Yup, it’s back to school time

A time-honored tradition

When my kids were younger, back to school shopping was big. I mean REALLY big. Whether it was supplies and clothes in grade school; technology and clothes in high school or dorm decor and clothes for college, shopping didn’t come cheap. It was expected that shiny new notebooks and brand new sneakers were the order of the day. It’s no different today. However, in spite of the uptick in the economy, families are struggling. Today’s back to school consumers are looking for bargains. To see their money go farther, they need a little back to school consignment shopping. Now’s the time to show them what you offer.

First things first. Tax-free holidays.

Not every state offers tax-free weekends, but for those that do, be sure to let back-to-school consignment shoppers know you participate. Here’s a list of the states and their tax-free weekends courtesy of The Krazy Coupon Lady. Unfortunately, the Krazy Coupon Lady doesn’t mention that consignment shops are one of the best places to find back-to-school clothes.

• Alabama: July 19-21, 2019 (clothing, computers, books and school supplies)
• Arkansas: August 3-4, 2019 (clothing and school supplies)
• Connecticut: August 18-24, 2019 (clothing and footwear)
• Florida: August 2-4, 2019 (school supplies, clothing and computers)
• Iowa: August 2-3, 2019 (clothing)
• Maryland: August 11-17, 2019 (clothing and footwear)
• Mississippi: July 26-27, 2019 (clothing and footwear)
• Missouri: August 2-4, 2019 (clothing, computers and school supplies)
• New Mexico: August 2-4, 2019 (clothing, computers, computer equipment and school supplies)
• Ohio: August 2-4, 2019 (clothing and school supplies)
• Oklahoma: August 2-4, 2019 (clothing)
• South Carolina: August 2-4, 2019 (clothing, school supplies and computers)
• Tennessee: July 26-28, 2019 (clothing, school supplies and computers)
• Texas: August 9-11, 2019 (clothing, backpacks and school supplies)
• Virginia: August 2-4, 2019 (clothing, school supplies and energy star products)

States like Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon are always tax-free states.

Back to School promotional ideas

This is one of the best times of the year to create User Generated Content (UGC). With UGC, your customers are marketing for you. Furthermore, you’re gaining credibility when shoppers see others purchasing back to school items from you. Here are a couple of promotional ideas that I came up with for any age group.

• Take photos of student shoppers holding a dry erase board above their heads. Target sells Speech Bubble Dry Erase Boards for under $20. The idea works for every age group.

• Create a wall that can be changed regularly. This idea requires a little more artistic talent. However, Zazzle offers some great teacher wall decals that would be easy to use. What Mom wouldn’t want to post this? Make sure you add your store logo on the wall too.

• Arrange a college fashion show. Invite teens and moms for an afternoon of refreshments and a fashion show. Bella Ella Boutique says the 2019 trends include leggings, faux leather, pleated skirts and popcorn-style cardigans.

• Furniture consignment stores host DIY dorm decor evenings. Students learn to maximize their space with vintage wall art, storage and accessories.

Create a consignment store event to be remembered

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved planning events. As a little girl, I planned fashion shows and elaborate weddings for my Barbie dolls. Helping plan my daughter’s wedding was especially exciting. Although our budget was comparatively small, we squeezed every penny to create a beautiful, memorable day. Nowadays, it isn’t enough to slap a few homemade signs in the window and call it an event. A successful consignment store event takes some serious planning and a whole lot of buy-in from your staff.

1.) Begin with a to-do list

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of store events that happen without proper planning. Yes, you have a purpose. Whether it’s to build your brand, reward customers or celebrate a holiday, you still need a plan. Sit down with a calendar. Pick a date. Choose a theme. Create a budget. Decide your marketing ahead of time. Read How to make shoppers happy with simple resale-tainment. Ideally, you should have a 30/60/90-day planning timeline that you can give your sales team and managers.

2.) Gotta have buy-in

If your sales staff isn’t committed to the success of the event, give it up. Make them a part of the planning process. Brainstorm with them. Consider a contest for individual employees or your staff as a whole. If the event is a success, they’ll reap some benefits too. A truly memorable consignment store event includes enthusiastic salespeople who are having as much fun as your shoppers.

3.) Follow a strict budget

Setting your budget at the beginning keeps everything in perspective. Factor in employees, marketing, refreshments, decorations, special giveaways, etc. If you’re hosting the event at a time you’re not usually open, consider additional items such as heat/air conditioning, lights, trash and plumbing. Don’t skimp on your event budget. Customers know the difference between a well-budgeted event vs. a cheap one. Do it right or don’t do it at all.

4.) Give your store a facelift

Now’s the time to clean, paint and reorganize your store. Always “put your best foot forward” when hosting a consignment store event. Clear out the cobwebs. Dust the light fixtures. Remove the sticky notes from your cash register. Make sure your store is clean from the inside out. By reorganizing, your store becomes a whole new destination.

5.) Build shopper’s excitement

Building anticipation will keep your event front and center in the minds of your shoppers. Tease with emails giving hints of what’s to come. Create a pre-event contest and announce the winner on event day. Tie in with a local celebrity. Give shoppers hands-on activities to do. Let customers see the exciting merchandise you’ll be giving away.

6.) Get creative with your marketing

In addition to sending emails and stuffing shopper’s bags with flyers, get creative. Build a landing page on your website with a countdown calendar. Choose your #1 customer and reward them with a photo shoot that promotes the event. Add some curbside extras like sandwich board signs or chalk art. Buy your staff T-shirts with the event logo on them. Create Instagram Stories that give behind-the-scene preparations for the big event. Create a special hashtag. Read Are you using consignment store hashtags correctly?

7.) The event itself

Even though your event should get attendees shopping, refrain from pushing merchandise. Look at your event as an investment in future customers. The goal for your staff is to become a friend rather than being a salesperson. Enjoy the day. Mingle with event goers. Gather as much information as possible on everyone who attends. Hire a photographer. Use music, food and activities to create a fun atmosphere. People will remember you for the experience not the great deal that got on a sweater.

