With nearly $400 billion dollars worth of merchandise returned back to top retailers and major manufacturers each year, there is a ton of opportunity for secondary market business buyers. But when it comes to purchasing liquidation inventory for resale, there are some good guidelines you’ll want to follow. We’ve put together this free online pamphlet for your reference: The eBay Seller’s Guide to Buying Returns and Overstock.

Download the pamphlet now to get helpful tips including: 

Why You Should Buy Direct from the Source:

Traditionally it’s been difficult for buyers to gain access directly to top retailers and manufacturers; buyers often had to negotiate and haggle with a middleman. Now, with transparent online-auction platforms like B-Stock, you can purchase directly from the warehouses of big-box retailers. 

How to be Confident in Your Purchase:

This comes down to doing your research prior to purchasing. Be sure to read the full manifest, understand the condition codes, calculate shipping costs, prepare for the lot size. Doing your homework before you bid can help you be more confident in your purchase. 

Why You Should Factor in Shipping Costs:

Always add in shipping costs to your buying budget to maximize your potential profitability. To reduce shipping costs you can look for inventory with distribution centers closer to your shipping location. Additionally, look for sellers that allow you to arrange your own shipping (“Buyer Arranges”) or provide discounted rates for regional shipping. If you’re purchasing from a distant location, look for sellers who offer negotiated rates with major carriers. 

Why Quantity Matters:

While you can get a lower cost per item with larger lots, don’t buy more than you can sell. As an eBay seller, research what your competition is selling and how much demand exists for certain products. Bid and buy accordingly!

The Importance of Reading Product Condition Codes:

Merchandise in the secondary market ranges from brand new in the box to salvage and is usually sold “as is.” And since retailers usually categorize their conditions a little differently, it’s important to read all the auction details to familiarize yourself with each condition type and its definition. Know what you’re potentially buying before you bid!

Download Now

 

Author

Editorial Team

Author

B-Stock Editorial Team

Amberly Bliss, Owner

Amberly Bliss, Owner

Retail Deals

"I feel so confident shopping and bidding on items knowing that I am going to get what I paid for. And if not, there’s a killer customer service team that’s going to make sure everything’s alright in the end. That’s huge. It’s hard to take that risk when you’re first starting out."

More from the B-Stock Blog

How Jim Rowe Filled a Shopping Desert—With Costco Returns
How Jim Rowe Filled a Shopping Desert—With Costco Returns

Jim Rowe has always been an entrepreneur. From 2002 onward, he and his wife built a sizable chain of restaurants across Washington with nine locations in total. Then COVID hit, and like so many others, everything stopped. Luckily, Jim’s not…

Jun 18 2026 · 9 min read

When Consumers Pull Back, Where Does Your Excess Inventory Go?
When Consumers Pull Back, Where Does Your Excess Inventory Go?

Sustained inflation has compressed consumer spending across categories, resulting in softened sell-through rates and climbing aged inventory ratios. For retailers, brands, and manufacturers, the downstream effects are distinct, but the core problem is the same: the excess inventory is there,…

Jun 17 2026 · 4 min read

Case Study: How an Athletic Retailer Standardized Its Disposition Program for Aged Inventory, Boosting Pricing and Efficiency
Case Study: How an Athletic Retailer Standardized Its Disposition Program for Aged Inventory, Boosting Pricing and Efficiency

This well-known athletic retailer had large volumes of aged overstock held at various distribution centers (DCs) around the country. A small group of jobbers purchased the inventory on informal terms, managed by each DC, leading to inconsistent processes and outcomes…

Jun 16 2026 · 1 min read