If you’re looking for a way to start making money selling online, selling sunglasses could be the right solution for you. Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement; they’re vital pieces of protection for the eyes, as well. This means that you’ll need to source
In today’s guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about selling sunglasses online. Let’s dive right in!
How to Choose the Right Sunglasses to Sell
Choosing sunglasses that will actually sell is vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Curating a product lineup for a new online store can be intimidating. Luckily, we’ve done most of the legwork for you.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll need to consider when selecting your product offerings:
Why do people wear sunglasses?
Understanding what your customers value in the sunglasses they purchase from you is vital to the success of your online business. While it’s true that sunglasses are a fashion statement, there’s more to the purchase than meets the eye.
Sunglasses make peoples’ lives safer. Many people choose to wear them while driving to protect against being blinded by the sun. This means that the sunglasses you offer in your store should have a dark tint to shade eyes from harsh light.
Fundamentally, sunglasses protect people’s eyes from harmful rays, which is important and even considered a health issue. Wearing sunglasses inhibits the development of cataracts, which significantly harm one’s vision. They also block blue light, which defends against macular degeneration. You’ll need to choose sunglasses that are rated for these protections for
How people choose sunglasses
Choosing the right pair of sunglasses differs from person to person. For some people, style is the most critical requirement. For others, the specifications of the sunglasses are more important. Either way, you’ll need to source
There are many styles of sunglasses out there. Curating a wide range of style options ensures that your store caters to people with many different tastes and styles. Broadening your offerings for style is a great way to increase sales and put more money in your pocket.
Here are a few examples of the most popular styles of sunglasses on the market today:
- Designer frames
- Chunky frames
- Colorful frames
Cat-eye frames- Aviator frames
Horn-rimmed frames- Tortoiseshell frames
- Translucent frames
As you can see, there is no shortage of style options in the sunglasses arena. Choose a healthy mix of different options for the best results and happiest customers.
Who Buys Used Sunglasses and How to Sell Them?
The accessories industry is projected to generate a revenue of $578 bln in 2024, and with the right strategy, you could have a piece of that. Perhaps you’re interested in exploring the resale market, but you’re not sure where to begin. We get it
However, you can sell used sunglasses and make an attractive profit with the right tools and
So what types of sunglasses are ideal for these customers? One of the
Selling used sunglasses involves more than finding and listing them. You’ll need to source used accessories at a price that still allows you to markup for your profit. In addition to this, it’s essential to have a close eye for detail. Even minor imperfections like scratches or nicks can drastically reduce the resale value of a pair of designer sunglasses.
Checklist: Sourcing used sunglasses for your online store
When you source new inventory for your used sunglasses business, it’s vital to have an eye for detail. Make sure to answer these five vital questions when inspecting a potential pair for the best results.
- Are there any minor imperfections like scratches, knicks, or broken pieces?
- Have you requested valid proof of authenticity for designer frames?
- Will you pay a low enough price to markup the sunglasses in your online store?
- Are the frames
on-trend for the current or upcoming season? - Does the brand align with your shop’s core values (i.e., vegan, ethically sourced, etc.)?
If you purchase used sunglasses from an online vendor for resale in your store, it’s vital to be highly critical in your inspection. There’s nothing wrong with asking for
Remember: your reputation is more important than your profit margins. A single sale might line your pockets for a moment, but a good reputation lasts a lifetime.
What Might Make Your Sunglasses Shop Stand Out?
You won’t be the only sunglasses shop in the online world. This means that anything you can do to stand out in the crowd will make a massive difference in your success. Why should customers buy from you?
Core values
Customers love to support businesses that align with their core values. If you’re passionate about issues that affect the world, don’t be afraid to make it known! For example, if you’re passionate about conservation, offer sunglasses that are environmentally friendly or made from recycled content. Make sure to advertise what special offerings your shop has that make you unique.
Personal connection
It can also be helpful to connect with your clientele on a personal level. Introduce yourself on your social media accounts and in the About Us section of your website. Many customers prefer to support real people rather than spending money lining the pockets of wealthy corporations. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through — it makes you more relatable!