8.) Follow-up

Immediately following the event, keep your attendees updated with fun photos of your crowded shop. Include a thank you to those who participated and pictures of any prize winners. Ask customers to tag themselves in your photos or encourage them to post photos of their own from your store event. Read Customer content is the best way to promote yourself. Get as much feedback as you possibly can. Don’t be afraid to ask if shoppers liked the prizes, discounts, food, entertainment, etc. Find out as much as you possibly can so your next consignment store event will be even more memorable.

For more on store events check out these links

https://www.simpleconsign.com/blog/consignment-store-event-2/

https://www.simpleconsign.com/blog/successful-store-event/

This post has been updated for 2019

Resale stores can benefit from these 2 holidays

Other than Easter and April Fool’s Day, this month doesn’t offer a lot of other exciting opportunities for special promotions. However, there are 2 days that resale stores should take advantage of this month.

Earth Day April 22, 2019

Since 1970, millions of people around the world have celebrated the beauty of earth on April 22nd. It’s a day to concentrate on the environment and how we as individuals can make a difference. What better way to make a difference than to shop resale! This year, Earth Day falls on a Sunday, making it a perfect day for resale stores to promote our industry. There are a number of special Earth Day opportunities:

• Hold an Earth Day Sidewalk Sale
• Host a DIY upcycle class and turn an everyday object into something new
• Have your staff wear green and put every green item in your store on sale
• Offer packages of seeds with every purchase
• Give away reusable bags with your store logo and offer a small discount every time a shopper brings it in.
• Run an outdoor photo contest
• Serve organic snacks

Use Earth Day to build loyalty with your current customers and create new ones who are eco-conscious. Be sure to use the hashtag #EarthDay2019 or #ActofGreen in all of your social media.  Earth Day is every resale store’s day to shine.

National Get To Know Your Customers Day

On the 3rd Thursday of every quarter of the year, stores around the nation observe National #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay. The next one is on Thursday, April 18. It’s a perfect little I-could-use-a-quick-promotion idea. This is especially good for building your brand and your relationship with your customers. Be sure to use the hashtag on all of your social media. There are a variety of ways you could get to know your customers better:

• Offer snacks and refreshments as a way to thank your shoppers on that day
• Have customers fill out an online survey for the chance to win a prize. Read Unlock the mind of the shrewd consignment shopper to find out how to create a free online survey.
• If you’re a SimpleConsign customer, use this day to build your customer profiles in our Customer Notes section. Ask about their favorite merchandise brands, colors and styles.
• Make special name tags for your employees with an interesting fact about them. Ask each customer that comes through the door to tell you an interesting fact about themselves.
• Create a poster with a couple of “2 truths and a lie” statements about your employees. If a customer answers them correctly, give them a prize. Let them tell you their own.

If National #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay is too close to Earth Day for you to promote both, don’t worry. The next National #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay is on July 18 and again on October 17. There’s plenty of time to put together a fun campaign. To look up other fun “holidays” go here.

Just what are consignment store hashtags and how do I use them?

Today, successful social media campaigns all use hashtags. What is a hashtag, you ask? Simply put, it’s a marketing phrase. One word made from a few words without spaces in between. Include the pound sign (#) in front and you have a hashtag. To reach a wider audience and market specific products, include hashtags on everything. If your account is public, anyone who searches for that hashtag will find you. Consignment store hashtags are especially beneficial and here’s why.

What does a hashtag do?

The hashtag originally began with Twitter, but it’s used on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook too. Think of it as a stream. Based on the word you create, your message flows into a pool of potential buyers. It’s the easiest way to publicly categorize your consignment merchandise for shoppers.

Why do you need consignment store hashtags?

Every shopper knows what to expect when they walk into a Walmart. The same can’t be said for their local consignment shop. Since your merchandise is often a one-off, you’ve got to get the word out easily about new items. Shoppers use hashtags to search for items. Consignment store hashtags let you connect with people who are interested in the specific items you currently have to sell. Plus, a business hashtag doubles as a subtitle.

Be very specific

According to Hootsuite, in order to grab the attention of a shopper, your hashtags should be as specific as possible. Let’s say you have scarves for sale. Don’t just use the hashtag, #scarf. Use the hashtag #VintageHermesScarf instead. A detailed hashtag targets the shopper looking for specific merchandise. When a potential buyer enters Hermes scarf into a Twitter search, yours will be one of the listings that pops up. It isn’t always necessary to create your own hashtag either. Search for the item you’re selling first and see what popular hashtags are already being used. When you use popular hashtags, your merchandise will be found faster.

Make it simple

Don’t create long or complicated hashtags. If there are too many words in your hashtag, chances are no one else will be typing it in. Use 2 to 4 words at the most. Consignment store hashtags should be easy to remember and to the point. Read them carefully before posting them. Capitalize each new word so that the hashtag is easier to read. To avoid looking like spam, refrain from adding more than 3 hashtags to a Twitter post and no more than 7 on Instagram. Make sure they all relate to one another.

Building your brand through consignment store hashtags

Create a special hashtag that defines your store. Like Nike’s #JustDoIt, a hashtag is a secondary tagline that tells more about you. You can create one for a special sale, one-time event or just building your brand. Before you start publicly using the hashtag, make sure you do your research. At Traxia, we use the hashtag #ResaleInTheCloud. It tells what we do and helps to build our brand. Some hashtags have a negative connotation however. There are even banned hashtag words. You’ll be surprised at the list for 2018 which includes such words as #desk, #gloves and even #like. Don’t use the same hashtags over and over. Keep them fresh. Watch to see which ones get greater engagement. For a little more in-depth hashtag information, read Hubspot’s article, How to Use Hashtags on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. 

Just 16 weeks ’til Christmas! Here’s your annual Holiday Marketing Guide

Last year, I put together a resale store owner’s holiday marketing guide to keep you on track for this important season. I thought it was worth updating and repeating. At the bottom, print off a copy of the #1 Consignment Store Holiday Marketing Guide to review with your staff too.

