Off-price Merchandise by the Pallet Provides Profit at Low Wholesale Prices

With 19 years of experience as a brick and mortar liquidation company, AML sells a variety of merchandise below wholesale prices and carries one of the largest inventories of off-price merchandise in the business. AML carries nationally recognized brand names and private label goods, specializing in all products that can feasibly be shipped by pallet, lot or truckload, including general merchandise, electronics, health and beauty aids, housewares and home appliances, sporting goods, tools and equipment. “We do sell some product by the piece, depending upon the item and its value,” notes Mike White, VP of Purchasing. “Most of our customers purchase lots of three pallets and up.”

Large order sizes, however, aren’t a problem for most of AML’s customers, as the company purchases products below the typical wholesale price and then offers them at a percentage of cost. “Since we receive the products and pallets as is, our customers should expect 15 to 25 percent of their order to need repair or be discarded,” says White. “However, their profit margin will still be high, as they can sell the rest of the product for full wholesale cost, and many times, only percentages below retail value.” According to White, people are always looking for a bargain no matter the economy, and with AML’s pallets, off-price retailers can provide just that to their customers and make a healthy profit at the same time.

A new venture for AML, PalletBid.com was created as a way to give their customers an opportunity to bid on a vast supply of assorted pallets, truckloads, and lots. Launched in January 2011, PalletBid.com helps retail stores, catalog companies and online stores dispose of surplus inventory by connecting them with off-price resellers at flea markets, auctions, and online. PalletBid.com provides an interactive online marketplace for both buyers and sellers to source surplus inventory, featuring a powerful and easy to use interface, online freight and payment services, downloadable manifests, interactive services, and an innovative search utility. “The basic need for PalletBid.com was to put the inventory we have in front of the buying public,” says Gerald Hughes, president of American Merchandise Liquidators. “That was the reason we were looking at creating a website, because we have a lot of merchandise at American Merchandise Liquidators, and we needed a medium to display that inventory.”

For buyers, the process of signing up on PalletBid.com is very simple. The first step is to fill out a short registration form, and then take a look through American Merchandise Liquidators’ inventory and request instant shipping quotes. Once the account is approved, the user will be able to bid on any item within the inventory, or click on the “buy” button to immediately secure the purchase. To complete the transaction, the next step is paying online with a credit card, or contacting one of AML’s representatives to pay by wire transfer or cash. There is no minimum purchase requirement, and with multiple FOB points around the country shipping is made easy.

For more information:
PalletBid.com/American Merchandise Liquidators
15810-A Highway 59
Foley, AL 36535
Tel.: 251-970-1100
Fax: 251-970-1101
Website: www.PalletBid.com

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Categorized into four tiered collections, Kachina’s line of products have something for every look and every personality. The Iron Collection offers style and affordability. The Silver Collection carries those trendy seasonal looks. Then there is the Gold Collection for a more bold and refined choice, and the Diamond Collection is specifically made for the fashion driven buyer. And while style may be at the top of a wearer’s list of priorities when purchasing sunglasses, protection is still the purpose. “We let our customers know that behind the fashion there is still that UV 400 Protection that will keep their eyes protected,” explains Weizmann.

Kachina’s fashion forward line may drive sales, but it is the company’s customer service that keeps customers. “We specialize in tailoring our products and ideals to match our customers’ needs in the present, and develop programs that have led to long relationships,” says Weizmann. With a minimum order of ten dozen, retailers are able to display more than ten options. “Our minimum orders offer maximum options in variety, because our sunglasses come in sorted dozens with the most popular colors and designs of the season,” he adds. “Many times one style can have from two to six variations.” Sunglasses selection is not the only variety Kachina offers, as displays for product placement are also numerous. From the D-120 that holds up to 120 pairs of sunglasses to the smallest display that holds 12, Kachina can accommodate any size space.

