When you are ready to promote your 2nd affiliate niche, you might want to choose something unusual, rare, vintage, or even something strange. It may not be as profitable as your first niche, but in this extremely competitive affiliate marketing industry, it’s good to find something that not many have tapped into.
Even things that are out of fashion - From landlines to VHS tapes, there are many things that have become obsolete in recent years. If you are looking to add some vintage flair to your affiliate marketing repertoire, then this list is for you.
Why Should You Promote “Old Stuff”?
The good thing is, trends come and go. It’s amazing to think about how much our world has changed in such a short amount of time, and it will be awesome to see something out of style right now becomes in style again in the future. And by the time it does, you’ll be the nerd who knows everything about it - tell the fans where to get the niche products from, and you’ll make a commission upon each sale.
Sell Old/Vintage Rarities As An Affiliate
Whatever happens to the world, there are always people who are interested in history and want to own a piece of it. While some people collect for the sake of collecting, others find that vintage items have a certain charm that modern items lack. Not just “vintage” stuff such as clothes and furniture but all kinds of rarities and technology stuff that has become obsolete.
If you’re interested in a particular old niche, getting as much information and promoting the available items on your website as an affiliate marketer is an excellent idea. Read on for a list of popular vintage items.
1. Alarm Clocks
In the past, alarm clocks were an essential tool for waking up on time. However, with the advent of smartphones and smart speakers, alarm clocks have become largely obsolete.
Smartphones/speakers can be set to wake users up at a specific time and can even be used as a bedside clock, eliminating the need for a separate alarm clock altogether. In addition, the built-in alarms of smart devices are more customizable and user-friendly than traditional alarm clocks. And of course, as they become less necessary in most households, they become more valuable to collectors.
2. VCRs
The VCR, or Video Cassette Recorder, was introduced in the late 1970s and became a staple in homes across America in the 1980s. VCRs allowed people to watch their favorite movies and TV shows whenever they wanted. But as technology progressed, VCRs became obsolete and were replaced by DVD players during the 1980s - 2000s. Today, VCRs are considered vintage items and are prized by collectors.
While VCRs are no longer manufactured, you can still find them for purchase at some stores. However, they are not as common as they once were and most people no longer use them.
3. CDs and CD Players
There was a time not so long ago when CDs were all the rage. Everyone had them, and everyone loved them. They were the perfect way to listen to music, and they sounded great. And CDs became obsolete streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music came along. Why bother buying a CD when you can just stream the music you want for free? Although CDs are still for sale on Amazon and, not everyone considers them a relic of the past. We’ll see what happens in the next decade.
4. DVDs
DVDs were once a revolutionary format for watching movies and TV shows. But now, they've become largely obsolete. With the advent of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, there's no need to buy or rent DVDs anymore. And even if you still want to watch movies on disc, Blu-ray has replaced DVD as the standard format.
5. Blu-Ray Discs
As technology advances, some older products become outdated and are replaced by newer, more advanced versions. This is the case with Blu-ray discs, which have been replaced by Ultra HD Blu-ray discs. While Blu-ray discs are still compatible with most Blu-ray players, they are no longer being manufactured.
Ultra HD Blu-ray discs offer a number of advantages over their predecessor. They have a higher storage capacity, allowing them to hold more data. They also have a higher resolution, providing a better viewing experience. In addition, Ultra HD Blu-ray discs are backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players and discs.
6. Cassette Tapes
The cassette tape was first introduced in 1963 by Philips. It quickly became a popular format for music and audiobooks due to its portability and affordability. Cassettes were mass-produced until the early 2000s when they were replaced by CDs and digital formats. Today, cassettes are considered vintage items and are prized by collectors for their retro appeal.
7. The Walkman
The Walkman is a portable cassette player that was first introduced by Sony in 1979. The Walkman was incredibly popular in the 1980s and 1990s, as it allowed people to listen to music on the go.
Today, the original Walkman is seen as a classic piece of technology while many people still enjoy using “Sony Walkman” as a mp3 player.
8. Floppy Disks
The floppy disk, a data storage medium which was once ubiquitous in the personal computing world, is now considered to be a vintage item. Floppy disks were first introduced in the 1970s and were widely used throughout the 1980s and 1990s. By the early 2000s, however, they had been largely replaced by more modern storage media such as USB flash drives and optical discs.