Week 16   Monday, September 4

Inventory reduction. Clear out all summer, back-to-school or any other merchandise that’s now seasonally outdated. Read 17 brilliant ideas for inventory reduction. Once Labor Day is here, so is fall. If you haven’t done it already, sit down with staff and calendar in hand to map out your strategy. Take note of any special fall activities happening in your community. Plan to participate in a Fall Festival, Oktoberfest, local football weekends or any other autumn community event. Build your email list before the holidays hit by placing a sign-up sheet by your register. Read 14 simple ways to build your store’s email list.

Week 15   Monday, September 11

Halloween spooktacular. Your windows and shop interior are completely decorated with fall colors and Halloween merchandise. Planning should be under way if you’re hosting a Halloween event. Read 5 Halloween Ideas to Draw Shoppers in. Consider a “Trick or Treats for Grownups” evening; a Halloween coloring page contest for the kids or a photo contest featuring costumes or home decor created with items from your shop. Remember, user-generated content makes the biggest impact. So encourage participants to post, tweet or pin photos of themselves at your events. Read Customer content is the best way to promote yourself. Check all of your online listings too. Encourage shoppers to leave a review if you feel that had a great experience.

Week 14   Monday, September 18

Shop Small. Autumn officially begins on Friday, September 22. Now’s the time to review your internal processes as you plan for the holiday shopping season. Slow lines at checkout are a killer. How can you improve? Read 13 ways to improve your consignment shop cash wrap. What about your intake process? Make sure you’re able to handle the influx of shoppers as well as the need for seasonal merchandise. When was the last time you took a serious look at your shop? Clean dressing rooms, bathrooms, floors and windows can make a big impression. Sign up now to participate in Shop Small Saturday on Saturday, November 25. Contact the other shops around you to see if they’re participating. Determine the type of specials you’ll offer on that day too.

Week 13   Monday, September 25

Mobile marketing. Preparations for your Halloween event should be well under way. Print bag stuffers to promote your event and hang signs in your front window. Map out your email campaign and how you will promote the event on all of your social media. Read Are you sure your business is mobile friendly?  Make sure your emails are optimized for viewing on mobile phones. You’ll also want to create incentives to bring shoppers back with coupons, additional rewards points or future events. Consider offering a deal if items are bought before Wednesday, November 22. Order any gift cards or gift certificates shoppers can use as Christmas gifts. Be sure to purchase small, holiday impulse-buy items for your register too. Now is the time to finalize your Christmas window decor.

Week 12   Monday, October 2

Seasonal employees. Our holiday marketing guide continues. Slip those Halloween event flyers into every shopper’s bag and get your email campaign under way. Because employees are walking, talking billboards for your store, run a fun in-store competition. Let your employees choose clever costumes they’ll wear during the week of Halloween. Have customers secretly vote for their favorite. Offer a gift card to the winner. Now’s the time to also interview for seasonal help. Read The ultimate guide for hiring the best part-time employees. Bob Negan of WhizBang! offers these tips: “Focus on hiring people who are quick learners … who enjoy a fast-paced environment, who are willing to do any kind of work…and who are extremely friendly.” Hopefully, you’re locating other shops in your area who are participating in the Shop Small event. Discuss with them the possibility of a shop crawl, sidewalk sale or treasure hunt.

Week 11   Monday, October 9

Showing thanks. It’s time to put Halloween aside and focus on November. The Thanksgiving season is a perfect time for community involvement and generating goodwill. Read 5 tips for a Successful Store Event  for some quick planning ideas. Consider having a canned food drive for your local food bank. A winter coat, hat and mittens drive for a homeless shelter. Blankets, towels and animal toy donations are wonderful for your local humane society. Children’s shops could collect toys and clothing for your local pregnancy center’s baby store. Many charities even provide a donation container for you. Arrange to have the organization pick up donations afterwards. Finalize with other shops how you plan to market Shop Small Saturday.

Week 10   Monday, October 16

Community involvement. Evaluate what needs to be changed from Halloween to Thanksgiving decor. How will you change your in-store signage and your front window? Can you capitalize on any local events such as your town’s football team, homecoming dances, Veteran’s Day parades or fall festivals? Use this holiday marketing guide to begin planning your shop’s Christmas event. Outline a calendar for additional employees, food and beverages, special merchandise and prizes. Your exciting and fun Halloween event should take place next week unless you’re actually holding it on Halloween. Begin teasing Christmas with emails about upcoming merchandise, special surprises and extended shopping hours. Read Squeeze more out of your holiday marketing budget.

Week 9   Monday, October 23

Christmas promotions. This week, your employees should have fun wearing a variety of costumes, handing out candy and promoting your Halloween event. Take lots of pictures to post on social media. Be prepared to name the winner of your in-store costume contest and post their photo everywhere. Christmas is 8 weeks away. Begin gathering and storing your Christmas window decor items. Read Holiday window displays on a budget. It’s time to determine your Christmas promotions past Black Friday and/or Shop Small Saturday. Whether you choose a one-time event or something as simple as offering Christmas cookies and hot cider throughout the month, start planning. Contact a local high school or senior citizen group to see if they will offer free holiday gift wrapping in return for a charitable donation. If you’re participating in a local Thanksgiving donation drive, create your social media schedule, bag stuffers and signage now.

You are halfway through the #1 Consignment Store Holiday Marketing Guide

Week 8   Monday, October 30

Sales Training. If your consignment or resale shop is open on Mondays, you may see some last-minute costume shoppers. As far as you’re concerned, Halloween is over and you’re headed full steam ahead to the biggest shopping season of the year. Set up definitive times for sales training for your employees and review policies for such things as shoplifting. Read Be Prepared for Shoplifters. Make sure they’re familiar with the current brands of merchandise you offer and how to cross sell products. If you’re going to add extended hours for the holidays, now is the time to begin promoting those. Your Shop Small and holiday hours signage should be in your window. Stay steady on all of your social media. If you’re struggling for ideas, post pics of new employees, tweet photos from a different angle of items that haven’t sold yet or take a funny team selfie.

