Product Conditions
The grading system behind every listing, and how to match a condition to your resale business.
Condition is the single most important factor in liquidation buying. It decides how much you pay, how much work a lot needs before it can be sold, and how much of it you can expect to turn into profit. We label every lot with a condition so that you can plan your budget, your labor and your selling channel before you commit.
A condition describes the general profile of a lot. It does not promise that every unit is identical, and the listing description always controls. Where a lot is mixed, we say so.
Conditions at a glance
| Condition | What it is | Packaging | Preparation needed | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Case | New goods in the original factory case | Original, sealed | Minimal | Stores and online sellers who want ready-to-sell stock |
| New Overstock | New, unused excess inventory | Original retail packaging, may vary | Light | Retailers, marketplace sellers, exporters |
| Shelf Pulls | Removed from shelves without a sale | May show stickers or handling | Light to moderate | Discount stores, flea market vendors, online sellers |
| Customer Returns | Returned by consumers, graded by source | Varies widely | Moderate to heavy: test, clean, repair, repackage | Experienced resellers with a testing process |
Master Case
New merchandise packed in its original manufacturer or factory case. It is normally complete, unused and has not been offered for retail sale. Because the case is sealed, you can count on consistent contents.
Business view: the lowest labor and the lowest uncertainty. You pay more per unit, but you can usually list and sell right away.
- New and unused
- Original packaging and sealed case
- Complete parts and accessories
- Retail-ready
New Overstock
Excess inventory that was never sold to a consumer. It may come from surplus orders, discontinued lines, packaging changes or seasonal leftovers. The product is generally new, though the box may show wear.
Business view: strong margin for the effort. Plan a quick inspection, and check seasonality so you are not holding last year's style at this year's price.
- New and unused
- Inside or outside the master case
- Possible discontinued or previous-season items
- Packaging condition can vary
Shelf Pulls
Items that were offered for sale in a store or online but removed without being purchased. They are generally new and unused, but may have been displayed or handled several times.
Business view: excellent value where cosmetic perfection is not essential. Allow time to clean, relabel and sort out any damaged boxes.
- Price stickers, clearance labels or security tags
- Opened or distressed packaging
- Display units or samples
- Minor cosmetic marks from handling
Customer Returns
Items bought by a consumer and returned to a store or online retailer. Retailers inspect returns to different standards, so the mix can include new, opened, used, incomplete, damaged or non-working goods.
Business view: the lowest cost per unit and the highest effort. Do not assume a fixed share of good units unless the listing states one. Buy returns only if you can test, grade and process them efficiently.
- New, opened or used items
- Working and non-working units
- Missing accessories or damaged packaging
- Display or demo units
- Items needing testing, cleaning, repair or repackaging
Additional conditions (when listed)
| Condition | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tested-Working | Tested and considered functional as described in the listing. Not necessarily new or cosmetically perfect, and not necessarily under warranty. |
| Refurbished | Inspected, restored and tested for function. Packaging, accessories and warranty vary by program. |
| Irregulars | Generally new products with cosmetic or manufacturing flaws, also called seconds or scratch-and-dent. Often resalable after grading. |
| Pre-Worn | Previously worn clothing, footwear or accessories in mixed brands, sizes and degrees of wear. |
| Defective / Salvage | Non-working, damaged, incomplete or parts-only goods, sold as-is for repair, parts or scrap value. |
How to choose a condition for your business
Online marketplace seller
New Overstock and Master Case keep listings clean and reduce buyer complaints. Customer Returns can work if you test and grade carefully.
Flea market or pop-up vendor
Shelf Pulls and mixed Customer Returns give volume at low cost. Buyers there are price-led and forgiving of packaging.
Discount or dollar store
Shelf Pulls and New Overstock in everyday categories turn quickly and restock easily.
Exporter
Palletized New Overstock and Master Case ship and clear customs more smoothly. Always check destination rules.
Repairer or parts dealer
Salvage and Customer Returns, priced for parts and repair value.
Plan your numbers before you buy
Total cost is more than the lot price. Add inbound freight, testing and cleaning time, packaging, marketplace and payment fees, and an allowance for units you cannot sell. Then compare that total with what you realistically expect to sell for, using sold listings rather than asking prices. Our profit calculator walks through it step by step.
Due diligence checklist
- Read the condition label and the full listing description.
- Ask whether the lot is manifested, partially manifested or unmanifested.
- Request extra photos or a manifest where available.
- Price-check the highest-value items against recent sold listings.
- Confirm freight and any taxes before you commit.
- Decide how you will inspect and process the lot when it arrives.
If something is not as described
Inspect your order promptly. Report shortages, mis-ships or transit damage with photos and your order reference within the window in your order confirmation, or within 48 hours of delivery if none is stated. Variation inside the stated condition is normal for liquidation. See claims and damaged goods.
Frequently asked
Which condition is best for a beginner?
New Overstock or Shelf Pulls, bought as a case pack or a single pallet. They need less processing than returns and teach you the market with lower risk.
How much of a returns lot will be sellable?
There is no single figure. It depends on the category, the source and the program. Treat any percentage as a planning assumption, test a small lot first and use conservative numbers on unmanifested loads.
Can I request a specific condition?
Browse by condition on our returns, overstock and shelf pulls pages, or message us your needs.
Not sure which condition fits?
Tell us what you resell and your budget, and we will point you to suitable lots.
Ask our team