Customer Return Auctions: A Beginner's Guide
When you hear the word “liquidation,” it’s easy to picture a pile of broken, unwanted junk. But that’s a huge misconception. The reality is that customer return auctions are filled with high-quality, desirable products. Many items are in like-new condition, returned for simple reasons like the wrong size or color. Some are just overstock that never even made it to the store shelf. By learning how to read manifests and assess product conditions, you can find amazing deals on the same high-demand electronics, fashion, and home goods that people are buying every day. It’s not about digging through trash; it’s about finding treasure.
Key Takeaways
- Acquire premium goods for pennies on the dollar: Customer return auctions are a direct pipeline to returned and overstock inventory from big-box retailers, giving you the chance to buy high-demand products for significantly less than you'd pay in-store.
- A smart bid is a researched bid: Your success hinges on preparation, not luck. Before bidding, carefully review the auction manifest, analyze photos, understand product condition grades, and research an item's sold price on resale sites to determine your maximum offer.
- Build a profitable resale business on trust: The foundation of turning auction finds into cash is transparency. Create honest listings that detail an item's true condition, price your products strategically, and provide excellent service to build a strong reputation and encourage repeat buyers.
What Are Customer Return Auctions?
Have you ever wondered what happens to the items people return to big-box stores? It’s not always a straight path back to the shelf. Many of these products find a second life through customer return auctions. Think of these auctions as a way for major retailers to clear out returned, overstocked, or shelf-pulled merchandise. Instead of letting these items take up valuable warehouse space, they partner with companies like us to sell them to the public, often in lots or pallets, to the highest bidder.
For savvy shoppers and small business owners, this is a golden opportunity. It’s your chance to acquire a huge variety of products—from high-end fashion and electronics to everyday home goods—at prices well below retail. These aren't just used or broken items; many are in like-new condition, still in the box, or were simply an unwanted gift. By participating in these auctions, you get direct access to inventory that was previously only available to large-scale liquidators. This means you can find incredible deals for personal use or stock your resale business with high-demand products without the high-cost investment.
How Do They Work?
The concept is pretty straightforward. Retailers partner with auction platforms like Quickbidz to sell their excess inventory quickly and efficiently. We list these items on our site, giving you a transparent and competitive way to buy them. Instead of buying one item at a time, you’ll often bid on a “lot,” which could be a single high-value item, a box of assorted goods, or even entire pallets stacked with merchandise. This model creates a win-win: retailers recover some of their costs, and you get access to a steady stream of discounted products. It’s a direct pipeline from the retailer’s warehouse to you.
The Auction Process, Step-by-Step
Getting started with auctions can feel a little intimidating, but the process is simpler than you might think. It generally breaks down into four key stages. First, we list the items on our platform, providing descriptions and photos so you know exactly what you’re looking at. Next comes the fun part: bidding. You can view the current bid and place your own, competing with other buyers until the auction timer runs out.
If you’re the highest bidder when the auction closes, congratulations—you’ve won! The final step is payment and fulfillment. You’ll pay for your items and then arrange for pickup. Each auction platform has its own specific rules, so it’s always a good idea to review the How It Works page before you place your first bid.
What Kinds of Products Can You Find?
One of the most exciting things about customer return auctions is the sheer variety of products you can discover. Because these items come from major retailers, the inventory is a direct reflection of what people are buying every day. You’ll find everything from high-tech gadgets to designer clothing and everyday household essentials. This mix of returned, overstocked, and sometimes even trade-in merchandise creates a treasure trove for savvy shoppers and resellers.
The key is to keep an open mind and explore different categories. You might log on looking for a new coffee maker and leave with a bid on a pallet of outdoor gear. For small business owners, this is a fantastic way to source a diverse range of high-demand products without dealing with traditional wholesale channels. For bargain hunters, it’s a chance to get the items you want and need for a fraction of their retail price. Let’s look at some of the most common categories you’ll find.
