Inertia is powerful. Whether we’re talking about getting up off the couch or changing shopping habits, it takes a powerful marketing strategy to overcome our usual routines. A mere 5 percent discount or $1 off coupon is not likely to entice a potential customer to try shopping at a co-op or to earn an extra trip from an existing customer.

No, for that objective you need something exciting, like…

A crazy good deal you can’t get anywhere else!

Available today only!

Everyone is going nuts over it!

We might run out!

This sounds like a job for flash sales! Flash sales might be just the thing to inspire new shoppers to make a trip to your co-op. As a bonus, they also surprise and delight existing shoppers and reinforce a positive price image.

Flash sales are very short-term, deep discount sales that come and go in — you guessed it — a flash. Because they are unpredictable and last for just a short time, potential shoppers know they need to act right away or miss out. And while they’re in the co-op getting that surprise deal, shoppers may just pick up a few other items as well.

While it certainly takes extra planning to coordinate flash sales with suppliers, buyers, store managers, marketing and operations staff, there are resources to help you along the way. Start with the preferred practices for flash sale planning and procurement to see if you are up for the challenge. Flash sales can be risky and have the potential to disappoint shoppers. These guiding documents will help you avoid common pitfalls and build upon what your co-op peers have learned.

When it’s time to bring on the excitement, there are merchandising and marketing resources ready for you. To draw attention to your display, order some violators or danglers and print endcap headers at your favorite local print vendor. Use the templates to create flash sale pricing signs, posters, social media and monitor graphics to spread the word in-store and beyond.

What are you waiting for?!