Take the guesswork out of sourcing! We want you to make the most informed purchases possible. In order to do so, it helps to know exactly what you’re looking at first. Every lot on B-Stock is listed with an inventory type (like overstock, customer returns, or display items) and a product condition (such as like new, refurbished, or salvage). Understanding these details will help you spot the right opportunities, set resale expectations, and make smarter bidding/buying decisions.

In this guide, we go over common inventory types and conditions you’ll see on B-Stock. And more importantly, where to find that information before you bid or buy.

Inventory Types

Buyers can access a variety of inventory types on seller storefronts.

  • Overstock: Inventory that could not sell within an efficient amount of time at retail locations or online. These items have never been purchased by a customer.
  • Customer Returns: Any piece of merchandise that is returned to the retailer, both in-store or online.
  • B-Stock Blue: Currently available from select Amazon facilities, this inventory is verified for quality and processed faster. B-Stock never owns or handles inventory.
  • Display/Samples: Product was displayed or sampled on the sales floor.
  • Mixed/Other: A combination of different inventory types in one lot.

Pro Tip: Do you have a preferred inventory type? By setting up Saved Searches, you can be notified when new listings from your favorite sellers go live.

Product and Packaging Conditions

Most B-Stock storefronts follow standardized product and packaging conditions. We’ve outlined these below, but for a deeper look at how conditions are defined, check out our FAQ.

B-Stock Product & Packaging Conditions

General Merchandise

    •New
    •Like New
    •Refurbished
    •Used Good
    •Used Fair
    •Salvage
    •Mixed

Appliances

    •Scratch & Dent
    •Used

Consumer Electronics

    •Device Grade A
    •Device Grade B
    •Device Grade C
    •Device Grade D
    •Device Grade E

Packaging Conditions

    •Original
    •Open Box
    •No Packaging
    •Damaged
    •Non-Original
    •Mixed
    •Security Tags Included
    •Free of Security Tags

Note: Some sellers may categorize their inventory differently. Please review the seller’s Conditions page (if available) before you bid or buy.

Where to Find Condition and Inventory Details

When you have hundreds of listings to explore, it’s helpful to narrow down your search with filters on the All Listings Page (ALP). Additionally, there are also a few key places to spot condition and inventory details:

  • Individual listing cards on the ALP
  • Listing details page
  • Manifest

ALP Filters and Listing Cards Example

ALP Filters and Listing Cards Example

Listing Details Page Example

Listing Details Page Example

Manifest Example - Condition

Manifest Example

With a better understanding of conditions and inventory types, you’ll be on your way to a successful (and profitable!) experience on B-Stock. Ready to start browsing listings? Or, read up on manifests in this next guide.

Getting Started: Manifests

Please contact us for any additional questions or help with an order.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about buying on B-Stock?

Overstock items are products that never sold at retail, while customer returns have been purchased and sent back for various reasons. Knowing the difference can help set resale expectations.

B-Stock Blue is an Inventory Type verified for quality and processed faster, so buyers can confidently bid knowing these items meet specific standards. This program is currently available from select Amazon facilities. Note: B-Stock never owns or handles inventory.

Product and packaging conditions are listed on each lot and often follow standardized categories like New, Like New, Refurbished, or Used. Check the listing page, manifest, and listing card for details.

Yes. Some sellers may use slightly different labels for conditions or inventory types. Always review the seller’s Conditions page (if available) before bidding/buying.

Where can I find more details about condition definitions?
For a complete breakdown of how B-Stock defines product and packaging conditions, visit our Product & Packaging Conditions FAQ.

A mixed lot can contain a combination of different inventory types or product conditions. For example, it might include overstock, customer returns, or display items all in one lot. Always check the manifest and listing details before bidding/buying.

Electronics often use Device Grades (A–E) to indicate cosmetic and functional condition, while appliances may be listed as Scratch & Dent or Used. Grading helps you estimate resale value, but always review photos and manifests when available.

Because liquidation inventory is sold as-is, actual conditions can vary. Every retailer includes a “margin of error” percentage for their lots—you can find this on each storefront’s Terms & Conditions. B-Stock works with sellers to ensure conditions are as accurate as possible, but it’s important to understand there may be slight differences.

Andrea Vargas

Andrea is the lead content writer for B-Stock Solutions, the largest online network of B2B liquidation marketplaces. She specializes in creating buyer resources and tools for entrepreneurs and power buyers looking for liquidated merchandise.

More from the B-Stock Blog

Getting Started: How to Browse Listings
Getting Started: How to Browse Listings

Finding the right inventory on B-Stock is simple once you know where to look. In this guide, we’ll show you how to browse listings, use filters to narrow your search, and take advantage of built-in tools to help you stay…

Oct 31 2025 · 4 min read

Getting Started: Buying Formats and Payments
Getting Started: Buying Formats and Payments

Whether you’re looking for speed, flexibility, or the best deal, B-Stock offers multiple ways to purchase liquidation inventory that fit your needs. In this guide, we cover the basics of: Listing Types Buying Formats (and how to pick the right…

Oct 31 2025 · 4 min read

Shipping: B-Stock Lot Sizes
Shipping: B-Stock Lot Sizes

When dealing with bulk quantities, it’s important to understand different lot sizes so you can bid and buy accordingly. (And avoid big surprises!) Lots can be packaged up and shipped differently according to their category, size, or weight. You may…

Oct 31 2025 · 4 min read

Back to All Blogs

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By viewing our content, you are accepting the use of cookies. To find out more and change your cookie settings, please view our Privacy Policy.

OK