OS Xceptional: Apple’s Snow Leopard a Sell-Through Superstar

A week ago today, Apple released its new operating system, Mac OS X v10.6 — better known worldwide as “Snow Leopard”. Announced to the public and released to developers in early June, “Snow Leopard” has been getting shout-outs in advertising for new Macs (including those sold on eBay) for a few months now, but only upon its official release has the buzz really taken off.

Consider, for instance, that in the 30 days prior to August 28th (release day), Terapeak shows 1,807 eBay listings that used the keywords “Snow” and “Leopard”. The sell-through rate of those listings? 29.28%. In the 5 days following release, there were 635 listings… and the sell-through shot to 59.37%.

Photobucket

Of course that’s not the hugest sample size, and it deals with “Snow Leopard” as keywords directly… so consider instead the keywords “New” and “Macbook”. In the 30 days preceding August 28th, Terapeak All Sites shows 16,025 listings for “New Macbook”, with a sell-through rate of 36.04%. But in the 5 days after Snow Leopard’s launch, the sell-through on those same laptops rocketed to 48.87%.

We don’t really talk about sell-through on the blog as much as we’d like to, considering it’s one of our fave statistics, but often that’s because inventory rises alongside demand, and sell-through doesn’t always fluctuate much. In this case, however, demand for new Macs is at an all-time high, even at a time (“back-to-school”) when most suppliers are as well-stocked as they’ll be all year… and Snow Leopard has helped contribute to that big-time.

So, are we saying you should go out and start selling Macbooks? Well, no, that’s not exactly the easiest market to break into. But do have a look at sell-through when you can, and take note when you see it trending up specifically.

MAC Eyeshadow BIG on eBay this Spring

Makeup

One of this month’s hot categories on eBay is Health & Beauty>Makeup>Eye Shadow>MAC.
Mac is one of the leading producers of cosmetics, health and beauty products, with flashy ad campaigns featuring celebrities like Missy Elliot, Fergie, and Dita Von Tees.
MAC makeup accounted for over 30,000 listings on eBay last month, with an average price of $19.75 and an impressive sell through rate of $71.73%.
Some of the listings sold for as much as $1000.00!
Take a look at a two year trend in sales and success rate for MAC Eye Shadow from Terapeak Marketplace Research:
mac graph
This is a very seasonal category, showing sales peaks in the spring of each year. This year’s peak is the highest yet.
This category has also enjoyed a very steady success rate since last fall.
Maybe its time to add some “Glam” to your eBay listings this spring!

heartWhat our clients say?

The US data is amazing - I have learned a lot in just a few short hours.
- 1vitality
I love Terapeak - what a great little tool. I've had it less than 2 weeks and it's already paid for my annual subscription.
- guusjebooks
I just wanted to say I love your product. It has made a huge difference in my Ebay sales in a short time. Thank you very much.
- importauto611
Terapeak gives me the tools I need to maximize my sales & I was able to qualify for eBay's Top Rated Seller in my first 3 months of selling!
- Lindseylus, Lindsey Lu's Eclectic Vintage New and OSI RockStar
My sell-through rate is consistently over 55% and a large part of that success is due to Terapeak!
- Lisa, www.GoingGoingGoneIL.com, OSI Rock Star
A day without Terapeak is a missed opportunity to make a profit...
- Onecrazyredhead, http://www.goodbuysallthetime.com & OSI Rock Star
With Terapeak research I don't have to guess when sourcing new product. I know what sells, when it sells and for how much it sells.
- Carol, AlphaBargains.com & OSI Rock Star
Terapeak gives you all the information you need in a format that is understandable and concise.
- Lisa, www.GoingGoingGoneIL.com, OSI Rock Star
Terapeak helped me evaluate subniches and I was able to avoid costly mistakes of buying glass that looked great on paper until I found it sold slowly and priced too low to make a profit.
- Kathy, www.CatladykatesGlass.com & OSI Rock Star
As an eBay Trading Assistant & Educational Specialist I couldn't be without this tool - I always recommend TERAPEAK to my students & when selling for others.
- Onecrazyredhead, http://www.goodbuysallthetime.com & OSI Rock Star
I can't imagine my business without my Terapeak membership. I sell for others so I rarely sell the same item twice. Terapeak helps me daily.
- Lisa, www.GoingGoingGoneIL.com, OSI Rock Star
Terapeaks rocks! My sub-category is basically all Fixed-Price and Terapeak is the ONLY way to quickly find out what designs are selling the best!
- Cheryl, www.GreenCastleDesigns.com, OSI Rock Star
I used Terapeak to evaluate my competitors' marketing and found strategies that worked and was surprised how many sellers lose money due to poor pricing and marketing.
- Kathy, www.CatladykatesGlass.com & OSI Rock Star
© 2009 Official Terapeak Blog | All Rights Reserved
International Sites: United States USA | France France | Germany Germany | China China | Japan Japan