How catalogers merchandise a once-in-a-lifetime product

Why the unusual one-number-per-flute approach? “Our niche is exclusive products not easily found elsewhere, so when we do a commodity like a glass, we do something different with it to make it special,” Hochberg says.

Sroge, too, has ideas on maximizing the selling of year-2000 flutes. “I would offer the glasses in larger multiples, but offer them with matching napkins, to try to create a little difference, again,” he says. “I’d create a little package. Create a little event out of it, where you get napkins, matches, party favors, etc.”