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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
Yes! Gen merch comes with tons of benefits for buyers. We cover a few below:
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.
Because gen merchandise spans multiple categories, you can appeal to a wide audience instead of just one niche market.
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.
Before you go all in on gen merch, there are a few things you'll want to consider.
We asked gen merch buyers what their top priorities and challenges are-here's what they said:
Buying through B-Stock gives you access to inventory from top brands and retailers, with options for different lot sizes, categories, and conditions.
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.
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.
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!