buyer's forum

May's Money Showers

Amy Spiezio

When was the last time that most of your client list had a windfall of $300 each? This year, the spring showers will be in May as a windfall of government rebates creates an opportunity for frame sales—if you're ready for it.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, checks resulting from the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008—from $300 to $1,200 based on family economics and structure—will be on their way to 130 million U.S. households beginning this month.

An average of 40.6 percent of recipients are expected to use their rebates to make a purchase, notes BIGresearch. Potential eyewear sales are a strong consideration for potential spending of the funds, as the category falls into more than one spending category. Of the funds going into purchases, clothing and apparel are expected to consume 3.7 percent of the expenditures, and impulse items are slated to grab 2.0 percent of rebate dollars.

When it comes to attracting a share of the stimulus funds, ECPs should be ready to promote a few products that fit in the just-under $300 or $600 price ranges. Do you think that the Wal-Marts and Best Buys of the world won't be doing any $299 or $599 tax incentive specials on their luxury items?

Whether it's that pair of luxury sunglasses or a deluxe lens upgrade, potential buyers will be coming into dispensaries all over the U.S. with a little extra spending money. How you prepare will help decide how much the stimulus payments stimulate your bottom line.