As 2012 begins and sunglass season is about to arrive, Weizmann remembers that while sunglasses are a necessity, they are a large part of everyone’s spring and summer wardrobe. Just like a handbag, consumers want what is in season. “This year, we feel people are looking for something fun, with great function,” he says. “Bright colors are going to be trendy, while a throwback to traditional shapes will make a strong comeback.” For retailers looking to revitalize their inventory with this year’s fashion forward designs at the ASD show in March, Kachina will be offering a 30 day money back guarantee, price match guarantee, free shipping for orders over $1,000, and a free gift.

Like Kachina, Pacific Link is forecasting a similar fun and functional fashion season for sunglasses in 2012. In fact, its spring fashion line will be featuring bright and neon colors, as well as animal prints. Updating its previous 900 plus skus, the company plans to continue with 600 of its best selling styles, and add 200 plus new styles to this year’s line. “Our goal is to update our inventory so that our customers can do the same, and offer the most up to date trends in the sunglass market,” says Ron Bryan, sales and marketing director.

Pacific Link, however, does plan on continuing its own sports sunglass line, Element 8. Updating offers every month, the company still finds that sport glasses continue to be a big part of the business. No matter the style, “the wholesale price averages about $24 a dozen, with discounts offered for quantities,” Bryan says. Even with an update in inventory, the pricing structure will remain roughly the same. “We will continue to offer discounts to first time customers, and as always, pricing will be customized for every retailer purchasing from us,” Bryan adds. Pacific Link’s business model is simple. “We sell to anybody who buys wholesale sunglasses. It could be jobbers, convenience stores, department stores, or kiosks in the mall,” notes Bryan.

Pacific Link knows that customers need information about the variety it offers, especially regarding new products. To that end, Pacific Link’s website, www.sunglassespacificlink.com, launched a new redesign in January, serving as an invaluable news and buying aid. “Customers can go there and look at every product we have,” Bryan says. There is also an option to see upcoming styles. Keeping up with constant change is a part of the company’s success. “We keep up with the current trends, which seem to change every two or three months,” says Bryan. “Whether it be an Aviator or a Colored Wayfarer, we just try to stay on top of current trends.”

In business since 1998, Pacific Link has expanded into an international operation. “David Chin, a Chinese born American, started the business in the back of his parents’ restaurant. Beginning when sunglasses were just becoming hot in the accessories industry, Chin has grown his business and contacts, and now has a 40,000 square foot warehouse in Georgia,” notes Bryan. Actively seeking new business, Pacific Link is willing to cater to customer needs. “We do specials from time to time when we appear at tradeshows, but we’re willing to work with anyone, whether they are looking to order one dozen sunglasses or 1,000 dozens.” A call to the company allows for quick qualification, and a product and pricing list is sent out to start the process.

Also a veteran in the industry, witnessing the rise of sunglasses as a hot accessory item, is CTS Wholesale. Kirk Bachelder, president, boasts an impressive 29 years experience in the sunglass business, but it is his familiarity with the retail and wholesale industries that makes him such a successful supplier. “Our main mission at CTS Wholesale is to help new entrepreneurs or business owners succeed in the sunglass business,” he says, and that means more than supplying today’s hottest styles and fashion trends. “We have everything it takes, from displays to accessories and much more,” he adds.

For 2012 CTS plans on continuing with its best practices, focusing on fashion, functionality and top of the line customer service. Finding a niche in sports sunglasses, CTS foresees a good market for its Xsportz line in the new selling season. And at a wholesale price of $1.33 per pair, retailers also foresee a good selling season, expecting to make a hefty profit retailing these sunglasses for $8 to $12 per pair.

