"As the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, Big Lots has the power to negotiate the best deals in the business. We sell a broad range of high-quality, brand-name products, including consumables, seasonal items, furniture, housewares, toys, electronics, home décor, tools and gifts." (Biglots.com)
Big Lots is a huge closeout store with discontinued or overstock items that have been removed from store shelves for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the item has just had a packaging change, other times it has been discontinued all together. You can find all sorts of products to sell on eBay including cosmetics, health and beauty items, toys, clothing, medicines, and non-perishable food items. Many items on my
Hot Lists can be found at Big Lots. Here are some tips on working Big Lots merchandise into your eBay inventory.
Check out
BigLots.com and sign up for the weekly ad. You can get a preview of what will be in your local store. Keep in mind that not everything will be in the weekly flyer - nothing replaces an actual visit to the store.
Join the
Big Lots Buzz Club. You will receive special sale alerts and 20% off printable coupons. Keep these coupons handy. 20% can add up!
Always do your research on what is selling on eBay before you spend any money on inventory. You can search completed listings, use
Terapeak, or
Hammertap. Visit the store and pay attention to the products and prices.
Determine if items will be more profitable as lots or as individual listings. You need to be able to turn over items quickly before eBay becomes oversaturated with too much of the same product. Some items that do well in lots: cosmetics, shampoo, soap, DVDs, CDs, and health and beauty products, vitamins, medicines and diet products.
Check your Big Lots often. Stock turns over very quickly and you don't want to miss something that could be a good money maker. There is a small window to grab the good stuff.
Don’t list items on eBay without purchasing it first and having it in your possession. I had to learn this the hard way so I am speaking from experience. Some sellers list the products in their stores, then act as "order fillers" and purchase the item after a customer has paid for it. Bad idea with Big Lots. Since the merchandise turns over so fast, you might not be able to find the item later. Then you are in an embarrassing situation with your customer since you can't fill his order. Your customer could leave you negative feedback for selling an item you can't deliver.
Check all expiration dates - especially on makeup, medicines, and vitamins. You don't want a buyer to leave you a negative because you sent him a stale or expired product.
Stay under the radar when you are shopping and checking out. Don't announce to other sellers or employees that you are buying the items to sell on eBay. Some stores will blacklist you. Not fair, but true. If your cart is overflowing and someone comments on what or how much you are buying, either say nothing or reply with comments like,
Yep, stocking up!
I just can't pass up these prices!
These are hard to find - we hate to run out.
I can't believe how cheap this stuff is.
Or, just smile and don't say anything! Keep 'em guessing.
Happy Selling,
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