It’s getting close to the end of the year, and things are not looking as promising as they were a couple of years ago. Now that the big holiday rush is almost behind us, it’s time to review some past successes and mistakes. That’s the reality of the situation, and denying it will not help you out when it comes time for your customers to click the buy button on your wholesale site. Good news: the other reality is that the show must go on, and for most people this is the time of year to stop fussing over the hardships of an economic recession, and just enjoy the holidays. Christmas spirit, Happy New Year, and all that good stuff, right? I’m talking about the low-priced trendy gifts that you should be looking at, in order to maximize the scope and variety of goods you’ll offer to customers this coming year. While everyone is busy looking for general merchandise, apparel, accessories, gifts, electronics, handbags, jewelry, toys, and more… there’s a lot you can do to make it easier for your customers to look your way first. Browsing the content on sites like toptenwholesale.com and manufacturer.com will help narrow that search… but here’s a little bit more to think about, when you’re trying to organize all the information into something that makes your site or physical outlet rock!

There’s going to be a lot of online sales traffic following this year, and it’s time to make your site as functional as possible. I’m thinking that you should consider making the shopping experience as easy as possible for your customers by arranging content into categories that will make it easier for them to find what they want… with minimal guesswork and effort. With so much choice out there, and a lot of really good sites that are doing things right, you can’t afford to be slow on this end. Give them the goods, right up front! Make sure they know who they are buying for, and then send them directly where they need to be. You’ve got to put the choices in front of them, and one way I suggest doing this is to break up your buyers into groups that reflect the buying habits of certain personality types. Here’s a few categories I recommend… feel free to add your own variations to this!

• Super Mom / Dad: We probably have a couple of these on our shopping lists, and offering your customers goods that cater to the moms and dads on the run are going to be well-received. Think about baby bottle holders, stylish diaper bags, and themed towels to make their day to day hustle and bustle a little less hectic.
• The Professional: This the executive or corporate type in the family… and you won’t need a company expense account to fill their stocking. Small but powerful items like lint rollers, day planners, and travel toiletries are welcomed.
• Domestic Diva / Urban Sophisticate: Who doesn’t need some simple cooking wares to mix up a batch of cookies, or low-cost glass vases and bowls for floral arrangements?
• Trendanista / Fashionista: Accessories are key, and the assortment of sunglasses, bags, and other great wholesale items will make it easy to fill this category with goods.
• The Active Retiree: Bandages for keeping elbows and knees in shape could come in handy. So will active apparel that doesn’t shock the senses with department store prices.
• Frugalista: Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Does the idea of combing through dollar store items sound like a sure-fire way to offer the lowest possible prices on can’t-miss items?
• The Natural Woman / Man: Yoga mats and fun crystal jewelry can put anyone in the mood to meditate, and inspiring eastern prints on clothes and active wear can add to the feeling of being centered, as you show your customers the path to enlightenment.
• The Guy’s Guy: Arguably the easiest one to shop for. Tools need organizing and storing, beer cans need insulating, and BBQ kits are a snap with low-cost items to give your customers who need to find something for their macho-man.
• Tech Head / PC Geek: Chinese electronics might be making their big debut here. While the best still comes out of Korea and Japan, the low-cost alternatives are being churned out of the PRC at an impressive rate, and some of them are beginning to look like they can keep up with their Asian neighbors.
• Outdoorsman: Fishing lures and tackle boxes never go out of style for the guy who loves to get out of the city, and get his hands dirty. Same goes for those little items that are easily forgotten like individually-packed hand wipes, insect repellants, and sunscreens.
• Super Grandma / Granddad: It shouldn’t surprise you that anything with an arts and crafts flair will be a hit… and besides that, there’s a lot to be said for the discount DVDs and other entertaining goodies that keep the kids from wearing them out!

Now put this list right on your site, and link all the relevant pages to these categories! Your customers will be thrilled to see the items that fit the personality type, already arranged and squared away for them… and you’ll be loving the fact that this little convenience feature will boost your sales! It’s all part of the steps you need to take when you want to Find it. Source it. Profit!