Wonder how some sellers continue
to have products to sell? 
They have a source - and most of it
comes from the 2nd tier markets
(surplus). 

What to sell...

Like the ad above of one product available through surplus markets, surplus can be a true source of valueable products for resell.  These were new in the case and didn't last long.  However, not all surplus is new, there's a lot of profit made from surplus returns.  If you're handy with tools and can make repairs on items like electronics then you can gleen from a pallet or lot of merchandise more bang for your buck.

Not everything gets returned because of damage or defect. A perfect example: A person buys a fancy DVD player and can’t get the remote to program with his other components. He’s convinced that the remote is defective. So he goes back to the store with JUST the remote and all of his receipts. The sales associate pulls a fresh DVD player out of stock, opens the box, swaps the remote and then puts the DVD player into the returns pile. BUT IT’S NEW!!! There’s a keeper! It happens.

So does the reverse: A person buys a new Panasonic VCR. When he gets home, he puts his OLD Panasonic VCR that no longer works but looks very similar BACK into the new box and then RETURNS it to the store for a refund. Many of the sales associates will take a "quick peek" inside the box but not actually match up model numbers. So, in essence, he has returned a broken, used VCR and we paid based on the current wholesale value of the new unit. Plus he got a BRAND NEW unit for free. Harsh Reality # 2 … and it happens!

If however, that's not your speed then there are some categories of returns which are more forgiving than others.  Softgoods, for example: It is very difficult to make a shirt stop functioning. If it has a missing button or a loose thread .. the shirt still works.

Success on ebay

Tell the truth ... the whole truth...

You will see many different ways for sellers to market their items.  Pay attention to those that have high feedback percentages.  They are doing something right even if they are new. 

Some sellers are straight forward… others are not. The ones who accurately describe their items and detail their damages (if any),  these are the sellers who make good money, get good feedback and have repeat customers. The sellers who try to slide by or hide the truth will go out of business as quickly as they got into it.

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Use the gallery feature to present your item to your customers.  It's worth the cost. 

Also show details which could make a sale (or break a deal if damage was not disclosed).

Get a good digital camera, take several pictures of your item and choose the best one to show.  Research how others present their items in the best possible way.  Clear out the clutter.  Have a neutral backdrop and enough lighting to showcase your item.

Other information

Too good to be true...

When it comes to sourcing for product to resell this one addage should be posted to your mirror, refrigerator, etc. 

Do NOT expect to buy pallets that only contain "CREAM". We all know what sells best on Ebay. (like PS2’s and Xboxes) But you can’t just buy pallets of them. They don’t exist.  If they do - BEWARE!

We receive our truckloads of electronics and each pallet is a mix of products.  The distribution centers make each pallet similiarly priced based on the items on the pallet.  And if they DO get enough to fill a pallet, they certainly cannot sell all of them on one pallet in one shot. They have to be spread out. They are needed to help sell the balance of the electronics truck.

PLEASE NOTE: The information found in this guide is strictly opinion and is not meant to be used as legal or financial advice. That type of advice should be obtained by licensed professionals in those practices. Surplus Haven  accepts no responsibility for any financial losses resulting from the implementation of any of these ideas. You should use your own judgement when making business decisions. There is a certain amount of RISK associated with this business. There is a real possibility of financial loss or gain with each purchase you make.