How to Stock a Lighter Display That Sells

Lighters are one of the most dependable sellers at any register. Customers buy them often, they rarely compare prices, and a well-stocked lighter display takes up almost no counter space. The difference between a display that sells and one that collects dust usually comes down to three things: the right mix of lighters, the right spot in the store, and never letting it run empty.

Here’s how to get all three right.

Step 1: Carry the right mix of lighter types

Different customers want different lighters. A good assortment covers several price points:

• Wrap and designer lighters. Colorful, collectible designs are the classic impulse buy. Wing displays like our Summer Nights Wing Display (300 pcs) or Wraps Assortment Wing Display (300 pcs) put a large variety in a small footprint.
• Torch and windproof lighters. Popular with outdoor workers, campers and grillers, and they sell at a higher price. Our All Torch Shipper (60 pcs) and Prym1 Camo All Torch Display (168 pcs) are easy places to start.
• Electronic and turbo lighters. A step up in price, with sleek metal designs that appeal to shoppers looking for something nicer. Items like the USA Star Electronic Lighter fit here.
• BBQ and utility lighters. Long-reach lighters for grills, candles and fireplaces sell steadily, especially in spring, summer and around the holidays. Our carded Diablo BBQ lighters hang on a peg hook and come in packs of 120 or 144.
• Butane refills. Customers who own refillable torch lighters come back for fuel. Our butane refills come in 12- and 20-count displays.

Step 2: Choose a display or a case pack

Lighters are sold two ways:

• Displays. A display arrives pre-assorted and ready to set on the counter. This is the best way to start or to add a new style.
• Case packs. A full case holds several displays. Cases make sense once you know which style sells in your store and you want to stock up.

Pack sizes vary by lighter, and every listing shows them. For example, our Patriotic Windproof Turbo Lighter is packed 50 per display and 20 displays per carton (1,000 pieces), while our metal turbo lighters come 12 per display and 240 per case. If you only need a few of a new style, start with one display; if it sells through quickly, move up to the case.

Step 3: Put the display where customers decide

• Right at the register. Lighters are a last-second purchase. A countertop display next to the checkout gets the most sales.
• Near tobacco and related products. Customers buying cigarettes, cigars or rolling papers are your most likely lighter buyers.
• Behind or beside the counter if needed. Some stores keep lighters within the clerk’s reach. Follow your state and local rules on displaying and selling lighters.
• Facing the customer. Turn wing displays so the designs face the shopper, not the clerk.

Step 4: Reorder before you run out

An empty display sends customers to the store down the street. A simple routine keeps you stocked:

1. Check the display weekly. When a display is half empty, it’s time to reorder.
2. Track your top designs. If one wrap design sells out first every time, order more of it.
3. Plan for the seasons. BBQ lighters peak in spring and summer. Candle and fireplace lighters sell more in fall and winter. Novelty and patriotic designs do well around the Fourth of July.
4. Keep a backup display in the back room. Swapping in a full display takes seconds and saves a lost sale.

How lighter shipping works

Lighters contain butane, so they ship as hazardous materials by ground. That affects order planning:

• Lighter orders of $150 or more ship freight prepaid.
• Lighter orders under $150 carry a $25 hazmat surcharge.
• Many stores add lighters to an order of other front-end items, such as phone accessories, sunglasses or readers, to reach the minimum.

See our Shipping & Processing policy for full details.

Frequently asked questions

How many lighters come in a display?

It depends on the lighter. Many displays hold 50 pieces, wing displays hold up to 300, and some specialty lighters come 12 per display. Each product page lists the exact pack size.

How many lighters are in a case?

A case holds several displays, for example 1,000 pieces for our Patriotic Windproof Turbo Lighter or 240 for our metal turbo lighters.

Why is there a hazmat surcharge?

Butane lighters have to ship as hazardous materials, which costs more. Orders of $150 or more avoid the $25 surcharge.

Get started

Browse all lighters or go straight to the complete lighter display programs. Questions about the right mix for your store? Call 866-597-0240.