Every retailer faces the problem of slow-selling or non-selling merchandise. While there are many different actions that can be taken to address this problem, don’t allow yourself to follow a haphazard approach that varies. Create a long-term strategy to deal with your slow-selling and non-selling products. Follow this strategy as part of your standard store operating processes. It needs to become a part of the natural way employees and you work. In this article I present 4 proven steps to deal with non-selling products when you own a dollar store.

1) Plan ahead for all seasonal sales. Never carry over seasonal products from year to year. If items aren’t selling, then start cutting prices early. Be sure to do the same with other slower selling items as well. When you own a dollar store it is important to make it your goal to never carry these items in your inventory. Be very aggressive in promoting these items to help make that goal a reality.

2) Add a closeout area to your store. Don’t allow slower selling items to sit on the shelves and collect dust. It’s important to turn these items into cash so you can buy products that do sell well. Add a closeout area at the back of your store to make this happen. Take deep discounts to move the items in this area out of your store quickly. If items aren’t selling, cut the pricing even more.

3) Pull together batches of products and sell them on eBay or Craigslist. Craigslist can become a great outlet for your slow-sellers. Batch items together and list them at closeout prices. Other retailers, flea market sellers, and even individuals are among the prospects who seek deeply discounted merchandise.

4) Offer trades to fellow entrepreneurs who own a dollar store. Your fellow retailers will also have slow selling merchandise they’d love to liquidate. Why not make a trade with one of them for products of equal value. With care you’ll be able to bring in products that are new to your store and your shoppers. Some will sell well, and others will be slow sellers that simply replacing your slow sellers. When that happens just move the items to your closeout area and liquidate them.

When you own a dollar store never store non-selling products in your stockroom. The passing of time will not make them any more popular with your shoppers. You are leaving money tied up and you are paying rent on products that becomes less valuable over time. Liquidate and move on to products that will sell.

To your dollar store business success!