What Are Ex-Catalogue Pallets?

If you’re a reseller in the UK, ex-catalogue inventory should be on your radar. Ex-catalogue inventory is merchandise that didn’t sell in stores, making it essentially surplus or excess stock. Traders can buy bulk quantities of discounted ex-catalogue stock directly from retailers and then individually resell items closer to RRP (recommended retail price) for a profit. And if you’re looking for variety, no problem! Ex-catalogue stock can be of various types like apparel, jewellery, electricals, toys, seasonal, household items, furniture, and more.

You can find big retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and more sellers listing their ex-catalogue inventory on online auction sites because it’s efficient and transparent. And for buyers, you only pay what you want for inventory at auction prices! So whether you’re looking for ex-catalogue apparel pallets or furniture pallets, there’s something for everyone.

Learn all there is to know about ex-catalogue pallets and how you can secure them for your business.

Ex-catalogue vs wholesale

Ex-catalogue inventory is different from purchasing wholesale because this is inventory that didn’t sell in-stores. Rather than take up space on retail shelves, these items get marked down as retail clearance or sold off by the pallet (and truckloads!) directly to other traders. Bear in mind, this inventory was available to customers either in-stores or online already. Which means it can still be in new condition, just liquidated in order to clear shelves and make way for new product.

With wholesale, goods and merchandise are available to resellers and businesses to purchase. The wholesale price is usually fixed and the amount of product can vary substantially. The goods are usually sold – by the wholesaler – in bulk quantities with the intention of being resold by the purchaser. Something else to note: true wholesaling is generally not available to the standard consumer.

Benefits of buying ex-catalogue pallets

Get inventory for a fraction of RRP

Bulk buying inventory, in this case, ex-catalogue inventory, means items are deeply discounted because they didn’t sell at their original retail price. (And you’re also buying a lot more inventory at once than one by one.) You can find certain product categories sold for up to 80% off RRP!

Diversify your product offering

From apparel to electricals, you can sample different types of products before committing to a particular niche. Additionally, you can use ex-catalogue stock as a way to offer ‘limited-time only’ merchandise that your customers can look forward to.

Ex-catalogue inventory is available by the pallet

With the flexibility of pallets, you need only purchase however much inventory your business needs. For example, if you want to work your way up to larger truckloads, a pallet or two of inventory for you to get through first is a good place to start.

You can also start buying pallets by store. That way, you can be more specific with the type of inventory you’re looking for.

The thrill of the find

Due to the nature of retail clearance and ex-catalogue stock, you may often find some hidden gems in your pallets or parcels. On B-Stock Supply Europe, you could be buying from a Fortune 500 company or buying a specialised manufacturer’s remaining inventory of last year’s model run. B-Stock Supply provides tons of opportunities no matter what type of business you have.

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Where can you buy ex-catalogue stock?

Plenty of retailers are left with ex-catalogue stock that they need to offload somewhere– and fast. Typically, this surplus of inventory gets liquidated and introduced into the secondary market by sole traders and resellers.

Wholesalers

While wholesale inventory and ex-catalogue inventory have several differences, they do get acquired by the same people: wholesalers. Many wholesalers have direct relationships with retailers that allow them to purchase ex-catalogue inventory before other traders get to see it. However, this will usually end with them cherry-picking the best inventory and adding a markup. This means sole traders and resellers won’t see the best deal.

Directly from the source

On liquidation sites like the ones B-Stock operates, retailers list their ex-catalogue inventory directly to an auction platform where registered businesses can bid and buy with ease! This takes all of the guesswork out of making your inventory purchases and even comes with detailed manifests. On B-Stock, you get peace of mind knowing you’re purchasing directly from the retailers and manufacturers. But first, in order to buy on B-Stock, you must submit a valid VAT number. Keep this information handy as you begin to register on each marketplace that interests you!

If you’re new to B-Stock, check out Buying Basics: International Buyer Registration.

How to resell ex-catalogue inventory

Break down inventory

Always go by the manifest to ensure you have accounted for everything when receiving ex-catalogue stock purchased at auction. Organise inventory accordingly, and be sure to keep accurate track of quantities, sizes, etc. You will also want to inspect, clean, or make any necessary repairs if necessary.

Sell on popular marketplaces

In the UK, you have many channels to go through for selling ex-catalogue inventory. In-person at a brick and mortar location, car boot sales, or online. Make a seller account on sites like Depop, Amazon, and eBay, among others, where you can reach shoppers all over the UK and beyond. Here’s a list of the 11 Best Sites to Resell Online (UK). Next, start listing inventory, post photos, and write informative product descriptions on your chosen reselling platforms.

Establish a reputation

You will come across other traders who may be hesitant to purchase from you for the first time. That’s why establishing yourself as a trusted seller is important. Always be honest and clear about the condition of ex-catalogue inventory or customer returns you have.

For everyday consumers, you will also want to display reviews from real customers. That way, people know what to expect when making their purchase and will choose your business again and again.

Have a consistent supply of inventory

You don’t want to leave your shop empty or lose out on potential sales because you’re low on inventory. Having a reliable supplier of ex-catalogue pallets will alleviate this potential stressor. Always purchase ex-catalogue inventory from trusted sources! Or, browse ex-catalogue and clearance stock auctions on B-Stock Europe.

Start purchasing ex-catalogue pallets on B-Stock Europe!

Start sourcing the best inventory for your resale business’ needs using B-Stock. Registered UK/European buyers can easily bid on bulk quantities of ex-catalogue (or surplus stock) directly from top retailers, manufacturers, and trade-in companies. Conditions range from new to light use to salvage, so you can start your buyer journey at any level!