleHoo now and access trusted suppliers.
Access trusted suppliers for year-round sales!