Week 7   Monday, November 6

Exceptional customer service. Begin your donation drive this week. Be sure your staff is thankful and recognizes everyone who takes the opportunity to donate. Take photos of your staff with shoppers who are donating. If you have chosen not to do a donation drive, have your staff tie in with the season of thanks in a special way. For instance, they can hand out “Thank You” cards with return incentives. Read 3 sure fire consignment cross-selling and upselling tips. Schedule team sales goals, holiday parties and sales rewards for recognizing exceptional customer service during the Christmas holiday. In-store holiday signage that gives clear instructions should be ready to be put up in a week. Determine your top 25 – 50 customers and send them a special invitation for holiday shopping. All of your Shop Small Saturday plans should be finalized and clearly explained to your staff.

Week 6  Monday, November 13

Holiday magic. The holiday marketing guide moves into week 6. It’s time to transition to Christmas decor with Thanksgiving one week away. Holiday signage indoors and out should be in place. Your Shop Small and/or Black Friday event marketing is under way. The sights, sounds and smells of Christmas should fill your shop. Remember, your front window is your biggest billboard. Create Christmas windows that are magical, drawing customers in. They must reinforce the quality of merchandise shoppers will find inside. Your staff, including those part-timers you’ve added, should know their holiday schedules, especially what’s required of them for Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday. Read How to nurture your best and most motivated employees. Your donation drive ends later this week.

Week 5  Monday, November 20

Review policies. Thanksgiving week is a huge transition. You, your staff and your shop completely transform from fall to Christmas. It’s time to set the stage for the holidays. Review store policies for such things as layaways, rewards points and wish lists. Inform your staff of any new merchandise that has come in the store. Double check that the flow for shopping and final check-out is clearly marked. Now’s the time to begin thinking like your shoppers. Their mindset has changed. They’re no longer shopping for themselves, but for others. Change the conversation to, “Who are you buying for this year?” Read Increase store traffic with these holiday ideas. Thursday, November 23 is Thanksgiving. Friday, November 24 is Black Friday and Saturday, November 25 is Shop Small Saturday. Looking ahead, Sunday and Monday the 26th and 27th are Cyber holidays.

Week 4    Monday, November 27

Digital greetings. I feel a bit like Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 with my holiday marketing guide countdown, but we are now just one month away. Tuesday, November 28 is “Giving Tuesday” so be sure to share lots of photos of your charity donations. Your holiday hours and special shopping incentives should be promoted regularly though social media and emails. Don’t send too many emails. During this busy holiday season, customers start deleting more out of stress. Send email messages that are relevant and fun. Read Send clever, digital greetings this holiday to get some ideas for Christmas greetings to send to your customers. Planning for inventory reduction and winter decor after the first of the year should start now.

Week 3    Monday, December 4

Go the extra mile. Continue to energize your staff. Encourage them to wear Santa hats or ugly Christmas sweaters and hand out candy canes to everyone who comes in the door. Give them a reason to interact with each shopper. Read 6 simple strategies to snag a savvy shopper. Shift your merchandise to make your store look fresh and new, so customers will want to return. If you’re in an area where weather is an issue, make sure your outside is as clean as the inside of the store. Your freebies should also begin…free gift wrap, free concierge or free delivery. Next Monday is known as Green Monday. If you do online sales, this is the time to begin pushing your holiday merchandise online. Check out SimpleConsign’s Simple AdKiosks.

Week 2    Monday, December 11

Lead the charge. As Bob Negen says, “There’s a time to work ‘on‘ your business and a time to work ‘in’ your business.” Be on the sales floor interacting with staff and shoppers. Who doesn’t like to be personally assisted by the owner of the company?  Use your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to heighten excitement about new merchandise arriving. Our seasonal countdown wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t talk about the coming New Year. Be thinking and planning for changes and additions you would like to see in your shop in 2018. Take a closer look at yourself too. Sign up to receive Your Consignment Business Check Up.

Week 1    Monday, December 18

Brand Ambassadors. By now, shoppers and staff are frazzled. This is a key week to create brand ambassadors for your store. If you and your staff can show patience, kindness and an extra willingness to be helpful, you will have customers for life. Doing extra things for your staff this week can go a long way too. Bring cookies, fruit or pastries in the morning; give special hand-written thank you notes and sincere compliments to boost morale and attitudes. Read 4 incentive ideas to energize employees. Today is also known as Free Shipping Day. If shipping is at all part of your business, today is the day to offer it free.

The #1 Consignment Store Holiday Marketing Guide is complete

Monday, December 25  Merry Christmas!

Whew! You survived. Congratulations! I hope this checklist made your life just a little easier. If you’d like to download a copy of the #1 Consignment Store Holiday Marketing Guide to share with your staff, do so here. Merry Christmas from all of us at Traxia!

Back-to-school spending is expected to top $857 billion in 2017

Experts say back-to-school spending will grow by 4% over 2016. That means this month and August are expected to account for 17% of total retail sales for the year. Are you ready? Grab as big a piece of the pie as you possibly can with these back-to-school ideas.

Tax-exempt weekends

Not every state offers tax-exempt weekends, but if your state does, capitalize on it. The 2 biggest purchases at this time of year are clothing and electronics. However, sports equipment and dorm accessories are close behind. Tax-exempt items vary by state so check to see when your state’s tax-exempt weekends are and what’s included.

Don’t forget the basics

Although you’re constantly following the latest trends, remember back-to-school shopping is often about the basics. Everybody needs new jeans, tops, sweaters, etc. Create your very own Back-to-School checklists. Here’s an example from Home Ever After for a middle school girl. Create checklists for boys and girls, college students and even teachers. Fill your shop with these items. If there are things you don’t carry, find another local shop to tie-in with who does. Make sure you have plenty of accessories that go along with these basics too.

Put together fun Back-to-School gift baskets

When headed back to school, every student needs notebooks, pens and pencils. It’s easy to put together gift baskets to sell or give away as prizes. If your market is older, create a teacher’s gift basket or dorm essentials. Include a mug, snacks, clothing items, notebooks and a poster. If your market is Moms, put together boy and girl baskets with the basics, but also include fun, educational games or videos. Every basket should have a store gift card as well as a flyer for upcoming events. Consider offering an iPad or Kindle as a grand prize giveaway. Providing a name, address and email is the only way to register.

