A mixed lot almost always consists of items with different sizes, categories, and price ranges. The channel on which you offer an item helps determine how quickly it sells through and how much work goes into each piece.
Physical sales: markets, outlets, and fairs
Market stalls, outlet stores, and flea markets are well suited to items with a lower unit price and high volume. You don't need to take photos or write descriptions for each item, which saves a lot of time with lots containing hundreds of individual pieces. On the other hand, you're tied to opening hours, pitch locations, and the weather.
Physical sales also work well for larger and heavier items, where shipping costs online would eat up a large part of the margin. Think of home goods and medium-sized consumer products such as those found in larger boxes.
Online marketplaces: reach without your own webshop
On existing marketplaces you reach a large audience immediately, without having to build up traffic yourself. This channel works well for recognizable branded items and smaller electronics accessories, which buyers specifically search for. Do factor in sales commissions and the time it takes to create good photos and descriptions for each item.
A practical approach is to split within a lot: unique or more recognizable items sold individually online, and the remainder in bulk or through a physical channel. This way you spend the most attention on the items where that attention actually pays off.
Your own webshop and bulk resale
Your own webshop gives you the most control over presentation and pricing, but requires an investment in technology, content, and marketing. This channel is especially attractive if you consistently purchase the same categories and can thereby build up a recognizable assortment.
In addition, some resellers choose to resell part of their lot to other traders or to stores specializing in a single category. This typically yields less per item, but ensures fast turnover and less storage space in use.
Choose by category, not by lot
The most common mistake is choosing a single channel for an entire lot. Because the composition of mixed lots varies per delivery and isn't known exactly in advance, it's more realistic to determine, after sorting by category, where those items fit best.
Keep track of how much time an item costs per channel and how long it stays in stock on average. After a few deliveries, a pattern emerges that lets you decide more quickly what goes where.
By choosing sales channels per category instead of per lot, you keep your turnaround time short and your workload manageable. Check out our current range on the product pages, or get in touch if you'd like to discuss which lot fits the channel you sell on.