A well-timed buying strategy is what makes the difference between unsuccessful liquidation resellers and those swimming in revenue. This is one of the best aspects that maximizes profits and minimizes holding costs, but it is only when done right.
Understanding seasonal surplus opportunities, how liquidation calendar strategy works, and going over the different ideas and times of when to buy liquidation categories are game-changers.
They help you work through new revenue opportunities, focus more on actually making it worth, and bringing the best to your business.
The seasonal liquidation buying guide you will find below is a great way to start with your business. You can go over the details, steps, and learn how to capitalize on these opportunities throughout the year.
We are sourcing partners who have the experience and knowledge to capitalize and understand seasonal buying. Hence, count on our information and work with our team throughout the process.
Q1 Strategy: Holiday Returns & Winter Clearance Items
Between January and March, or simply the first quarter of the year, it is prime time for buying post-holiday and winter merchandise. While it feels a bit early, you will notice the value when knowing how fast the inventory moves during the following months and between the third and fourth quarter.
The items we often recommend getting during this calendar season are:
- Holiday Returns:January is the single best month for buying liquidation products, as retailers clear out unsold holiday inventory and process a surge of returns. These goods are often high-quality gifts that were barely used or never opened. This happens because of overstock and how they need to move them for new inventory.
- Winter Apparel & Gear:Retailers liquidate winter clothing, décor, and seasonal accessories to make room for spring lines. This is the best time to buy at deep discounts and hold for the next winter season.
- Holiday Decor:Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s decorations are available in bulk at a fraction of their retail price, perfect for reselling later in the year.
You want to time the moment based on how the different items are sold throughout the rest of the year. Not specifically in that season, but rather the next one, once you have stocked up and gotten time to get your pieces.
If you have storage space, stock up on winter and holiday goods now to resell when demand spikes again in Q4. This is ideal for maximizing profits.
Q2 Strategy: Spring/Summer Preparation & Outdoor Goods
Next, you have April, May, and June. These are all about spring cleaning, outdoor living, and summer prep.
You can find amazing items in categories like garden and outdoors, spring apparel, and home improvements.
These include kits and items for n and unique renovation pieces.
Since homeowners and even families as a whole work on new pieces, they find appeal in getting all the items from discounts.
Since you will be getting them for less than 50% of the retail price, you can still offer a great value and price. All of it without affecting your revenue.
Always buy spring and outdoor goods as soon as they hit the clearance cycle. Then, resell as the weather warms up and demand increases, as directly suggested by Lightspeed’s research.
Q3 Strategy: Back-to-School & Fall Preparation Items
For July, August and September, the plans shift to school and fall essentials.
July and August are perfect for sourcing school supplies, backpacks, electronics, and dorm essentials as retailers begin to discount unsold inventory.
Then, you have fall décor and apparel as summer ends. Fall-themed products, Halloween décor, and fall clothing start appearing on liquidation channels.
You will see amazing pieces for you to resell right during the season’s peak.
Heaters and cold-weather gear works even in Florida. You will notice once you realize people travel and go to other states and countries for the last quarter of the year.
Always plan ahead for these and buy in bulk when possible. This offers great competitiveness, and you can capitalize on the market.
Q4 Strategy: Holiday Merchandise & Winter Goods Preparation
It is all about winter and holiday merchandise.
- Holiday Decor & Gifts:Retailers ramp up holiday inventory. They also include late-season surpluses can be bought at a discount as the season winds down.
- Winter Apparel & Accessories:Gloves, coats, boots, and seasonal accessories. All of them are in high demand, especially in colder regions.
- Toys & Electronics:The holiday gift rush leads to excess inventory and returns, which can be sourced for post-holiday resale.
Our recommendation? Work with data from previous years.
Always anticipate the categories that will be most in demand and buy accordingly.
You will notice that late December brings deep discounts, and it connects with Q1 and how it works for you.
Coastal Surplus Solutions can be your best friend for this.
We connect you to the items as we source them, streamline logistics, and handle your purchases anytime of the year.
Feel free to contact us and work on seasonal liquidation timing to get the most of your investment.
