What Should You Sell on eBay? A Month-by-Month Calendar

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

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. 

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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-related products!

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: 

• Clothing and fashion
• Sporting equipment
• Housewares

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 

Get Repeat Customers To Your Listings

CLV stands for Customer Lifetime Value, and it's an acronym you should remember. Repeat business is preferable to many individual sales. Both put money in your pocket, but a customer that comes back and makes more purchases is worth far more in the long run.

There are multiple methods for turning one-time customers into loyal fans of your brand. One of my favorites is to add printed material to my packaging.

Why you should include a little light reading

A personalized message can take your sale from a convenient purchase to a full-on consumer/provider relationship, one that can be maintained for years to come — one that can be extremely profitable, too.

Adding a customized note makes a customer appreciate the effort you've put in to let them know you care, and it builds your brand recognition. Finally, the personal touch you give your merchandise allows you to offer customer-exclusive discounts that will encourage future business.

What to include

There are a number of printed materials you could possibly include with your packaging. Each has its advantages, but all serve the purpose of extending the hand of engagement to your customers. Here are a few of my favorite additions:

Flyers

With flyers you can advertise other offerings related to the purchase the customer has made. You can try to cross-sell or up-sell them on other inventory that can complement the products they've already bought.

Thank-you notes with a 20 percent discount

First you let them see your gratitude, and then you offer them a gratuity of 20 percent, which is the optimal discount you can offer. It meets the "just noticeable difference" threshold. That means the discount is just enough for customers to recognize a clear benefit.

Business cards

Business cards allow you to recruit your customers into being ambassadors for your brand. If anyone asks them about the product you've sold them, they can hand out your card. Just like magic, you've got a new sales lead.

Catalogs 

Once a customer has seen how convenient, easy, and cost-effective buying from you can be, they may just want to peruse your other offerings. Cut to the chase and give them a look at the rest of your inventory.

How to include your printed material

This is where it gets tricky. Since you're drop shipping your materials, you'll need to convince your suppliers to include these prints with your packaging, because you'll never get the opportunity to handle the package yourself, unless you want to pay for shipping twice.

Certain suppliers will stubbornly refuse to do this. You can, however, develop a good relationship with certain suppliers, making them more willing to help you out.

First things first, though: You need to print your materials and get them to your friendly supplier. You can either do this yourself by using an online service such as Vistaprint, if you're looking for a cheap and fast fix. Or, you can visit a local printer for a better quality print. It's all about how much you want to spend.

Designing your printed materials

There are hundreds of resources online for you to use in order to design your own flyers. A quick Google search can put you in touch with professional printers that will customize printed materials for a nominal fee. Alternatively, you could hire a graphic designer to put something unique and original together.

If you'd like to go the latter route, here are a few spots that can help you in your quest.

1. Fiverr

Fiverr is a cheap resource where a lot of talented newcomers gather and perform simple tasks for just USD $5. There are some hidden gems on this website, but you have to pick carefully. There are also a ton of very inexperienced designers.

2. Elance

Elance is again a very cheap spot with some talented contractors. Elance is more searchable and better-known than almost any other freelance website. It's highly searchable and enables easy communication between contractors and clients. Unfortunately, there are also oceans of untalented contractors looking to siphon away some of your dollars. Plus, there is a $10 activation fee.

3. Upwork

Upwork is a lot like Elance. There's a lot of cheap labor available, and a few diamonds in the rough. Unlike Elance, Upwork allows you to post as many jobs as you want for free, but it doesn't facilitate communication as well.

4. 99designs

At 99designs.com you can buy pre-made logos without contracting. It's affordable and easy. You can also submit what you're willing to pay, and people will send you ideas based on your bid. The downside is that you won't get to know your contractor, and the choices are so numerous it can be overwhelming.

If you're more of a do it yourself-er, there are a ton of free tools to help you with that as well:

5. Snapfish

Snapfish is easy to use and highly functional — it even has a mobile application. The only downside is the fee that you have to pay for printing from home. You can also pick your prints up from a shop.

