Holiday sales for any business can have a major impact on how the next year begins. Anticipating for the rush can sometimes leave small and big business with excess inventory and decisions to make with what to do with it now, as well as what to do next year to avoid over-ordering. By following some simple steps, businesses can learn what to do with their current inventory excess and how to better plan for the next season’s holiday rush. Paying attention to 6 key ways to use extra inventory can keep any business in the black.
Save It: Sure sounds easy and simple. Almost too simple. But if your product or business is in a position to hang onto the inventory for the following year, or for another time to sell, then try and store it. It may be wise to save it for a rainy day.
- Next Year: Try and use some inventory from this season for the next if the product can withstand a year of consumer shift. Order less of the “new” next year and mix in current with latest product on the shelves.
Sell as “Bundled” Package Deals: Consumers love great products and they love feeling like they are getting a steal of a deal. So, if you can, bundle some of the extra products into a “package” deal for a limited time offer. Combine items and lower the cost per item for a nice price point and great bundled offer. Consumers will benefit from a “deal” and you will move more than one product off the shelves.
- Next Year: Start by selling bundled deals from “last season” next to the latest product at a slightly higher price. Consumers may not buy the new product but will quick to grab the “last season” product at a sale price.
Offer Discounts Next Year: Who doesn’t love a deal? So, why not offer a double win for a consumer? Offer your product with the added benefit of an automatic discount on ANY item or product the next season. Consumers like to know they will get something now and like even more the idea of added benefit the next year. If your product is one that consistently is updated, the offer alone will create some buzz for this and years to come.
- Next Year: Consider how many products were sold with the current offer and the offer for the following year when you go to place new inventory orders. By looking at how many consumers purchased that deal this year, you can better assess how much you will need.
Create Promotions: Current products make great promotional items. Offer consumers a “free” product with purchase of another. If the product is one that can go well with other purchases or even be used as a promotional item at an event, raffle, give –away, and beyond, then the price you “eat” may be good for future business and getting your unused product in the market. Promotions are a solid way to grow your brand and product.
- Next Year: Factor in any promotional items you may use and reduce purchasing any promotional items this year. Use what you have and refrain from ordering any other marketing or promotional items if you have inventory on hand.
Slash Prices: Sales sell goods. If you can offer a great discount and cut prices on your products, it’s a great way to get buyers to take your extra inventory. Think about all the extra holiday lights, artificial trees, and snowman wrapping paper that go on sale the day after Christmas. Jump on the price slashing bandwagon and throw one heck of a holiday deal.
- Next Year: Anticipate this tactic and use to your advantage. See what goes the fastest once you slash the prices and consider the profit made from this. If it’s a good solid money maker, ordering a little extra for this same reason next year may be a good move.
Inventory Liquidator: Not the first choice by any stretch, but if you find yourself in a major pickle then go with a liquidation service-but be cautious. Be aware of the risks to your product integrity and brand name. For some this is a last resort option but if you need to move a lot and reduce the bleeding this may be an option to consider.
- Next Year: Run the numbers of this years liquidation and forecasted sales to see if you can withstand this same hit the following year. If it’s too close to call, order less and start to consider ideas for back order deals or offers.
Business owners know the ups and downs of planning for the holidays and strategic planning of ordering inventory. However when that inventory doesn’t sell in the current year, the worry and stress to move that product rises. By implementing the above 6 ways to use that extra inventory now and plan for next year’s product, business owners can tackle the holiday rush with a smile and game plan. Nobody said Santa Claus couldn’t come to town all season long.
