Starting a side hustle doesn’t always mean you need to invent the next big thing or launch a revolutionary app. Honestly, sometimes it’s just about recognizing everyday stuff people already want—like BIC lighters. Yep, those little plastic clicky things that seem to disappear the moment you need one.
They’re simple, cheap to get, and surprisingly in demand. Smokers need them, campers love them, and if you’ve ever tried lighting a candle with a match during a windy evening, you’ll know why people keep a stash of these around. So, if you’re looking to make some extra cash without mortgaging your future, selling BIC lighters in bulk might be your unexpected golden ticket.
Step 1: Know What You’re Getting Into
Before jumping in headfirst, do your homework. BIC lighters are hot sellers (pun entirely intended), especially in places like convenience stores, gas stations, camping supply shops and online marketplaces. But yes, there’s always a but—lighters are considered regulated goods in a lot of places.
That means you need to be at least 18 to sell them in most states or countries, and your customers typically need to be adults as well. If you’re selling online, you may need to set up age verification or deal with hazmat shipping rules. It’s not exactly thrilling, but it’s necessary unless you want to get smacked with a fine or worse.
Choose Where to Sell
You’ve got two lanes:
- Local Sales – Think flea markets, local smoke shops, roadside vending, or even vending machines (yes, some still exist).
- Online Sales – set up your online store with marketplaces.
Online gives you a wider reach but also more competition. Local might mean fewer customers but less red tape. Pro tip: you can always do both.
Step 2: Find the Goods and Make the Pitch
You’ll need a reliable supplier—no sketchy, off-brand, half-melted lighters that look like they came from a time traveller’s garage sale. Go with:
- Authorized BIC distributors
- Bulk suppliers like those in Alibaba
- Regional wholesalers or warehouse clubs
Compare prices, minimum orders, and shipping fees. Look for sellers who offer a variety of styles—think mini lighters, fun colours, and limited editions. Variety keeps it interesting for your customers.
Package It with Style
Now that you’ve got your lighter stash, it’s time to jazz it up:
- Bundles – Sell packs of 5 or 10. It increases the average order value, and customers love a “deal.”
- Themes – Group them by colour, vibe, holiday—you name it. A “Summer BBQ Set”? Why not?
- Custom Labels – Where allowed, adding a little branding or funny messages can make your product stand out (think “Light My Fire” or “In Case of Bad Tinder Date”).
Photos matter a lot. Use good lighting, avoid fuzzy shots, and write descriptions that say something. “Red lighter works good” won’t cut it. Mention safety features, longevity, or cool design quirks.
Conclusion
Selling BIC lighters might not sound glamorous, but it’s a smart hustle. Low overhead, steady demand, and room to be creative—it checks a lot of boxes. If you’re consistent, stay within legal bounds, and market with a bit of flair, you can build a tidy little income stream from something that fits in your pocket.
And hey, worst case? You’ll never be short of a lighter again.