6. Postermywall

Postermywall is a website where you can make and download simple posters for free and without registration. Unfortunately, the free downloads are not high-resolution prints, especially if printed in larger formats.

7. Flyerlizard

Another super useful site, flyerlizard.com allows you to either upload or create your own flyers with background templates that they provide. The site is also optimized for social media sharing, so you can easily distribute your flyers online as well. In general though, Flyerlizard is more geared toward event-planning than promotional materials.

Start implementing this cool selling tip now! Speak to your drop ship supplier(s) and ask them whether they will add marketing materials to any goods they ship to your buyers. Get some marketing materials designed and printed, then ship them to your supplier and watch the repeat sales roll in!

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5 important merchandising strategies to drive online retail conversions

by Angelica ValentineOctober 23, 2014

Merchandising in retail is like candy on Halloween; it’s hard to  think of one without the other. In the current state of retail, and  especially online retail, merchandising is the cherry on  top that converts shoppers into buyers.

With the seemingly endless numbers of competitors out there, an up-to-date merchandising strategy is a must to convert and gain new customers. The vast majority (97%) of website visits don’t end in a purchase, which can be a major drag for online retailers. There’s a huge opportunity, though, as August 2014 saw an 11% increase in sales, compared to August 2013. It’s just a matter of attracting the right consumers and getting them to complete their purchases. This is where merchandising comes in to save the day.

Merchandising can come in many different forms, from inventory to pricing, and beyond—but the end goal is always the same: to drive conversions. It can be tricky to keep up with all the different ways online retailers can optimize their stores through the magic of merchandising, so here is a list of the top five tips to help retailers of all sizes.

1. Get mobile optimized…yesterday

Almost half (40%) of consumers don’t feel comfortable shopping online and it doubles to 80% when we’re talking about shopping on mobile. This may look dismal, but it means that your webstore not only needs to be mobile friendly, but also wow shoppers on whichever screen they prefer.

2. The clearer, the better

Shoppers don’t want to be confused. Do you know what happens when they’re confused? Yep, you guessed it, they vanish. Luckily, there are many things you can do to cut down on those peskyabandoned carts. Here are a few:

• Add interactive tools that aid customer purchase decisions.  This can help retailers see up to a 40% boost in conversions. This is especially important for ecommerce because you can’t be there like a salesperson can in a brick and mortar store. Add a live chat feature to support shoppers and get them closer to checkout.
• Improve your search function. Did you know that 11%-15% of consumers start shopping by searching for a specific product in search bars? This number is on the rise, so it’s prime time to take advantage of this. Shoe retailer, FootSmart, made a small change by adjusting search results to include top items sold and saw an impressive 82% increase in conversions.
• Provide shipping policies and estimations as early as possible in the checkout process. Offering free shipping is a great way to increase average order value because 93% of shoppers take actions to qualify for free shipping.

3. Keep it short and sweet

The fewer steps to purchase, the better. When retailers ask for too much information or otherwise complicate the process, shoppers drop out of the sales funnel. To help this, you should decrease the number of steps it takes to complete a purchase and provide a status bar up top to show that it won’t take them long to checkout. You also want to provide clear, descriptive, and to-the-point product descriptions to resolve any confusion.

4. Be data driven

Analytics can help retailers make better merchandising decisions. More than half of retail leaders (63%) already do it—so if you want to keep up and get ahead, you should, too. Data is your friend because it can teach you what works and what doesn’t. Walmart is a great example of a retailer that used data to its advantage. After crunching the numbers, Walmart learned that diapers and beer sales were highly correlated. So you know what stores did? They put these two aisles side by side and saw a sales increase for beer. Cheers to that!

5. Keep your enemies closer

You already know that competition is fierce in online retail, but what can you do about it? The first step is to know exactly what’s going on in your competitive landscape at all times. How are your competitors pricing? What do they have in stock? When do they run out of products that you carry? Tracking competitors and their inventories can clear this up once and for all. Then retailers can fill in the gaps in their inventory and effectively become a more successful competitor. The more you know, the better your sales can be.

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