Given their age, floppy disks are not particularly reliable storage devices and can be difficult to access on modern computers. However, for those who are nostalgic for the days of using floppies to save their work or play games, they can still be found on Amazon or at vintage computer stores.
9. Pagers
Pagers, also known as beepers, were once a staple communication device for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Pagers work by sending a signal to a receiver that emits a loud beeping noise. The user then has to find a phone to call the number that was sent to the pager.
This system may have been cumbersome and time-consuming, but that was the best solution for those who required urgent communications before cellphone networks were established.
10. Toys
When it comes to vintage items, toys are some of the most popular. Whether it’s a classic teddy bear or action figure, there’s something special about owning a piece of history. Here is a list of some popular vintage toys:
- Teddy bears: One of the most iconic vintage toys is the teddy bear. These cuddly creatures have been around for over 100 years and show no signs of going out of style.
- Action figures: Another classic toy that has stood the test of time is the action figure. Whether it’s Superman, Batman, or GI Joe, these toys are cherished by both children and adults alike.
- Dolls: Dolls are another timeless toy that have been around for centuries. From Barbie to Raggedy Ann, there’s a doll out there for everyone.
- Toy cars: Toy cars are another retro toy that continues to be popular today. Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars are just as popular with kids today as they were when they were first introduced in the 1960s.
11. Vintage Items
All sorts of vintage items are in demand, and you can find them online in marketplaces such as Etsy.
i. Vintage clothing
Clothing is always a popular topic among fashion-savvy consumers, and promoting vintage clothing can be a great way to tap into this market. There are a number of online retailers that specializes in vintage clothing, so finding one to partner with should not be difficult.
ii. Antique furniture
Another great option for affiliates looking to add some vintage charm to their site is antique furniture. This type of product is often sought after by those decorating their homes or offices in a more classic style.
iii. Vintage jewelry
Jewelry is another popular category among consumers, and promoting vintage jewelry can be a great way to stand out from the competition. There are a number of online retailers that specialize in vintage jewelry, so finding one to partner with should not be difficult.
iv. Vintage collectibles
Collectibles are always popular among consumers, and promoting vintage collectibles can be a great way to tap into this market. There are a number of online retailers that specialize in vintage collectibles, so finding one to partner with should not be difficult.
v. Vintage home décor
Home décor is another popular category among consumers, and promoting vintage home décor can be a great way to stand out from the competition.
12. Books
There are still people who appreciate the beauty of a physical book. The feeling of flipping through its pages, the smell of its ink, and the weight of it in your hands is something that cannot be replicated by reading on a screen.
There are also many people who argue that books are still relevant because they offer something that digital media cannot: depth. When you read a book, you immerse yourself in its story and its characters in a way that you cannot with a brief article or video. Books have the power to transport you to other worlds and introduce you to new ideas in a way that is simply not possible with other forms of media.
So while books may be becoming obsolete in some ways, they still offer value that is unique and worth preserving.
13. Maps
With the advent of GPS and mapping apps, paper maps have become a thing of the past. Even if you're not using a mapping app, chances are you're looking at a map on your phone or computer that's provided by an online service like Google Maps. On the other hand, maps are regularly updated as new places are constructed and area names change. Older versions of paper maps become collectors’ items.
14. Travel Guides
For the same reason, travel guidebooks are regularly updated and old versions become collectors’ items.
Such items are hard to sell as an affiliate because collectors usually contact speciality stores directly and obtain what they want. But you can still become an affiliate for multiple bookstores and cross-sell maps and books.
15. Old Newspapers/Magazines
People sell old newspapers and magazines on eBay or Etsy for a variety of reasons. Some people are collectors who are interested in the history behind the news or the articles. Others might be interested in physical copies for scrapbooking or other creative projects. And still, others might be looking for a specific edition to complete their collection. No matter what the reason, there is always an audience for these items.
As an affiliate, you can recommend these products to your followers and earn a commission on any sales that you generate.
16. Landline Telephones
There are hundreds of types of vintage telephones from different countries that you can sell as an affiliate. Some of the most popular include British Bakelite phones, French Candlestick phones, and German Mechanical phones. Each type has its own unique history and style, making them a highly sought-after collector's item. Or even pay phones are available to buy.
As an affiliate, you can start your own vintage telephone blog site to promote products and start generating sales.
