Cellular accessories maker Mobo USA Corp. is rolling out an innovative product designed to appeal to flea market and swap meet customers: cell phone charms. Just as traditional charms go on a charm bracelet, these new charms go on a cell phone. “We have a unique product, which are cell phone charms that dangle from phones,” says Mobo sales director Nelson Moya. “We sell them in these nice acrylic displays that rotate with lights.”
Cell phone charms are a high and rising trend, from China to Japan to America. Mobo is ahead of the curve, selling briskly in a wide range of styles. “Hot products right now are the cell phone charms,” says Moya. “People use them as key chains, they hang them from their cell phones. Kids like them. They are universal. They appeal to everybody from young teens to older persons. It almost looks like jewelry. These little trinkets — cell phone charms, as we call them — they’re inexpensive, lightweight, small, and fun to change. We have some that light up when you get a call or a text message, depending on the type of phone service you have.”
One of the most popular lines features beloved cartoon characters. “With the licensed products, you’re talking about all-time classics — Snoopy, Tweety and Taz, Bugs Bunny, Sylvester, and of course the popular Disney,” says Moya. “Tinker Bell is the number one seller here of any product whatsoever.” In order to keep those licenses, the merchandise has to stand out, says Moya. “Because we have these licenses, we’re held to a high standard of quality on our products. And we extend that standard of quality from our licensed products to our Mobo brand.”
These jewelry-for-your-cell-phone products also offer attractive margins, and Mobo is making a concerted push to serve the growing flea market and swap meet vendor base. “An average price for one of these cell phone charms is about $1.50, and the suggested retail price is $9.99,” says Moya. For more information, visit the MoboUSA.com Web site or call (800) 601-3209.