Over the years, sunglass suppliers have experienced increasing difficulty in providing popular styles and designer products, as well as competitive pricing. However, CTS offers a Designer line that gives retailers the ability to stock designer styles such as aviator and wayfarer sunglasses at affordable prices. “Bachelder notes, “Carrying the CTS Designer line means providing your customers with fashion-forward attitude, without the price tag. Keeping these great shades in stock means having the most desirable merchandise on hand, and available for immediate sales.” With no minimum order, retailers also have the opportunity to verify the quality of CTS’ sunglasses before placing a larger order. “We know that our products are top quality, and once our customers and their customers have the opportunity to see them, they will know too,” says Bachelder.

For CTS, it’s about satisfying the customer. “Customers of CTS Wholesale can be assured that our staff has first hand knowledge of not only the product, but the venues in which they sell. It is with this understanding of the industry from both sides that lends itself to our dedication to customer service, prompt shipping and low pricing,” Bachelder notes. He takes pride in selling and shipping to many different types of retailers, including gift shops, convenience stores, mall kiosks, and more, believing his products are marketable in any venue. “We are noticing many distributors coming into the marketplace are drop shippers,” Bachelder says. “It makes it easy for us to set ourselves apart, being a direct importer with a large selection, and being able to work directly with our customers.”

Also successful in its deliverance of top of the line customer service is PR Sunglasses, a sunglass distributor for over 25 years that has learned to focus on service in a fickle, fashion-forward industry. “It is not easy to predict what will be the new hot product. We are constantly watching the fashion media to follow up on new trends,” says Janice Chien, sales manager. “Our mission is to provide the most current fashion trends in the sunglass industry, with good quality, competitive pricing, and most importantly, customer service. The customer always comes first with us, which is why they keep coming back.”

PR Sunglasses carries thousands of sunglass styles, including its best selling Sports Wraps, Lady Fashion Frames and Reading Glass lines. Last year, the Aviator and Wayfarer lines were popular, a trend Chien believes will continue into the spring of 2012. “However, while everyone was looking for “retro” styles last year, in 2012 more colorful frames will be popular,” she adds. And for low wholesale prices ranging from $13 to $36 per dozen, retailers can offer these new neon styles and make a decent profit margin at $5.99 to $24.99 retail per pair. In addition to numerous styles, colors and varieties of eyewear, PR Sunglasses also carries cords, cases, and countertop and floor displays to better showcase its lines. Minimum orders start at $100, and most orders ship on the day they are placed. “We do provide volume discounts for customers who buy in bulk,” adds Chien. Pricing is available on request, and new registrants to the site only need to provide a Tax ID number to begin ordering.

After 20 plus years, Screamin Dealz’ claim to fame in the sunglass industry is its name brand PUGS Sunglasses. “Since their introduction in 2005, over 32 million PUGS name brand sunglasses have been purchased,” says Brent Bartholio, wholesale manager. “They are available in many styles; aviator PUGs, casual women’s PUGS and especially activeware/sports PUGS are among the most popular.” Like many sunglass wholesalers, Screamin Dealz claims to stay up on the latest trends, many times getting ahead of trends, allowing the company to be a trendsetter in the industry. But unlike many sunglass wholesalers, Screamin Dealz boasts another level of quality not typically found in the market it serves.

The quality of the PUGS line has been compared to luxury brands retailing at $60 to $70. However, Bartholio assures independent retailers that Screamin Dealz works closely with conveniences stores, boutiques and other independents selling unique products at bargain prices. “On average, we easily sell sunglasses for $1.50 to $2.50, with a suggested retail of $14.99 to $19.99,” he adds. Currently there are two programs in place. Retailers can either inquire about clearance or liquidated styles, offered with a plastic rack that holds 44 pairs; or, a slightly more expensive program in which a retailer purchases the newest lines a little over average wholesale cost, receiving a free wooden display that holds 36, 72 or 108 pairs. The minimum order is a 144 pair case pack, which includes shipping.

While many of the sunglass distributors we spoke with made mention of bold and bright colors for 2012, Bartholio pointed out some other up and coming trends. “Wider lenses will continue to grow in popularity,” he notes. “And as always, those streamline sports sunglasses will sell well.” It was no surprise that like many of the other sunglass wholesalers forecasted, Screamin Dealz couldn’t deny that Aviator Styles were still a hot trend for the 2012 season.