17. Fax machines
Fax machines have been around for a long time, but they are quickly becoming obsolete. With the advent of email and other digital communication methods, fax machines are no longer necessary for most businesses. There are a few holdouts, but even they are slowly moving away from fax machines.
18. Yellow Pages
Can you believe anyone who wants to buy old Yellow Pages directories? There is a demand.
In the past, people used to rely on the yellow pages to find businesses in their area. Of course, with the advent of the internet, this is no longer necessary. People can now simply use a search engine to find what they’re looking for. As a result, the yellow pages have become completely obsolete, which means very rare, and there are always collectors for whatever reason.
19. Standalone GPS Devices
GPS devices that are not integrated into another device, such as a smartphone, have become increasingly rare. The standalone GPS market has been in decline for years, as consumers have shifted to using GPS apps on their phones. Phone apps are typically more accurate and user-friendly than standalone GPS devices, which often require updates and can be difficult to use.
In addition, phone apps usually offer more features than standalone GPS devices, such as the ability to track your location history and share your location with others. For these reasons, standalone GPS devices are no longer the best option for most consumers and have become obsolete.
20. Film Cameras
In the past, cameras were bulky and required film. Today, digital cameras are the norm, and most phones even have a built-in camera. However, traditional film cameras are still used by many professional photographers.
Leica, for example, the digital cameras can cost thousands of dollars, but the Leica film cameras are a lot more affordable for many. And film cameras are still available on Amazon, which you can easily promote as an affiliate.
21. Mp3 Players
Apple iPod
In the past decade, we have seen a dramatic shift in the way we consume music. CDs and cassette tapes have been replaced by digital downloads and streaming services. Even the humble MP3 player has been relegated to the dustbin of history, thanks to our ever-present smartphones.
It is hard to believe that the first MP3 player was only released in 1997. The original device was called the MPMan F10, and it could store just 32MB of music – enough for around an hour of playback. Today, even entry-level smartphones have more storage than that, and can also stream music from the likes of Spotify or Apple Music.
The MP3 player quickly became a must-have gadget in the early 2000s. Brands like Apple, Creative, and Sony all battled for market share with their own devices. The iPod quickly emerged as the market leader, thanks to its slick design and user-friendly interface.
However, the rise of the smartphone has sounded the death knell for the MP3 player. Why bother carrying around a separate music player when your phone can do everything? Even dedicated fitness trackers now come with built-in music storage and playback, negating the need for a separate device altogether.
It is safe to say that the MP3 player is now a relic of a bygone era. Thanks to our ever-evolving technology, this once must-have gadget is now obsolete.
By promoting MP3 players as having a unique style, you can make your affiliate business stand out from the rest.
22. Flip Phones
Flip phones were all the rage in the early 2000s. They were sleek and stylish, and most importantly, they allowed users to make calls without having to fumble around with a tiny keypad. But in today's world of smartphones, flip phones have become obsolete.
Nowadays, smartphones are sleeker and more stylish than ever before, and they offer a wide range of features that flip phones simply can't compete with. With apps, social media, and high-definition cameras, smartphones have everything that people need in a device. And since they're so compact, they can easily be slipped into a pocket or purse - something that can't be said for most flip phones. So again, it may be a niche idea to promote flip phones as an affiliate to differentiate yourself from your competitors.
Start an Online Affiliate Business Selling Rarities
Affiliate marketing rarities is slightly different from affiliate marketing generally popular products. So here are a couple of things that you may want to keep in mind before considering a rare niche.
Be clear about the niche market
If you promote your niche to the general public (such as using solo ads), the majority of them are not interested. I suggest that you build a website and promote your website through social media, so your brand will be established over time.
Promoting second-hand items
Selling rare items means inevitably, many products can be second-hand. So you need to make sure what kind of condition each item you’re promoting is in. Any damages? Wear and tear? Advise your audience to contact the seller directly if they have doubts. The cookie will be live for 30 days (in the case of Etsy), so you should still be receiving an affiliate commission if the item is sold.
“Old” Affiliate Products For Your Niche Marketing: Conclusion
It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget about the simple joys that can be found in taking a step back in time. We hope this list of vintage items has inspired you to take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of your favorite childhood memories. Whether it's picking up a classic book from your local bookstore or browsing through an antique store, we hope you'll take some time to enjoy the beauty of yesteryear.
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