Unlocking The Power of Flash Buys

Flash buys have become a go-to solution for brands looking to offer merchandise without the need to manage a full online store. They provide a fast, flexible way to celebrate key moments and boost brand awareness—all while avoiding the complexities of inventory and long-term commitments. We sat down with Alex Ball, VP of Digital Solutions & Implementation at HALO, to explore why they are gaining popularity and the unique benefits they offer businesses.

Q: Alex, what’s a flash buy, and how does it work?
Alex: A flash buy is a limited-time event where people can order branded merchandise—think company milestones, events, thematic or seasonal campaigns. It’s quick, there’s no long-term commitment, and it’s perfect for when you need something special without the ongoing management of a store. Once the event is over, production starts based on what’s ordered.

Q: When should I think about a flash buy versus an online company store?
Alex: Flash buys are simpler for a promotion with a finite start and end date. Think of it as a limited-time offer. You don’t need to manage inventory or worry about products not selling. Plus, it’s much more affordable—there’s no need to maintain a year-round store. They are also a great way to test merchandise before committing to a full company store. You can see what products resonate with your audience and base future forecasts on actual sales, which helps reduce risk.

Q: What about managing inventory?
Alex: With flash buys, you’re only producing what’s been ordered, so there’s no risk of leftover stock. But if timing’s an issue and clients need items fast, we can produce products ahead of time. It really depends on the client’s timeline and needs. Flash buys give companies flexibility without the headaches of long-term inventory management.

Q: What’s involved in setting one up?
Alex: The setup is very straightforward. First, we help the client select the products they want to offer. Then, we decide on the launch and end dates for ordering. Once the ordering window closes, we place orders with our suppliers, and the products are sent to our fulfillment center for kitting or drop-shipping directly from suppliers. In most cases, there’s an element of time delay for flash buys, so communication of arrival expectations is critical.

Q: What new opportunities are you seeing for flash buys?
Alex: We’re seeing more companies use flash buys for internal initiatives like DEI, employee resource groups, and other team-focused efforts. It’s a flexible way to provide branded merchandise that supports company values and creates a sense of unity. Flash buys are also a great fit for seasonal campaigns and celebrations. For example, our Celebration Planner helps companies plan around key recognition events, holidays, and industry observances, and flash buys can be an easy way to tie in customized merchandise for those moments.

Q: What’s an example of a flash buy that really stood out?
Alex: One of our QSR clients teamed up with a cutting-edge streetwear brand to create a limited-edition hoodie with secret insulated pockets designed to keep their signature burger warm. It sold out within 48 hours and created a ton of social media buzz. The exclusivity and limited-time offer created a sense of FOMO, and people were eager to get their hands on it. It was a fun collaboration that combined function and fashion and really highlighted how flash buys can build excitement and brand loyalty.

Q: Can you customize a flash buy for different teams?
Alex: Absolutely. Flash buys can be tailored to different employee groups or departments. You can offer specific products that resonate with each group, making the experience more personal and engaging. Whether customizing products by department or creating unique designs for employee resource groups, there’s a lot of room to get creative.

Q: What’s the feedback from clients switching to flash buys?
Alex: They love the flexibility. Many clients have told us they appreciate not having to deal with inventory or warehousing costs. It’s easy, fast, and works perfectly for short-term campaigns. Plus, they can use the data to inform their broader merchandising strategies.

Q: Thanks for sharing your insights, Alex! Any final thoughts on why companies should consider flash buys?
Alex: Flash buys are all about flexibility and engagement. They’re perfect for companies that want to offer branded merchandise without the hassle of managing a full online store. Whether it’s for a big event, a seasonal campaign, or just something fun for employees, flash buys make it easy to get the right products into the right hands—quickly and without the stress. It’s a win-win.