A Guide to Buying Liquidation General Merchandise

Liquidation general merchandise (we like to call it “gen merch”) is one of the most versatile types of inventory you can source on the B-Stock platform. Why? Because it includes a wide mix of everyday items–from apparel and cosmetics down to ottomans and gardening equipment–that appeal to a huge customer base. Plus, the deals are endless.

Whether you’re stocking a discount store, running an online shop, or selling at flea markets, gen merch offers variety, affordability, and high resale potential. Ready to get an overview of this category and its products? We cover pros and cons for resellers, tips to get started, and what you can expect.

What Is General Merchandise Liquidation?

Imagine walking through your favorite big-box retailer with every kind of product at your fingertips–that’s what constitutes general merchandise liquidation.

Bulk lots of unsold or returned items from major retailers, sold at a fraction of their original price, can be sourced on B-Stock. These products are often grouped in pallets or truckloads, and the mix can include everything from small electronics to home decor. Here’s a breakdown of popular gen merch products:

• Apparel: Kid’s, women’s, and men’s clothing ranging from casual to formal to activewear. Don’t forget shoes, handbags, and accessories!
• Consumer Electronics: Items like headphones, laptops, small gadgets, gaming gear, and speakers.
• Appliances: Think small kitchen appliances like mixers and toasters to larger household units such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and stoves.
• Home and Garden: Decor, tools, patio furniture, and seasonal items for indoor and outdoor use–great for seasonal finds, too!
• Furniture: Pieces for bedroom and bath through to living room and dining areas; you can find desks, couches, chairs, shelving units, and more.

What Conditions Can I Expect?

Liquidation doesn’t always mean used, either. Gen merch can come new, in-box, and ready to sell. Most B-Stock storefronts follow standardized product and packaging conditions (outlined below). Here’s what you can expect:

• New: Unsold merchandise with no signs of use.
• Like New: Unsold merchandise with minimal signs of handling.
• Refurbished: Merchandise that has been repaired to full functionality but may have signs of wear or use unless otherwise specified.
• Used – Good: Merchandise with signs of use from handling and/or customer exposure that is sellable without repairs needed.
• Used – Fair: Merchandise with heavy signs of use from handling and/or customer exposure that is likely in need of repair prior to resale.
• Salvage: Merchandise requiring significant repairs prior to resale or else will be used for parts/components only.
• Mixed: Can include products of any quality, including salvage. There’s no guarantee of one particular product condition unless specified in the manifest or auction details.

Why Does General Merchandise Get Returned?

Wrong model. Wrong color. Buyer’s remorse. These are all reasons that gen merch might be returned. Here are a few other reasons that might apply to specific categories of merchandise:

Bracketing

This is the common practice of buying multiple sizes and sending back the ones that do not fit. Bracketing is common with apparel and shoes.

Non-functional Reasons

Shoppers may take home their purchased items and realize the pillows don’t match the couch at all, they already have a pan that size, or they bought the wrong lightbulb. Perhaps the sound quality isn’t up to their standard or compatible with other devices. More often than not, home and garden items, appliances, and consumer electronics are returned and remain fully functional, just no longer needed.

Is Buying Liquidation General Merchandise Worth It?

Yes! Gen merch comes with tons of benefits for buyers. We cover a few below:

Ideal for Discount and Bin Stores

Gen merch works well in bin stores where customers expect a changing mix of low-cost finds. The variety encourages frequent repeat visits. When you’re dealing in volume over value (as that’s how bin stores are built to operate), gen merch truckloads are the way to go!

Interested in learning more? Here’s How to Start or Grow a Successful Bin Store.

Variety Attracts More Customers

Because gen merchandise spans multiple categories, you can appeal to a wide audience instead of just one niche market.

Broad Market Demand

Everyday items–especially household goods and apparel–tend to sell year-round, helping you keep inventory moving, as they’re not subject to seasonal demand.

Things To Consider

Before you go all in on gen merch, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

• SKU Variety: Lots often contain many different SKUs, which can make sorting and pricing more time-consuming. It will help to have all hands on deck.
• Truckload Shipments: Larger shipments can be cost-effective, but require space for storage and handling. (Looking for high-volume purchasing opportunities? See if you qualify here.)
• Less Specialization: If your business focuses on one niche, the broad mix in gen merch may not align with your inventory strategy.

What General Merchandise Buyers Are Saying

We asked gen merch buyers what their top priorities and challenges are–here’s what they said:

Top Priorities:

• Low Cost per Item: Pay close attention to your cost per unit. The lower your purchase price, the higher your potential resale margin.
• Consistent Inventory: Build relationships with suppliers (or register on platforms like ours) to maintain a steady flow of merchandise. On B-Stock, we have hundreds of auctions closing daily!
• Manifest Details & Shipping Speed: Accurate manifests help you plan resale strategies, while fast shipping keeps you selling without long gaps in inventory.

Top Challenges:

• Unpredictable Quality: Conditions vary, so it’s important to review listings carefully and understand the condition codes we mentioned above.
• Limited Product Detail: Some lots may not have detailed descriptions or images of every item. Pro Tip: You can still use info from the manifest, like UPC (universal product code), to find real-world product photos and details.
• Shipping Costs & Logistics: Freight shipping can add up–factor it into your cost calculations to protect your margins. If you’re new to the world of reselling, here’s an overview of auction lot shipping methods.

Best Practices for Buying Gen Merch

Source Direct from Retailers via B-Stock

Buying through B-Stock gives you access to inventory from top brands and retailers, with options for different lot sizes, categories, and conditions.

Always Review Manifests

The manifest is your best friend. It shows exactly what a particular lot includes, along with quantities, MSRP, and other helpful information you need to avoid surprises. Is the product breakdown heavy on one category over another? Do the SKUs lean too heavily on the larger side? These are important questions that only your business can answer to cover its inventory needs.

Run the Numbers Before Bidding

Avoid getting lost in the rush of an auction by calculating your max bid and sticking to that number. Be sure you know what you can sell an item for, taking shipping costs and buyer fees into consideration.

Start Sourcing General Merchandise Today

While gen merch may not be a one-size-fits-all, it does fit most buyers’ needs. If your customers are hunting for bargains and want a little bit of everything, it’s a good way to go for resellers. Find household name products, unbeatable bulk prices, and the largest variety out there. Source for gen merch with confidence on B-Stock and see what’s available now!