Discovering New Profit Opportunities with the Versatile CB Radio
Updated June 26, 2019: In a world that is constantly trying to become smarter and more connected, there are just some places a smartphone can’t cut it. Some parts of the country still aren’t covered by cellular signal and spotty coverage can plague travelers. Enter the CB radio. While you may consider it a thing of the past, there are still several consumer groups that can benefit from it.
What Is a CB Radio?
A Citizens Band Radio is simply a short distance radio, typically operating on 40 channels within the 27 MHz range. CB radio is distinct from other personal radio service allocations like FRS and GMRS and is often used for business or personal communication.
Let’s highlight customer groups that you may not initially think of when stocking CB radios.
The Traditional Route
When you think of CB radios, the first thing that comes to mind is truckers—or that movie Joyride. Regardless, the trucking industry makes up a considerable amount of the CB radio demographic.
CB radios provide several benefits to those traveling cross-country:
- Quick communication
- Communication in low cellular signal areas
- Weather, traffic/construction and speed trap warnings
- Free communication that doesn’t impact cellular minutes or data
That’s why the it’s so beneficial to truck drivers. So, who does this encompass? There are a number of groups and companies that rely on truck drivers to get business done:
- UPS and Fed-Ex
- Farms and produce
- Manufacturers and factories
- Oil and gas
Full-Featured CB Radio with Weather Scan Technology
New Frontiers
While the trucking industry does seem to be the most common and logical area for these products, you may also consider a customer group that typically travels together throughout the year—motorcyclists.
Bike riders often go on marathon adventures in groups. CB radios can provide them with the exact same benefits that truck drivers enjoy. Much like truckers, this is a group that will often go into very remote and rural areas on their journeys. CB radios offer alternative communication choices to keep everyone together and on the same page.
Outdoor enthusiasts are another great target demographic for CB radio sales. Customers who spend their time in the woods, taking their Jeeps, ATVs or other excursion vehicles off-road can find it to be a helpful communication tool.
Installing one can provide an additional channel of communication in case of emergencies that can happen in the great outdoors.
Classic CB Radio with Bluetooth
Those on the Frontlines
Lastly, another group you can keep in mind when selling CB radios are Community Emergency Response Teams. When natural disasters or emergencies occur, CERT teams are out helping first responders and other groups in whatever capacity they can.
In certain cases, such as natural disasters or missing persons, CERT may be called into areas where there is no cellular signal.
CB radios offer CERT a fast, effective alternative to cellular phones. They can quickly communicate with other team members and keep track of emergency calls so they can know where they are most needed.
Some CB radios also have access to NOAA weather channels, which can give CERT a heads up of weather patterns and forecasts in cases of natural disaster response.
CB Radio with 10 NOAA Weather Channels
Over and Out
CB radios provide an effective, versatile alternative to cellular communication. They allow for communication in remote areas, in areas of natural disaster and in emergency situations. CB radios can have a broad appeal, but you may have to re-educate customers on the many benefits they provide.
You can view Petra’s full line of CB radios and CB radio accessories and find the wholesale inventory you need to increase profits, good buddy.