Is having a clearance or sale bin at your table a good idea?
A clearance bin can move slow inventory, but it can also cheapen the perception of your brand.
The Narrative
The Empathy
Some vendors stare at unsold stock and wonder if a clearance or sale bin could help. A well-managed sale section can turn stale items into cash and free space for new products. It also attracts bargain-hunting customers who enjoy digging for deals. But be aware of the trade-offs: a sale bin can cheapen the look of your booth or train shoppers to wait for markdowns on everything.
The Education
To use a clearance bin effectively, follow these guidelines:
- Use it sparingly. Limit the bin to a small portion of your inventory (around 10–15%) and only include true clearance items like out-of-season products or retired designs.
- Separate and label it. Keep the sale bin off to the side, clearly marked as “Clearance,” “Last Chance,” or “Final Sale.”
- Protect your bottom line. Even on sale, prices should not drop below your cost of materials and labor. Decide your lowest acceptable price in advance.
- Restock carefully. Replenish only when you have truly old inventory or when you’re bringing in new products so shoppers don’t expect constant discounts.
The Solution
Think of a clearance bin as an inventory-management tool rather than a primary sales strategy. Track its performance by tagging those sales separately (Vorbiz can do this) so you know whether the bin is actually helping. When done thoughtfully, a small, tidy clearance section can bring in extra dollars and move old stock without damaging your brand—just be sure it doesn’t overshadow your main display.
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