Capitalize on local school spirit

Most schools, even grade schools have a mascot. They sell t-shirts, sweatshirts and more as a fundraiser. Trade with your local school to get some giveaway items, or arrange to be an outlet for sales of school spirit merchandise. Offer a percentage of sales for a particular day to go back to the school; agree to promote school events in your shop and/or sponsor a school ball team or drama program. Get involved in your local school’s events, parades, picnics and Teacher Appreciation Days. Community involvement is always a plus.

Back-to-School isn’t just for kids

Throw a fun “You survived the summer” party for parents. Have your event the first weekend after kids are back in school. Offer wine and cheese, or create a tropical theme. Set up a table with adult coloring books and pens. Create “survival” merchandise specials. Make sure the evening celebrates the art of parenting. Or, adopt a teacher at a local school near your shop and collect school supplies. Provide a special one-day gift or discount for all teachers.

Tap into Millennials headed back to college

Millennials (the youngest are still in college), love the idea of being eco-friendly. As students return to your area colleges, provide special incentives for buying secondhand. Host a fashion show or a dorm decorating class. Once again, use the school’s mascot to your advantage.

For more ideas on nabbing those back-to-school shoppers, read How to reel in those back to school shoppers.

4 fun ideas to reduce inventory this winter

Looking to move winter merchandise faster? Think beyond the BOGO or Buy-The-Bag Sales. Here are 4 fun promotional ideas to reduce inventory quickly. Remember, sales should be few and far between. You don’t want to be the store where everyone waits for your regular sales. So, make it a fun quarterly event and really surprise them. Add some urgency with a short time limit and quickly reduce inventory.

The “Boss Is Away” Event

What is the old adage? When the boss is away, the mice will play. Have your sales staff wear mouse ears and noses with whiskers for the event. Offer the “nibble” of the day deal that you promote with daily emails. Hang yellow banners that look like swiss cheese. Create a unique hashtag. Use something like #squeakingoutwinter or #yourstorenamedailynibble. Set up a selfie spot and encourage shoppers to take photos of themselves with a set of mouse ears. Fill grab bags with small items that just aren’t moving and offer them for $1, but be sure to include store gift cards or gift certificates in some of the bags. You want to encourage shoppers to return for more. Provide a snack table with cheese and crackers. Consider teaming with a local wine and cheese store to end the week with a fun invitation-only party or a grand prize drawing.

“Winter Blues” Event

Send blue invitations to current customers and add flyers to the bags of new shoppers promoting a special “Winter Blues” event. This is the perfect type of event to bundle items that aren’t moving. Add a pair of blue jeans at 50% off to any sweater purchase. Offer a daily blue deal, or a blue light special. Offer a special prize for the customer who wears blue during the event too. Make sure your sales staff is dressed completely in blue and decorate your shop with blue banners, blue crepe paper and blue balloons. Play music from the movie Frozen or put together a mix of songs that use the word “blue.” Serve cupcakes iced in blue and offer one of these delicious blue beverages. Create a special hashtag for your event and change the color of all of your marketing.

An Opposite Event

For those in the country who have been overwhelmed by winter storms and snow, this is a perfect way to heat up sales. Hold a “Flip Flop” event. Instead of Christmas in July, offer summer in February. Decorate your shop with beach towels, umbrellas and seashells. Your staff should wear Hawaiian print shirts and sunglasses. Offer “sizzlin’ summer deals” and “hot off the rack” bargains. If weather permits, grill hot dogs on the final day. Give a special gift to anyone brave enough to wear flip flops to the sale.

If you’re in a warmer climate, create your own winter wonderland. Hold a “Just chillin'” event. Use tulle or quilt batting to create snow. Plaster your shop with snowmen and snowflakes. If you know someone with a pair of skis, add the skis or a snowboard to a mannequin. Serve hot cocoa or cider and doughnuts. Reduce inventory with a price “freeze” or “bundle up” sale. For both climates, create appropriate hashtags and stage a selfie area to encourage customers to cross promote your event.

“Gamblers” Event

Although this type of event has many different names, progressive discounts or specials have always been one of the best ways to move merchandise. Customers are “betting” the item they want will still be available for the biggest discount. You create the tension by increasing the discount each day. Start with 20% off the first day and gradually increase to 75% off. Make sure you have a “Wheel of Fortune” at checkout that customers can spin to earn additional discounts, special prizes or gift cards. Have your staff wear visors, white shirts, vests and garters on their arms. Decorate with large playing cards. Create a hashtag like #Iwonatyourstorename.

This post has been updated from the original posted on 1/10/2014

Your 2016 16-week holiday planning guide is here!

In spite of there being only 16 weeks to the biggest shopping holiday of the year, you can relax. Last year, I put together the “16 Weeks to Christmas Checklist.” This year, I’ve tweaked it and added some additional information. Here is the definitive shop owner’s holiday planning guide to keep you on track for the 4th quarter. Follow it to success. At the bottom, print off a copy to review with your staff too.

Week 16     Sunday, September 4

Clear out all summer, back-to-school or any other merchandise that’s now seasonally outdated. Once Labor Day is over, so is the season. You should be well underway to decorating your shop for fall. Read “4 cheap and easy fall merchandising ideas” for inspiration. If you haven’t done it already, sit down with your staff and a calendar in hand to map out your 4th quarter strategy. Use this holiday planning guide as your beginning point.

Week 15    Sunday, September 11

Finish fall decorating. Make sure your windows and shop interior are fully decorated with gorgeous fall colors and seasonal merchandise. Planning should be under way if you’re hosting a Halloween event. Read “5 Halloween Ideas to Draw Shoppers in.” Consider adding a “Trick or Treats for Grownups” evening; Halloween coloring page contest for the kids or a Facebook photo contest featuring costumes or home decor created with items from your shop. Choose what type of food or prizes you’ll be offering. If possible, partner with another local shop in your area.

