Buying things from liquidators to work from home on eBay can be a financially savvy business concept. It can also lead to disaster if you do not know what you are doing. Liquidators differ from wholesalers in numerous respects. Knowing their conditions and what to expect are key to making a liquidation business effective.

A liquidator frequently acquires from retail shop chains and sometimes manufacturers. 3 very well-recognized companies that sell liquidated things to the general public include Big Lots and Burlington Coat Factory. These companies are successful because they are well-capitalized and their purchasers know what to put in the target liquidation store. The same concepts are going to apply to you and your eBay business.

What do liquidators buy? They purchase odd lots, returns, shelf pulls, overruns and overstocks, imperfect items, bankruptcy sales, and store closings. Let's look at all of these terms so that you know what to expect.

Odd Lots: These are the last of a lot, or perhaps a tiny test run of a product. Usually, these lots come from the manufacturer and were not in a large enough amount to be offered through their usual retail locations. Merchandise in this category is exceptionally desirable and without defects.

Returns: This is exactly what it sounds like. The customer returned things to the retailer. You should expect that there will be opened boxes, partial shipments, missing components, non-working things, broken items, and apparel and shoes that might have been worn once and returned. You should expect electronics to have a certain number of DOA (dead on arrival) items. Some things may not be suitable for sale. Your best chance of receiving enough decent things with store returns is to buy in large quantities. This way there will be enough of top-quality things to offset what cannot be sold.

Shelf Pulls: Shelf pulls can be perilous. These things are withdrawn from the shelves and racks after the conclusion of the season. Items in this category may also have been languishing on a discount rack or shelf for a while. Boxes may be opened or missing. Electronics may or may not be working. Display products are included in this and their quality is always questionable. Purchasing huge numbers is necessary. Many clothing goods will not have brand labels. Know what you are getting.

Over Runs and Large Inventory: These are items that too many were either purchased or created. For example,, stuff that is sold based on a newly released movie frequently makes its way into this category. This product is usually quickly sold and there should not be damaged things.

Imperfect Items: Not perfect, hence they do not always sell well. For example, a shower curtain may be printed upside down. This does not influence the real shower curtain's ability to perform its purpose, but it looks weird. Caution is in order here. Slight imperfections are fine but some of the goods will not easily sell. If you sell these things you are compelled by law to indicate that they are somewhat flawed and not first quality. If you do not do this you can get yourself into trouble. Be careful buying faulty things from liquidators to use in your eBay shop.

Bankruptcy Sales and Store Closings: This is exactly what it sounds like. The stores have closed and whatever merchandise was not auctioned off or sold off at the closing or bankruptcy sales goes to the liquidators. You can expect a huge array quality of items. There are deals to be had, just know what you are purchasing.