Buying products from liquidators to sell on eBay is a good idea but can be very disastrous if you do not know what you are doing. Liquidators and wholesalers are very different from each other. It is important that you understand them both in order to be successful on eBay.
Liquidators tend to buy from retail store chains and even manufacturers from time to time. 2 of the biggest companies that sell liquidated items to the general public are Big Lots and Burlington Coat Factory. The same principles that apply to these 2 companies are the same principles that will apply to you and your eBay business.
Liquidators buy returns, shelf pulls, odd lots, over runs & overstocks, bankruptcy sales and store closings and imperfect items. Let's look at each one in further detail.
Returns
When a customer returns something to a store a lot of times that item is sold to a liquidator. When you purchase items that have been returned you can expect to get incomplete packages, opened boxes, missing parts, items that might have been worn once and returned etc… Some items you may not be able to sell. It is best to buy store returns in large quantities. That way you will have a better chance of getting saleable items.
Shelf Pulls
Shelf pulls consist of items that have been pulled from the shelves and racks at the end of the season. This can be very risky because many of these items may have been sitting on the shelf or rack for a while. Electronics may or may not be working and many clothing items will be missing the brand labels. Make sure you know exactly what you buying before you consider shelf pulls.
Odd Lots
Odd lots are very desirable because they are either the last of a lot or sometimes they were a small test run for a product. Odd lots are usually without flaws.
Over Runs and Over Stocks
Over Runs & Overstocks are items of which there were either too many purchased or made. For instance, items that are being sold due to a new movie being released normally fall into this category. There should be no damaged items and usually these items are easily sold.
Bankruptcy Sales and Store Closings
When stores close any items not sold or auctioned off at the closing or bankruptcy sales go to liquidators. You can find really great deals this way. Just be sure you know what you are purchasing.
Imperfect Items
An example of an imperfect item is a shower curtain that was accidently printed upside down. There is nothing wrong with the actual curtain other then the fact it looks awkward. Be very cautious with these types of items. Some of these items will be hard to sell. If you sell an imperfect item you are required by law to let your potential buyer know that the item is imperfect.
Buying products from liquidators is a great way to add to your inventory. Just be sure you know and understand exactly what you are getting. To find legitimate and reliable liquidators visit Salehoo they offer a comprehensive list of wholesalers, manufacturers, liquidators and drop-shippers.