Wholesale Sunglasses Palace began a little over a year ago in December 2010, with the idea to be a one stop shop for any retailer looking for trendsetting wholesale sunglasses. And while still working on marketing items such as POP displays and starter kits, owner, Todd Kolb, has already made Wholesale Sunglasses Palace a unique and rewarding place for retailers to stay up on the latest trends, and purchase some great deals. Kolb boasts a current product line of 750 skus, with another 200 skus to be added when the sunglass season hits. And while many retailers are familiar with the casualwear, activewear, aviator style categories, Wholesale Sunglasses Palace has well over 30 style categories, and many with unique designs. “Among some of our most popular categories are the Fit Over sunglasses that are to be worn with a person’s regular glasses, as well as our Sheek Urban, Original Gangsta and Tattoo sunglass products,” says Kolb. Looking to present a playful and practical line, Kolb admits to staying up on trends through multiple resources, whether it be tradeshows, magazines, Internet sites, or quite often through talking with manufacturers and sunglass wearers on the street.

Too often, trends are generalized, maybe because it is about what’s hot in Hollywood. As a result, Kolb has also turned his focus to targeting different regions. “What’s hot in New England may not be a top seller in the South,” he adds. His website offers retailers Hot Seller Packages, targeted for markets in specific regions. And with no minimum order requirement, buyers are free to test market with the company’s products before committing to any larger orders. “At Wholesale Sunglasses Palace, we understand that your investment in wholesale sunglasses must provide consumers with high-end choices, without paying the price. That’s why we offer uncompromising quality and style conscious products at such affordable and competitive pricing.” With most styles wholesaling under $4 a pair, customers easily enjoy consistent profit margins of 500 to 700 percent.

As the new season approaches, Kolb is aware of some of the more unique trends that will soon hit the market. “Cat eye sunglasses will be in, as will white plastic frames and other bright colors such as blue, yellow and red,” he says. “It’s all about making a statement.” Gradients and round lenses were also among some of his predictions for the 2012 sunglass selling season.

Now is the time to start stocking up on high profit sunglasses, whether your customers are looking for fashion, sport or simply everyday styles. The season is calling for bright, bold, fun and functional, and those wholesalers with a fashion forward eye will help in updating your spring line, and do so at highly competitive prices.

For more information:

Kachina LLC

1640 East Edinger Avenue # L

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Toll Free: 800-550-1231

Tel.: 714-550-0209

Fax: 714-550-0210

Email: info@kachinallc.com

Website: www.kachinallc.com

Pacific Link

1223 Coronet Drive, Ste 3

Dalton, GA 30720

Toll Free: 866-824-0079

Fax: 706-272-7979

Email: infopacificlink@windstream.net

Website: www.sunglassespacificlink.com

CTS Wholesale, LLC

3525 Brady CT. N.E.

Salem, OR 97301

Tel.: 503-364-3486

Toll Free: 800-796-3486

Fax: 503-589-4121

Email: info@ctswholesalesunglasses.com

Website: www.ctswholesalesunglasses.com

PR Sunglasses

7596 Harwin Drive

Houston, TX 77036

Tel.: 713-975-8252

Toll Free: 800-777-7656

Fax: 713-975-8257

Email: info@prsunglasses.com

Website: www.prsunglasses.com

Screamin Dealz

215 N 1800 W

Lindon, UT 84042

Tel.: 720-325-8533

Fax: 801-785-8830

Email: brentbartholio@pugsgear.com

Website: www.screamindealz.com

Wholesale Sunglasses Palace

Tel.: 855-786-8500

Email: support@wholesalesunglassespalace.com

Website: www.wholesalesunglassespalace.com

Consumer Confidence Highlight of the Holidays

Much of the data was similar for other indexes and surveys focused around consumer confidence during and after the holiday season. The Los Angeles Times reports, “Pollster Gallup said December was the most optimistic month since June.” Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan also received positive feedback, as 29 percent of customers surveyed are expecting good economic times ahead, compared with 19 percent who said the same in November.

