How to Sell Sunglasses for Business

Sunglasses serve as a popular fashion accessory and come in over 700 styles. Often, people don't realize they need them until they find themselves in a sunny situation. This makes them an impulse buy for customers. Designer names offered at reasonable prices make sunglasses an attractive item. However, high volume is necessary to sell sunglasses profitably as a business in storefronts, on the street, or online. Test different channels to find which works the best during specific times of the year.

Things You'll Need

• Suppliers
• Location
• Racks
• Resale number
• Permits

Instructions

1. Select one or more suppliers of sunglasses. Type “sunglasses wholesale” in a search engine to find dealers in close proximity or those that will drop-ship orders. Ensure the sunglasses block out ultraviolet rays. Obtain any necessary permits from city, state, or county officials to sell sunglasses in public.

2. Choose one or more options for selling sunglasses: via store retail outlets; on sidewalks during festivals and large public gatherings; online through a sunglasses website; or to businesses as part of a larger promotional items strategy. Target different types of audiences: classy, sporty consumers or safety conscious consumers, for example.

3. Visit retail stores that do not have sunglasses or have a limited supply. Offer to place a wire rack near the cash register at no cost to the store owner. Make an agreement on sharing the profits. Stop in once a week to check inventory and replenish supplies.

4. Ask the local convention center and chamber of commerce for a listing of community festivals. Check local parks for youth league sports such as soccer, baseball and football. Obtain a city permit to set up a stand and sell sunglasses before, during and after events.

5. Create a template-based website and provide links to distributors that sell sunglasses online. Write related tips on subjects such as staying safe in the sun and other issues that may directly or indirectly appeal to readers wearing sunglasses. Share links with local retail companies promoting their fashions and request they exchange website links.

6. Sell sunglasses to businesses as promotional items for their customers. Show them how to provide sunglasses as appreciation gifts for prospective customers or for those who close business deals. Offer a range of respected brand names and value-priced glasses, depending on the occasion.

Tips & Warnings

• Take four or five samples to prospective stores before investing in inventory.

• Research the most popular brands and styles for different ages.

• Track income and expenses carefully.

• File appropriate quarterly taxes

References

• "Entrepreneur.com: How Much Startup Cash Do You Need?"
• "Manta.com"

Resources

• Direct Selling Association