From cheap yo-yos for sale to the most complex, there are many different options when it comes to the supply you provide for your customers. You'll want to accommodate those using yo-yos on the playground as well as avid collectors and those competing in nationally acclaimed contests.

Information on yo-yos indicates that the toys first originated in China and were made of wood, metal or painted terra cotta disks. When the toy was first introduced to America is unknown, however popularity has certainly grown over the years. The biggest boost is said to have happened in 1986 when comedian Tommy Smothers appeared on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson as the Yo-Yo Man.

To supply yo-yos for your toy or novelty business, consider the following information:

1. Buy yo-yos for a variety of skill levels.

2. Select take-apart designs and auto-return mechanisms, popular for those beginners who get tangled up easily.

3. Choose a seller of yo-yos with a good reputation to work with for your wholesale needs. Several brands stack up above the rest. Some users and dealers recommend Aerobie, BC, Black Mamba, Custom, Doble, Duncan, Henrys, Perkins ProYo, Russell, Spintastics, SuperYo and Team Losi.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find sellers of yo-yos to amp up your supply

Yo-yos are manufactured and sold all over the world. A quick search can yields thousands of links to dealers. It's best to have some idea of what kind of yo-yos you wish to acquire to cut down on the amount of time it takes to find the right dealer to conduct business with.

I recommend: Yomega.com provides many different yo-yos in the categories of transaxle, "brain," steel bearing and traditional. Browse through the yo-yo selection offered by Duncan Toys.

Provide yo-yo accessories for your customers

From spare parts, extra string and carrying cases, you'll want to supply it all for your customers and use the extra pieces as part of your store display. Those accessories can be easy add-on sales to any yo-yo you have in stock.

I recommend: Dave's Skill Toys offers yo-yo factory parts, among other accessories. At yoyostore.com, you can find cases, lube and maintenance kits among other yo-yo accessories.

Research yo-yo tricks and obtain trick videos

Consider hosting special contests or trick demonstrations in your store to promote yo-yo sales. There are a number of videos available to help teach tricks as well that you may want to offer your customers.

I recommend: At Yoyoing.com you can check out trick videos and even upload your own videos once you sign up. Log on to YoYoPlay.com for trick DVDs for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The maker of yo-yos you work with may also send spare strings. You'll want to offer that to your customers and advise them that string length should be at about the user's belt line with the yo-yo on the floor.