Going On A Q4 Toy Hunt

Decide upon a strategy and carry it through, evaluate and reflect on it, then revise it. 

I'm going on a toy hunt!

I haven't been through Q4, but everything I've read and heard indicates that it's going to be FANTABULOUS! I've been trying to learn as much as I can in order to develop a Q4 plan (the fourth quarter of the year -October, November, December). 

Toys are hot, hot, hot during the Christmas season, but I'm not going after the hot toys. Instead, I'm going after the popular characters. I can't compete with Amazon (or Walmart for that matter) the number 1 or even number 100 toy, so why bother? My goal is to make a profit, not play race to the bottom just to unload stuff.  

I have two main strategies that I plan to put into place:

1. Buy now. Buy clearance (60% off or better). Buy throughout the season until the "Too Late" timer goes off.

I picked up a toy yesterday at Walmart for $10. It's a major character, but the toy itself has it's own "characters". I remember seeing these last Christmas for $20-30. The price never dropped. In fact, I was surprised to find this one off for only $10. The other ones on the shelf were still full price! I scanned it, and found that there are only 2 FBA sellers, and the price ranges between $50-60. I don't think this is an easy to find toy, so I'm betting that the price will stick, and the rank is decent enough now to convince me that it will fly in Q4. 

When I go into a store (including grocery stores), I check the toy clearance sections. I don't mind if it sits in the warehouse for a couple of months. I'm stocking up on toys that I think will fly off the shelves as Christmas approaches. I stay focused on buying popular character and brand name toys. In truth, I'm not doing anything different that I've been doing in toys, I'm just trying to do more of it. July is "Tis' the Season to Discount Toys", so I'm getting as much as I can afford right now.

2. Bundle up.

I've been on a bundle kick for a few months now, but I really enjoy making bundles in toys. It's easy for me to think of themes, and put things together that I think would make that great extra little Christmas gift, stocking stuffer, or gift from aunty who lives across the country. I've been testing toy bundles for a few months, and my strategy is already working. I've sold out of one bundle packed with cool items for a popular character. Right now, I actually have more ideas than money!

I believe this is the time to make bundles for Christmas. Once Q4 hits, I hear that it's going to get CRAZY! I'm looking forward to every minute of it. I will come back at the end of the year, and let you know how my two strategies played out.

What are your toy buying strategies for Q4? Leave your answers in the comments.