Public relations aren’t the only thing you should focus on to make you stand out. You’ll also need to curate an eclectic product offering of
Packaging
Another small thing that many online business owners overlook is the packaging of their products. Of course, it’s essential to pack your items in protective packaging to ward off shipping damages. But did you know that getting creative with your packaging is a great way to make you stand out?
It’s true! Your order packaging is one of the easiest and most effective forms of marketing you’ll do for your business. A new buyer’s first impression of you is how the packaging looks when it arrives to them. Shoddy, cheap packaging tells consumers that you don’t care about the presentation of your products.
On the other hand, paying particular attention to your product packaging makes a lasting impact on your client base. Thoughtfully crafted packaging tells the story of your brand. It makes you more memorable to your client base, which builds return customers. Return customers tell their friends, which means more sales for you!
Overall, it’s vital to make your packaging a top priority in your business. Even though it may seem like a simple detail, it makes a big difference!
Customer service
When things go wrong, can your customers count on you to handle their issues to their satisfaction? It’s crucial to handle all customer requests in a timely and professional manner.
Support
The most important part of customer service is making your customers feel supported. Good customer service builds trust, which positively impacts relationships. Good relationships foster referrals, repeat sales, and positive reviews. These three things are the building blocks for success in any online business.
Policies
The rule of thumb for exemplary customer service is to treat each issue with urgency and respect. It’s helpful to create a list of company policies surrounding warranties, return periods, and processes for customer support.
FAQ
Another great way to help your customers feel supported is to create a webpage dedicated to frequently asked questions. As a bonus, this will take some of the load off of your customer service team since questions can be answered without the help of an agent. Try mixing in fun questions, like When were sunglasses invented? to keep it light and fun.
Special service
On the other hand, you must be thoughtful in deciding when it’s acceptable to go outside of the norm. For example, many companies offer extended return periods during the holiday season. This caters to customers who purchase from your store to give gifts. Always put the customer first and think about what you can do as a business owner to make their life easier.
Choosing a Vendor: What to Look For
Choosing a vendor to source sunglasses from can seem like a daunting task. After all, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your journey! Here are a few tips to help make the process easier for you:
- Consider the volume you want to start with. Some people prefer to start small and build over time. Others see success in investing in large amounts of inventory and using marketing tactics to move the product quickly. Most wholesalers have a minimum order quantity you’ll need to fulfill, so understanding your needs will help you narrow down the options.
- Some wholesalers focus more on shelling out units than they do about the quality. While it’s great to have plenty of stock to offer, it must also be of good quality. You should only work with vendors who prioritize quality over quantity.
- Working with vendors who provide a quantity discount is a great way to increase your profits. Make sure your vendor offers perks when you place large orders. It’s just good business!
- Vendors with dedicated customer service teams should go to the top of your list. The last thing you want is to have a problem with no way to solve it quickly!
Where to Sell Sunglasses
You have many options when you’re learning how to sell sunglasses online. The paramount decision you’ll make is where you choose to sell them. In this section, you’ll learn a few different online platforms where you can sell and the pros and cons of each one.
Selling sunglasses online
One of the most popular ways to sell sunglasses online is to use a platform that’s already established. These platforms already have the infrastructure, reach, and marketing down, so you can focus on selling online without the other responsibilities.
While these websites offer benefits in those areas, they are not without flaws. In exchange for using the platforms, you’ll need to pay a fee per sale and, in some cases, a monthly fee, as well. You’re also unable to customize your website, making it more challenging to foster strong branding for your new company.
Here are some examples of online marketplaces that you can use to sell sunglasses online:
- eBay
- Amazon
- Online consignment (Mercari, Poshmark)
- Facebook Marketplace
Sell sunglasses with Ecwid
The easiest way to sell sunglasses online is to set up your own website with Ecwid. It doesn’t cost anything to start, so even if your startup costs are conservative, you can still get on board quickly. It’s effortless to set up and customize, and you can sell across all your social media accounts with Ecwid.
Get started with Ecwid today and get fanatical support, ridiculously helpful seller resources, and more! What are you waiting for?