Week 14    Sunday, September 18

Autumn officially begins on September 22. Now’s the time to review your internal processes as you plan for the holiday shopping season. Slow lines at checkout are a killer for maintaining repeat customers. How can you improve? Read “13 ways to improve your consignment cash wrap.” What about your intake process? Make sure you are able to handle the influx of shoppers as well as the need for seasonal merchandise. When was the last time you took a serious look at your shop? Clean dressing rooms, bathrooms, floors and windows can make a big impression. Sign up now to participate in Shop Small Saturday on Saturday, November 26. Contact the other shops around you to see if they’re participating. Determine the type of specials you’ll offer on that day too.

Week 13    Sunday, September 25

Preparations for your Halloween event should be well under way now. Design and print bag stuffers and signage for your shop. Read, “5 tips for dynamite resale flyers” to get some ideas. Map out your email campaign and how you will promote the event on all of your social media. A holiday planning guide wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t remind you of the importance of mobile marketing. Make sure all of your emails are optimized for viewing on mobile phones. You will also want to create incentives to bring shoppers back with coupons, additional rewards points or future events. Your shop should now be filled with Halloween-themed decorations.

Week 12     Sunday, October 2

Our holiday planning guide continues with the first full week in October. Slip those Halloween event flyers into every shopper’s bag and get your email campaign under way. Let your employees decide what clever costumes they’ll wear during the week of Halloween. Let them know you’ll be having a fun in-store competition where customers secretly vote for the best-dressed employee. Offer a gift card to the winner. Now’s the time to interview for seasonal help. Bob Negan of WhizBang! offers these tips: “Focus on hiring people who are quick learners…who enjoy a fast-paced environment, who are willing to do any kind of work…and who are extremely friendly…” Hopefully, you’re locating other shops in your area who are participating in the Shop Small event. Discuss with them the possibility of a shop crawl, sidewalk sale or treasure hunt.

Week 11    Sunday, October 9

This holiday planning guide says it’s time to put Halloween aside and focus on November. The Thanksgiving season is a perfect time for community involvement and generating goodwill. Read “5 tips for a Successful Store Event”  for some quick planning ideas. Consider having a canned food drive for your local food bank.  A winter coat, hat and mittens drive for a homeless shelter is excellent. Blankets, towels and animal toy donations are wonderful for your local humane society. Children’s shops could collect toys and clothing for your local pregnancy center’s baby store. Many charities even provide a donation container for you. Arrange to have the organization pick up donations afterwards. Finalize with the other shops how you plan to market Shop Small Saturday. Be sure to purchase small, holiday impulse-buy items for your register too. Order any gift cards or gift certificates shoppers can use as Christmas gifts.

Week 10     Sunday, October 16

Evaluate what needs to be changed from Halloween to Thanksgiving decor. How will you change your in-store signage and your front window? Can you capitalize on any local events such as your town’s football team, homecoming dances, Veteran’s Day parades or fall festivals? Begin planning your shop’s Christmas event by outlining a calendar for additional employees, food and beverages, special merchandise and prizes. Your exciting and fun Halloween event should take place next week unless you’re actually holding it on Halloween. Begin teasing Christmas with emails about upcoming merchandise, special surprises and extended shopping hours.

Week 9     Sunday, October 23

This week, your employees should have fun wearing a variety of costumes, handing out candy and promoting your Halloween event. Take lots of pictures to post on your social media. Be prepared to name the winner of your in-store costume contest and post their photo on social media. Christmas is now 8 weeks away and you should have in mind what your window decor will look like. Read “Holiday window displays on a budget.”  It’s time to determine your Christmas promotions past Black Friday and/or Shop Small Saturday. Whether you choose a one-time event or something as simple as offering Christmas cookies and hot cider throughout the month, start planning. Contact a local high school or senior citizen group to see if they will offer free holiday gift wrapping in return for a charitable donation.

Week 8     Sunday, October 30

If your consignment or resale shop is open on Mondays, you may see some last-minute costume shoppers. Halloween is over though and you’re headed full steam ahead to the biggest shopping season of the year. Set up definitive times for sales training for your employees and review policies for such things as shoplifting. Read “Be Prepared for Shoplifters.” Make sure they’re familiar with the current brands of merchandise you offer and how to cross sell products. If you’re going to add extended hours for the holidays now is the time to begin promoting those. If you’re participating in a local Thanksgiving donation drive, create your social media schedule, bag stuffers and signage now. Your Shop Small and holiday hour signage should be in your window.

Week 7    Sunday, November 6

Begin your donation drive this week. Be sure your staff is thankful and recognizes everyone who takes the opportunity to donate. Take photos with shoppers and staff to use on your social media. If you have chosen not to do a donation drive, have your staff tie in with the season of thanks in a special way. For instance, they can hand out “Thank You” cards with return incentives. Schedule team sales goals, holiday parties, sales rewards and avenues for recognizing exceptional customer service for your employees during the Christmas holiday. In-store holiday signage that gives clear instructions should be ready to be put up in a week. Determine your top 25 – 50 customers and send them a special invitation for holiday shopping. All of your Shop Small Saturday plans should be finalized and clearly explained to your staff.

Week 6    Sunday, November 13

Our holiday planning guide moves into week 6. Many stores transition to Christmas decor with Thanksgiving one week away. Holiday signage indoors and out should be in place. Your Shop Small and/or Black Friday event marketing is under way. The sights, sounds and smells of Christmas should fill your shop. Remember, your front window is your biggest billboard. Create Christmas windows that are magical, drawing customers in. They must reinforce the quality of merchandise shoppers will find inside. Your staff, including those part-timers you’ve added, should know their holiday schedules, especially what’s required of them for Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday. Read “4 steps to keep salespeople focused this holiday.” Invite your shoppers to sign up on your social media or give you their email address to receive special pre-holiday offers.

Week 5    Sunday, November 20

Thanksgiving week is a huge transition. This is when you, your staff and your shop completely transform from fall to Christmas. Your donation drive ends later this week and you have set the stage for the holidays. Review store policies for such things as layaways, rewards points and wish lists. Inform your staff of any new merchandise that has come in the store. Double check that the flow for shopping and final check-out is clearly marked. Now’s the time to begin thinking like your shoppers. Their mindset has changed. They are no longer looking as much for themselves as they are for others. Change the conversation to, “Who are you buying for this year?” Thursday, November 24 is Thanksgiving. Friday, November 25 is Black Friday and Saturday, November 26 is Shop Small Saturday. Looking ahead, Sunday and Monday the 27th and 28th are Cyber holidays.

