Where Do Bin Stores Get Their Merchandise?

If you have ever walked into a bin store and wondered how they manage to sell brand name products for just a few dollars, you are not alone. The secret behind these incredible deals lies in the unique supply chain that bin stores tap into. In this article, we will explore exactly where bin stores get their merchandise and why they can offer such unbeatable prices.

Amazon Returns and Liquidation

The largest source of merchandise for bin stores is Amazon returns. When customers return items to Amazon, the retail giant faces a logistical challenge. Processing, inspecting, and restocking each returned item is expensive and time consuming. Instead of dealing with individual returns, Amazon sells these items in bulk to liquidation companies at a fraction of their retail value.

These liquidation companies then sell pallets or truckloads of mixed merchandise to bin stores. Because Amazon processes millions of returns every month, there is a constant supply of products flowing into the liquidation market. This includes everything from electronics and home goods to clothing, toys, and beauty products.

Overstock and Excess Inventory

Major retailers regularly find themselves with excess inventory. This can happen when products do not sell as quickly as expected, when seasonal items need to be cleared out, or when stores close and need to liquidate their stock. Rather than taking a complete loss on these items, retailers sell them to liquidation buyers who then distribute them to bin stores.

Overstock merchandise is often brand new and still in its original packaging. The only reason it ends up in a bin store is that the original retailer needed to make room for new inventory. This is great news for shoppers who can find pristine, unopened products at deeply discounted prices.

Closeouts and Store Closures

When retail stores close their doors, whether due to bankruptcy, downsizing, or rebranding, their inventory needs to go somewhere. Liquidation companies swoop in and purchase entire store inventories at pennies on the dollar. This merchandise then makes its way to bin stores where shoppers can find deals on products from their favorite brands.

Damaged Packaging and Shelf Pulls

Products with damaged packaging cannot be sold at full price in traditional retail stores, even if the item inside is perfectly fine. These "shelf pulls" are removed from store shelves and sold to liquidators. The products themselves are often in excellent condition, but because the box is dented or the packaging is torn, they get rerouted to bin stores.

Direct Liquidation Auctions

Some bin store owners purchase merchandise directly from liquidation auction websites. Companies like Liquidation.com, B Stock, and Direct Liquidation allow buyers to bid on pallets and truckloads of returned or overstock merchandise from major retailers. Experienced bin store owners know how to spot good deals at these auctions and build relationships with sellers to get consistent inventory.

Why Are Prices So Low?

The reason bin stores can offer such incredible prices comes down to simple economics. When merchandise is purchased in bulk through liquidation channels, the per item cost is extremely low. A pallet of mixed Amazon returns might cost a bin store owner just a few hundred dollars, even though the retail value of the items could be thousands.

Bin stores operate with low overhead costs. Many are located in warehouses or strip malls with affordable rent. They do not invest heavily in store design or customer service staff. Instead, they pass those savings directly on to customers through rock bottom prices.

What You Can Find at Bin Stores

Because bin stores source from such diverse channels, the inventory is always changing. On any given day, you might find:

• Electronics like headphones, speakers, and smart home devices
• Kitchen appliances and cookware
• Clothing and accessories
• Toys and games
• Beauty and personal care products
• Home decor and furniture
• Sporting goods and outdoor equipment
• Tools and hardware

Find a Bin Store Near You

Ready to start treasure hunting? Use our bin store directory to find locations near you. We have compiled the most comprehensive list of bin stores across the United States, complete with addresses, hours, and pricing information.

Whether you are looking for your first bin store experience or want to find new locations to explore, The Bin Finder has you covered. Start saving money today by shopping at bin stores in your area!