How is this increase in consumer confidence actually affecting shopping habits? The NPD Group Inc. released statistics that indicate nearly seven in ten consumers went shopping at brick and mortars during the week before Christmas, and spent 4.7 percent more per visit than the week prior. The Los Angeles Times highlights, “Beauty stores saw 31 percent more visits from shoppers, while apparel vendors enjoyed a 26 percent bump. Bookstores, shoe stores and department stores also experienced double digit increases.”

Check out our Industry Headlines to read about other consumer reports and surveys.

Organizing Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing campaigns can be organized so each group of recipients receives a relevant, even personalized, marketing message. And in 2012, the concept of learning something about customer preferences, demographics, desires, and devices, and then building relevant and authentic customer conversations via email around that data, will continue to grow in importance. As with any kind of marketing, targeting the right people at the right time is essential, and email makes it easier to strategize and customize. “While segmenting an email list by purchasing behaviors, funnel stage, and user declared preferences has proved successful, marketers need to continue to listen and look for shifts in consumer lifestyles,” wrote W. Jeffrey Rice, Senior Research Analyst for MarketingSherpa, in his company’s 2012 Email Marketing Benchmark Report.

Forty-nine percent of marketers responding to the survey said they could not segment their email lists based on viewer device habits. This is significant, considering that in May 2011, Nielsen reported that 38 percent of mobile users own a smartphone, and 55 percent of all new phones purchased were smartphones. As Practical eCommerce writes, “Given that one in ten email recipients are reading emails on a mobile device, marketers need to find a way to segment email lists so they can accurately identify those subscribers.” In preparation, however, those marketers designing for the B2C channel have created emails for mobile readership (41 percent), even without accurate readings on the exact number of consumers using their mobile devices to read email.

This article was adapted from a piece by Practical eCommerce.

Read more about strategies and the how to’s of marketing.

Wholesale Multipurpose Home Accent

As the company website reveals, “After several trips to the fabric store and an argument over some faux fur, the first Smushion was constructed with love, staple guns and a genuine desire to create comfort.” Amid the stuffing, staples and a few prototypes, a compelling version eventually emerged, keeping that “genuine desire to create comfort” in tact. The Smushion is a lightweight, portable multipurpose home accent made from high quality memory foam, covered in a machine washable microfiber suede cover. The memory foam conforms to the body and reduces pressure points, and even with frequent use the cushion can last decades. Customers are only faced with the hard decision to pick their favorite cover. “Luckily, we sell covers separately for consumers looking to change their style,” notes Hyde. “It is a bit tricky, and does have to go on the right way for a perfect fit, but as the Smushion grows in popularity we will be adding designs, licensed and non-licensed.” Covers are currently available in solid colors, with locally licensed logos (Georgia Tech, University of Georgia), and designer prints.

There are no real minimum order requirements, as retailers on average purchase a minimum of 12 Smushions that come a dozen to a carton. For those retailers purchasing under 100 non-licensed units, a wholesale cost of $14 can be expected, with an 80 percent markup of $24.99. “We offer some great price breaks though,” says Hyde. “For instance, for retailers purchasing 500 units, the wholesale cost is $12.50, allowing for a 100 percent markup.” Volume discounts are offered for 100 units, 500, and 1,000 units, up to 5,000 units. “We also offer flat rate shipping for all orders throughout the U.S., and a free drop shipping program,” notes Hyde.

For more information:
Relaxation Designs
785 Ponce De Leon Place, Ste. 4
Atlanta, GA 30306
Tel.: 404-745-9457
Fax: 404-437-7522
Email: sales@relaxationdesigns.com
Website: www.smushion.com

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