Hot summer months are often the slowdown period for sellers. Consumers take vacations, spend more time outdoors, go traveling or camping. Still, there are some profitable categories that have a seasonal boost in summer. Consider adding them to your inventory to improve your sales.
Consumer sentiment data
Ipsos’ Global Consumer Confidence Index [1] demonstrates a significant month-over-month increase in Europe, especially in Sweden (+3.6 points), the UK (+3.1 points), France (2.8 points), and Spain (+2.5 points). In Latin America, the sentiment is mixed: Argentinian consumers feel the most optimistic (+3.7 points), while in Brazil there is a sharp decline (-3.5 points). Israel remains quite stable, with a minor increase of +0.7 points.
The United States shows a moderate gain of confidence: +2.7 points [1]. According to Deloitte’s report, the rising cost of living may drive US consumers to seek more cost-efficient spending options when it comes to buying clothes, electronics, personal care products, or homeware [2]. Surprisingly, the travel and leisure sentiment is exceptionally high: consumers are willing to spend more on recreation trips, flights, and hotels [3].
Wedding season
According to the survey conducted by The Knot [4], a major wedding planning portal, the wedding season in the US starts in early summer and lasts till mid-fall. A lot of couples choose to tie the knot in summer because fine weather allows outdoor ceremonies and receptions. In other countries, it may differ depending on the local climate: in Brazil, for example, weddings are quite evenly distributed throughout the year because there are no extreme temperature variations [5]. In Mexico and India, summer months are too hot, so couples prefer other seasons [6].
For many people, a wedding is a grand event that requires much effort and investment. According to the study by the online wedding planner Zola, the average cost of a wedding in 2024 comprises $33,000 in the US, $23,000 in the UK, $23,000 in Italy and Spain [7]. Soon-to-be-married couples are eager to splurge on attire, decor, catering, tableware, entertaining, and fine little details such as invitations and place cards. Besides, retail stores dealing in wedding supplies often come to eBay in search of wholesale lots.
Fun fact. Here’s one of the most expensive items in the Wedding Supplies category: antique sterling silver bowls (centerpieces) in George V style.
Popular items:
- Embellished shoes
- Jewelry sets
- Venue decorations
- Personalized invitations and stationery
- Tableware and glassware
- Centerpieces and table decor
- Gifts and gift boxes
Summer travels
For many eBay buyers, the hot summer months are the time to get away from urban hustle and explore new places. This is especially true for families with children, because there are no classes and school-related stress during vacations. You can cater to the needs of summer travelers by offering them durable stylish suitcases and other travel essentials: swimwear, sunglasses, small-size toiletry kits, power banks and first-aid kits. For those who prefer to travel by car, you can provide roof boxes, car racks, and travel electronics such as GPS navigation devices.
Fun fact: Those who want to travel with some flair can buy a rare vintage Gucci suitcase that costs $33,000. It is pre-owned, but in excellent condition.
Popular items:
- Suitcases, backpacks, and travel bags
- Beachwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen products
- TSA-approved toiletry kit
- Portable chargers
- Travel gadgets
- Roof boxes and car racks
Party supplies
Summer brings comfortable temperatures that are perfect for outdoor revelry. Birthdays, graduation parties, family reunions, and other celebrations require quite an assortment of goods, so eBay sellers can use this opportunity to drive sales during the low season. Use Promoted Listings and social media to reach the audience of enthusiastic party planners, and don’t forget about summer holidays such as Father’s Day (June 16) and Independence Day (July 4).
Help your buyers find something special to organize memorable and enjoyable events. Hospitable hosts often come to eBay searching for banners, garlands, backdrops, tableware, drinkware, and entertainment supplies. They are more likely to choose you over competitors if you offer better value for their money using discounts and volume pricing.
Fun fact: One of the most expensive items in the Party Supplies category is the 360 spinner video booth.
Popular items:
- Cocktail kits
- Fairy lights
- Outdoor dining sets
- Disposable tableware
- Cake stands and toppers
- Selfie props
- Decor: garlands, banners, lanterns, balloons
- Party games and activities
Outdoor recreation
During the long summer break, families use their spare time to embrace summer sports and recreational activities together. You can capitalize on the seasonal demand by offering sports gear, such as bicycles, hiking and camping equipment, kayaks, SUP boards and other gear that is required for active leisure. To attract more attention to your inventory, create compelling promo banners with summer adventures imagery.