Week 4    Sunday, November 27

I feel a bit like Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 with my holiday planning guide countdown, but we are now just a month away. Tuesday, November 29 is “Giving Tuesday” so be sure to share lots of photos of your charity donations.  Your holiday hours and special shopping incentives should be promoted regularly though social media and emails. Don’t send too many emails. During this busy holiday season, customers start deleting more out of stress. Your holiday planning guide should include email messages that are relevant and fun. Read “Send clever, digital greetings this holiday” to get some ideas for Christmas greetings to send to your customers. Planning for inventory reduction and winter decor after the first of the year should start now.

Week 3    Sunday, December 4

Continue to energize your staff. Encourage them to wear Santa hats or ugly Christmas sweaters and hand out candy canes to everyone who comes in the door. Give them a reason to interact with each shopper. Read “Should You Say ‘Merry Christmas?'”. Shift your merchandise to make your store look fresh and new so customers will want to return. If you’re in an area where weather is an issue, make sure your outside is as clean as the inside of the store. If you’re doing other holiday promotions beyond Shop Small Saturday, begin marketing efforts this week. This would be the perfect time to start a “12 Days of Christmas” promotion highlighting specific merchandise each day. Your freebies should also begin…free gift wrap, free concierge or free delivery.

Week 2    Sunday, December 11

As Bob Negen says, “There’s a time to work ‘on‘ your business and a time to work ‘in’ your business.” You need to lead the charge. Be on the sales floor interacting with staff and shoppers. Who doesn’t like to be personally assisted by the owner of the company? Monday, December 12 is Green Monday. This is the day you really begin to promote your holiday sales online. Use your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to heighten excitement about new merchandise arriving. Our seasonal countdown wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t talk about the coming New Year. Be thinking and planning for changes and additions you would like to see in your shop in 2017. Take a closer look at yourself too. Sign up to receive “Your Consignment Business Check Up.”

Week 1    Sunday, December 18

Today is known as Free Shipping Day. If shipping is at all a part of your business, today is the day to offer it free. By now, shoppers and staff are frazzled. This is a key week to create brand ambassadors for your store. If you and your staff can show patience, kindness and an extra willingness to be helpful, you will have customers for life. Doing extra things for your staff this week can go a long way too. Bring cookies, fruit or pastries in the morning; give special hand-written thank you notes and sincere compliments to boost morale and attitudes.

Friday, December 25  Merry Christmas! 

Whew! You survived. Congratulations! Our holiday countdown is complete. I hope this checklist made your life just a little easier. If you’d like to download a copy of the holiday planning guide to share with your staff, do so here. Merry Christmas from all of us at Traxia!

The tips you need to take eye-catching merchandise photography

This post has been updated

“A picture’s worth a thousand words.” In your case, you want the picture to be worth whatever you’re selling it for. Merchandise photography can make or break how the shopper views your store and your merchandise. So whether you use photos on your website, an online e-commerce site or in your Social Media, use these 10 merchandise photography tips to improve the look of the merchandise and improve your chances of making that sale.

1. Know your camera

Today, so many photos are taken on cell phones. It’s convenient and the photos can be easily uploaded, but it’s essential you understand all that your camera can do. Play around with such things as scenes (i.e. close-up vs. a backlight photo), the white balance (i.e.a cloudy day vs. incandescent light) and the aspect ratio. Some cell phone companies even offer in-depth tutorials on taking better photos so study up!

2. The right light

To do the best possible merchandise photography, you need optimum light. Natural light, whenever possible, is ideal. Simply put, natural light is sunlight. Place your item either by a large window or even outside if possible and avoid using your flash because it often causes items to wash out. WIX refers to it as Hard Light vs. Soft Light and you can see what a difference it makes.

3. Tell a story

If possible, show your merchandise as it would be used. Photograph it on someone’s wrist, if you’re selling a watch. If you’re selling a coffee table, place it in a vignette with a few accessories displayed on top. Help the buyer to envision how the merchandise could be used.

4. Don’t use filters

For awhile now, adding filters to photos has been all the rage. They are great for fun family photos but using filters in your merchandise photography doesn’t present it in its true form. Even if your photo doesn’t turn out just as you would like, resist the temptation to add a filter and find other ways such as creatively cropping to display the item.

5. Use a plain white backdrop

It’s essential to remove distraction. WIX suggests using the “Infinity Curve” where your merchandise becomes the sole focus on a pure white backdrop. You can either get a large sheet of white paper from a photography supply company or visit your local teacher’s store to see if they offer large bulletin board rolls. Invest in some heavy duty clamps too so the paper is held down tight.

6. Sense of scale

This is especially important for shops that sell large items such as furniture. Although you may list the dimensions of a sofa or a dining table, it helps to have perspective with other familiar items. Add dishes to the table or pillows to the sofa. Be sure to pull the item out a few feet from the wall. This will give your merchandise depth and avoid shadows.

7. Use a tripod when possible

Blurry images only make your shop look less professional and the items less desirable. If you’re taking tight product shots or close-ups, the effect becomes magnified. To take consistent, quality photographs you need to shoot from a tripod. If a tripod is out of the question, make sure you have a solid, steady surface and use the built-in timer.

8. Photograph from all angles

Believe it or not, everything has a good and bad side. Merchandise photography should be done from every angle possible. By moving around the item; getting on floor level; shooting from above or choosing one intricate aspect, chances are you’ll come up with an interesting and creative picture.

It’s nice to have a choice too when publishing your photos. SimpleConsign offers our very own Photo App. Use it to take up to 15 different images. Then choose your favorite to go directly into the system for eCommerce.

9. Group alike items

Pictures are far more interesting when they’re colorful. If you’re promoting smaller items such as scarves or ties, show several of them together. Don’t be limited by the necessity to sell one item when your shopper’s interest may be piqued by all of them.

