Manifested vs. Unmanifested Inventory
The level of product information available before you buy.
Manifested
A manifest is an itemized list of what the lot should contain. Depending on the source it may show descriptions, brands, categories, SKUs or UPCs, quantities, styles, sizes, colors, grades and approximate values.
Manifest data comes from the merchandise source, so expect small differences between the list and what arrives. Not every manifest has every field. Where one is available we share it on request.
Partially manifested
A partial manifest gives grouped information without listing every item. For example, a pallet of 100 pairs of shoes may show the share of each brand but not the exact styles, sizes or colors.
Unmanifested
No item-by-item list. The lot is described using what is known, such as source, category, condition, size, estimated quantity, estimated value and representative photos. Buyers judge the overall program, category and condition.
| Feature | Manifested | Partial | Unmanifested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item detail | Usually provided | Grouped | Generally unavailable |
| Brand info | Often itemized | May show % by brand | General or unavailable |
| Styles, sizes, colors | May be included | Often unavailable | Usually unavailable |
| Quantity | Usually listed | Total or estimate | Estimated |
| Value | Usually itemized | Summarized | Estimated |
Reading the values on a manifest
- Approx. unit retail: the reference retail value of one unit. It may be the original price, MSRP or a recent price, and is not necessarily today's selling price.
- Approx. extended (EXT) retail: quantity times unit retail. 100 units at $20 gives $2,000.
- Your price %: your price as a percentage of stated value. $2,000 at 20% is $400.
- Your unit price: total price divided by quantity. $400 for 100 units is $4 each.
- % of load by quantity or value: the share of the load that a line, brand or category represents.
Retail value is not wholesale value
Retail value may mean original price, MSRP or a recent price. Wholesale value can mean cost, distributor pricing or another business-to-business figure. Always check which basis a listing uses. Your price is what we charge, and potential resale value is what you may be able to sell for, which depends on condition, demand, brand, channel, competition and fees.
Price-check the big items
Manifest values are reference points, not guaranteed resale values. Before buying, check the highest-value lines and the items that make up most of the load's stated value against current retailer and resale listings, and allow for condition, fees and shipping.
Have a question about a lot?
Message us with the item number. We reply with photos, availability and a freight quote.
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