How to Source Effectively for Independence Day

Independence Day is fast approaching, so be sure you’re ready to capitalize on the 4th of July festivities. For the majority of sellers, sales slump in the summer, and a boost is greatly needed. Ahead of the holiday, consider diversifying your portfolio to include patriotic products. This will ideally get you just the kind of short-term injection of money you need to tide you over till the more profitable Q4.

Go Patriotic

When building your Q3 sourcing strategy, don’t forget the red, white, and blue. People across the country will be throwing lawn parties, having barbecues, dressing up in patriotic colors, watching fireworks, and going to parades. What this means for you? Lots of opportunities to capitalize on home and outdoor decorations, clothing, and more.

The important thing is to scout and source products that respond to people’s needs. Start by thinking about the most popular activities on Independence Day, and what people need for them.

Keeping your customers’ actual experiences in mind can make your sourcing choices more creative and effective. So read on for a couple of the most popular ways of celebrating America’s birthday, and some products that can go along with them.

Outdoor Barbecue

What could be more American than a 4th of July barbecue? This great tradition also requires set up and planning, which can be made much easier with all the right gear. That’s where you, the seller, comes in. Think about sourcing products such as:

• Grills: If you want, consider ordering more than one variety (gas grills, charcoal grills, electric grills, portable grills).
• Aluminum foil
• Garbage bags
• Folding tables
• Portable chairs
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Patriotic napkins

A Fireworks Show

Enjoying this classic 4th of July activity doesn’t require bells and whistles, but many of your customers will want the right accessories to get the most out of viewing the fireworks. Here are a couple of products you can offer that will make their experience even better:

• Blankets: If you can source some in patriotic colors, even better.
• Tripod: For aspiring photographers who want to take better shots of the fireworks
• Plastic chairs
• Miniature American flags

A Children’s Party

Don’t forget the little ones! Many American parents will be throwing a kid-centric party, which presents a great opportunity for you to cater to their unique needs. Here are some places to start:

• Disposable tablecloths in red, white, and blue
• Streamers
• Balloons
• Glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces
• Patriotic beaded necklaces
• Red, white, and blue paper lanterns
• Uncle Sam hat and other silly props

In addition, remember that all these activities mean some people will want to dress in the colors of Old Glory. Make their lives easier by stocking some of these products:

• American pride baseball caps
• T-shirts imprinted with the American flag
• Bandanas
• Patriotic baby clothes

By visualizing your customers’ needs, you can plan on sourcing products that will delight them this Independence Day. It will be sure to provide a good boost in your profits during Q3, when days tend to be lean.

[To learn more about how to increase your profits and Buy Box share this Q3, click here.]