10. Use free online editing sites

There are a number of online sites you can use to crop a photo, create a collage or even directly post to your Social Media. Be sure to take advantage of them to create more interesting images. Pic Monkey is my personal favorite. There is also Canva, PhotoCat and LunaPic.

To learn more about merchandise photography, read iPhone Photo Basics for Store Photos.

Make your next inventory reduction sale memorable

Everyone’s shedding their indoor and outdoor holiday decorations and according to most New Year’s resolutions, they’re hoping to shed a few pounds too. Your shop needs to do the same. It’s Spring after all … at least in the eyes of every shop owner. Although you don’t want to make drastic sales a regular habit, a twice or 3 times a year clearance sale is very acceptable. I’ve put together a list of 17 brilliant ideas for inventory reduction of that heavy winter merchandise. Okay, I can say they’re brilliant because I put the list together. Pick one or two and clear out the old to bring in the new.

1. The non-sale switcheroo –

   This is your best non-sale idea for inventory reduction. Try totally redesigning the look of your shop. Move racks, rounders, shelving units or anything else that will make your shop look and feel completely different. It’s amazing how just moving merchandise from one end of the shop to the other can make it more attractive to a buyer.

2. Buy-the-Bag event –

   Hand out a grocery bag, laundry bag or a specially printed store bag to every customer that comes that day. Sell your merchandise at one price for the entire bag or bring in a scale and sell it by the pound.

3. Find a new holiday –

   Did you know that January 13 is Make Your Dream Come True Day or that April 7th is No Housework Day? The internet is filled with websites that list crazy, fun “holidays” that can be celebrated with a special sale or a whole event. Take one of the really crazy ones like Hoodie Hoo Day (Feb. 20th) and any shopper who comes in and says, “Hoodie Hoo” receive a special discount.

4. A Dutch Auction –

   Reduce the price of your winter merchandise weekly or even daily so that by the end, whatever you have left is down to the lowest possible price. I encourage you to discount deeply the first time around. If the idea is to move merchandise quickly, start the “auction” at 40 or 50% off.

5. Preferred Customer Savings Event –

   Invite only your best customers to shop the night before the regular sales event begins. Provide beverages and snacks; teach a class on furniture painting or scarf tying and offer them a deeper discount on all sale merchandise for that evening only.

6. DIY idea night –

   Collect a bevy of diy ideas and offer them along with merchandise at a discount. For instance, offer diy ideas for turning a mirror into a tray; sweaters into mittens and leggings or jars into a decorative craft caddy.  There are literally hundreds of ideas to use secondhand items for upcycling. Make a night of it and help your customers see the potential.

7. Daily deals or weekly specials –

   Each week from now through February, choose particular items that receive an extra discount. For instance, every sweater or lamp is an extra 25% off. This is especially good when you want to avoid the idea of a clearance sale. Getting a deal sounds much better than buying an item during an Inventory Reduction Sale.

8. Bundle! –

   Sometimes customers just can’t see the potential in putting separate items together. Showcase merchandise in a tableau creating an instantly warm and cozy feel. Whether it’s a chair, table, lamp and ottoman or a sweater, scarf, boots and hat…help your customers to envision the whole not just the individual. Then offer a special deal when they purchase the entire group of items.

9. Mystery boxes –  

   Use attractive boxes or baskets and put together fun surprise packages. Don’t completely fill them with all of your unwanted items though. Be sure to add vintage knick knacks, colorful scarves, fuzzy mittens or unusual serving pieces. Put together all red or pink items and make mystery Valentine’s Day baskets. With lots of paper shred for filler and a cellophane wrapper, customers can see a little of what they’re getting, but not all.

10. A BOGO sale –

    There’s no better way to double your inventory reduction than by offering a Buy One Get One Free or Buy One Get One 1/2 off Sale. It’s a great way to move particular merchandise fast. Use a BOGO sale to move slow-moving sizes, colors, overstocks and even totally unrelated items.

11. The bargain bin –

    Some customers just like to dig (I’m one of them). They like nothing more than to dig into a huge basket, tub, bin or box for the remaining items that are deeply discounted. Often, shops will have a special area in the back for sale items, but for an inventory reduction sale, make sure it’s right out front.

12. Let the weather decide –

    In seasons such as winter and summer, the weather can often be extreme. Choose a measuring point (i.e. any day below freezing, snow over 6″, sunny Sundays or windy Wednesdays) and then offer a discount accordingly. For instance, discount any item in your shop by an additional 10% for every 5 degrees below freezing. On a 20° day, customers would receive an extra 20% off.

13. End cap contest-

    The end cap or space at the end of an aisle is some of the most valuable real estate in your shop. Let each of your employees take an end cap and merchandise it with items that need to move quickly. At the end of the week, see which employee’s end cap sold the most merchandise and offer the winner a prize.

14. Special price coupons –

    Give your sales staff the ability to give special discounts to shoppers during a specific week. Print up coupons that say “You choose your sale price up to X amount.” Of course, the customer will choose the X price but that was the discount you were prepared to offer anyway. It provides an incentive for an immediate sale (make sure the coupon has a place for the end date) and it gives your employees a chance to build relationships with customers.

15. 60 in 60 sale –

    Advertise a 60% off for 60 minutes one day only. Clearly state the day, hour (i.e. 11 am to 12 noon) and the 60% savings in all of your marketing. Make sure you print posters for your windows too. Close the store for the morning of the sale so that a crowd potentially builds outside your store. On the hour, open the door and let the sales begin!

16. Fishbowl discounts –

    Create slips of paper with a variety of discounts on them. Let customers choose a slip of paper at the register which will determine the discount they’ll receive. Punch up the excitement by putting one slip in the fishbowl with the word FREE on it.

17. Donating –

    Donating excess inventory to a charitable organization can offer certain tax benefits. If you’re not able to take advantage of the tax write-off, consider donating your items to an event that might also offer additional marketing opportunities in exchange for your merchandise. No matter what, the community goodwill that is generated from donations is always a plus.

Overall spring cleaning of your store is a must, read 6 tips for consignment shop spring cleaning.

Need help managing your inventory? Let SimpleConsign show you how easy it can be.