Let's be honest, portable televisions are a brilliant invention. Television is a permanent fixture in just about every home around the country. And the next best thing to using a DVR is to just take your favorite shows with you.

Portable can mean many different things. There are handheld TVs, ones you can attach to the inside of your car, and there is the just plain, small variety that lends itself to toting around for various reasons. Whatever the function may be, you want to be sure to offer the whole spectrum to your customers, in addition to portable televisions information to ensure they know exactly what they're getting.

Don't forget that digital is in and analog is out. At this point a portable converter isn't wide spread just yet that would allow analog televisions to function come 2009. This is an important piece of information to keep in mind if you are going to be a portable televisions provider.

When selecting your inventory of portable televisions, consider the following:

1. Choose a variety of styles and sizes of portable televisions to appeal to everyone.

2. Offer pocket-size options to take "portable" to a new level.

3. Consider supplying portable TVs that have other features, such as DVD players.

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

Stock your shelves with a variety of portable televisions

Portable can be defined in many different ways, but basically portable televisions are small and easy to transport. Some customers will want portable televisions that they can take to the big game and glance at between plays, while others will want a decent-sized screen to use when traveling, for example. Whatever they are looking for, you want to make sure you have it.

I recommend: LCD Digital offers 7-, 9- and 10-inch digital portable televisions with an ATSC tuner that will allow it to work even after analog television is obsolete. Tradestead has several portable LCD TVs from which to choose. Just contact its U.S. office in California for wholesale information.

Consider pocket-sized portable televisions for your shelves

A portable televisions list will often include pocket-size versions to suit customers that really want their TV on the go. Offer options at all price points to suit every customer that walks through your door looking for a portable TV.

I recommend: COBY has a variety of portable televisions. Most combine a TV tuner with a DVD player and come as small as 2.5 inches. Axion offers a five-inch portable TV/monitor with built-in speakers plus a stereo headphone jack.

Find portable televisions for your customers that come with bonus features

Some portable televisions offer bonus features that may be desirable to your customers, such as portable TV/DVD combos. These are especially handy during road trips, giving customers another entertainment option if the TV reception isn't coming in as well in certain areas.

I recommend: Thunderball Marketing is a wholesaler of home electronics, including a 9-inch portable TV/DVD combo. Brooke Distributors is another great source for portable TV/DVD combos. It even offers versions with two screens to make viewing in the car more enjoyable.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that these days many cellular phones and music players are also offering television options. These are other ways to consider offering portable televisions to your customers.