Fun fact: eBay boasts a wide selection of sporting equipment, including a 19th century antique bicycle at the price of $9,999.
Popular items:
- Outdoor games sets and equipment
- Water activities gear: inflatable rafts, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.
- Bicycles and cycling accessories: repair kits, helmets, bike lights
- Scooters, rollerblades, skateboards
- Sports apparel and footwear
- Tents and other camping gear
- Beach products: sun shelters, portable coolers, etc.
Garden and patio
This category usually experiences a surge in demand in spring, but it remains popular in summer as well. Homeowners browse eBay looking for outdoor furniture, decor, and lighting, eager to create their own backyard oasis. One of the most popular subcategories is patio furniture: lounge chairs, hammocks, dining sets and other elements of comfort. Garden enthusiasts are also ready to splurge on decorations such as solar-powered lighting, wind chimes, statues, and decorative planters. Help buyers turn their yards into inviting retreats for relaxation and entertainment.
Fun fact: eBay features rare and antique items for garden and patio. For example, this 1950s set of brutalist design garden furniture is in excellent condition.
Popular items:
- Patio furniture: dining sets, water-resistant sofas, lounge chairs
- Outdoor cooking: barbecue grills, smokers, fire pits
- Garden decor: lanterns, wind chimes, sculptures
- Gardening tools and equipment
- Hammocks and swings
- Outdoor rugs and pillows
- Planters and pottery
Swimming pools
Hotter temperatures make everyone strive for the refreshing bliss of a personal swimming pool — especially those who have their own patch of land and want to turn it into a relaxation paradise. For eBay sellers, it’s an opportunity to drive sales by offering all kinds of popular solutions: fancy in-ground pools, affordable above-ground pools, small inflatable pools for children, chemicals, maintenance kits, and all kinds of accessories: inflatable slides, ladders, floats, etc.
Fun fact: On eBay, one can find all kinds of pool recreation items — even a custom floating sauna that costs $39,900.
Popular items:
- Above-ground pools
- In-ground pools
- Inflatable models for kids
- Pool chemicals and cleaning supplies
- Maintenance and repair kits
- Pool accessories: covers, ladders, etc.
As you embark on the summer sales journey, it’s crucial to understand your buyers’ needs, desires and concerns. Curate your product offerings strategically and use the promotion tools available on eBay to stand out against competition. If you need insights and inspiration before the summer season, use Terapeak to see what sells best and at what price.
You can also be interested in:
- 2024 holiday calendar: key dates for your marketing campaigns
- Excellent customer service during busy seasons
- Promotion strategies
- How to pack an item for shipping
- Promoted Listings Standard, Advanced, or Express? How to choose the right campaign type
- High-performing solutions to promote your listings and eBay store
Sources
- April 2024: Consumer confidence largely up in Europe. Ipsos.
URL: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/april-2024-consumer-confidence-largely-europe (Accessed May 12, 2024). - State of the US consumer: April 2024. Deloitte, Inc.
URL: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/insights/us/articles/us-177061_state-of-the-us-consumer_april-2024/State%20of%20the%20US%20con_April%202024.pdf (Accessed May 12, 2024). - Consumer signals. Deloitte, Inc.
URL: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/consumer-behavior-trends-state-of-the-consumer-tracker.html#travel-hospitality (Accessed May 12, 2024). - Samantha Iacia. When Is Wedding Season? Here Are the Most Popular Wedding Months. The Knot.
URL: https://www.theknot.com/content/is-there-an-off-season-for-weddings (Accessed May 12, 2024). - Adele Cardin. Decoding the costs and trends of weddings in Brazil: an insightful research. The Rio Times.
URL: https://www.riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/nosubscription/decoding-the-costs-and-trends-of-weddings-in-brazil-an-insightful-research/ (Accessed May 12, 2024). - Alice Prendergast. The Most Popular Months to Get Married Around the World. WeddingWire.
URL: https://www.weddingwire.ca/wedding-ideas/most-popular-months-to-get-married-around-the-world--c1689 (Accessed May 12, 2024). - Kiah Treece, Taylor Medine. Average Wedding Cost: How Much Should You Budget For Your Big Day? Forbes Advisor.
URL: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/average-cost-of-a-wedding/ (Accessed May 12, 2024).