Electronics and Appliances
Electronics are consistently one of the most popular categories in liquidation auctions, and for good reason. You can find everything from laptops and smart TVs to headphones and small kitchen appliances. These items often come from customer returns at major retailers like Amazon and Target, where shoppers have a change of heart or receive a gift they don’t need. While some items may have been opened, many are in like-new condition. This is your chance to score high-value electronics and appliances that would otherwise be out of reach, whether you’re upgrading your home office or sourcing inventory for your resale business.
Fashion and Apparel
The fashion industry sees a massive volume of returns. In fact, total merchandise returns amounted to over $743 billion in just one year, with clothing being a major contributor. This creates a huge opportunity for auction bidders. You can find boxes and pallets filled with apparel, shoes, and accessories from well-known brands—sometimes even luxury labels. It’s not uncommon to find items with the original tags still attached. For resellers, fashion auctions are an incredible way to stock an online boutique with a wide variety of styles without paying full wholesale prices. For personal shoppers, it’s a dream come true.
Home Goods and Furniture
Practical finds are the backbone of many successful auction hauls, and the home goods category is full of them. Think small furniture, kitchenware, home decor, bedding, and tools. These are the items people use every day, making them consistent top-sellers for resellers and amazing deals for anyone looking to furnish a home on a budget. You can find everything from a single high-end vacuum cleaner to a full pallet of assorted decor. Exploring the home and furniture auctions is a great way to discover useful and valuable items that you can either flip for a profit or use to refresh your own living space.
Sports Equipment and Toys
From fitness gear and bicycles to board games and the latest trending toys, this category is all about fun. Customer returns and overstock from big-box stores mean you can often find brand-new or barely used items that are in high demand, especially around the holidays. This is a fantastic category for parents looking for deals on kids' toys or for anyone wanting to build out a home gym without the hefty price tag. For resellers, sports equipment and toys can be a lucrative niche, offering products that have a dedicated and enthusiastic customer base year-round.
Why Should You Try Customer Return Auctions?
If you're looking for a smarter way to shop or source inventory for your business, customer return auctions are a fantastic option. They offer a direct path to acquiring high-quality goods without paying retail prices. For personal shoppers, this means getting that big-screen TV or designer handbag for a fraction of the cost. For resellers, it’s an opportunity to build a profitable business by acquiring inventory at a deep discount.
The core idea is simple: retailers need to move returned and overstock items quickly, and auctions are an efficient way to do it. This process creates a win-win situation. Retailers clear out their warehouses, and you get access to a huge variety of products at incredible prices. From brand-name electronics to pallets of home goods, these auctions open up a world of deals that you just can’t find anywhere else. It’s a straightforward and cost-effective way to get more for your money.
Get Incredible Deals on Inventory
The number one reason people get into customer return auctions is the price. You can genuinely acquire premium merchandise for pennies on the dollar. These aren't just used or unwanted items; many are in like-new condition, returned for simple reasons like the wrong size or color. Because retailers need to process these returns quickly, they sell them in bulk to liquidators, who then auction them off. This means you get to bypass traditional retail markups entirely. You can check out past auctions to see the kind of final prices winning bidders have paid for everything from kitchen appliances to luxury apparel.
Find High-Demand Products
A common myth is that liquidation goods are undesirable, but the reality is quite different. These auctions are filled with products that customers are actively searching for. Think about it: the items being returned are the same ones people were buying just days or weeks before. Before you start bidding, it’s a great idea to do some market research to see what’s currently popular. If you know what your customers want, you can specifically look for pallets or individual items that you know will sell. This gives you a chance to stock up on high-demand inventory from major brands that would otherwise be much more expensive to source.
Buy in Bulk and Save More
For resellers, buying in bulk is the key to scaling your business, and auctions make it accessible. Purchasing an entire pallet of mixed goods dramatically lowers your per-item cost, which directly increases your potential profit margin on every sale. Instead of sourcing items one by one, you can acquire a large volume of inventory in a single transaction. This not only saves you money but also a significant amount of time. Many successful online stores and flea market businesses build their entire operation around inventory sourced from liquidation auctions, allowing them to consistently offer great products at competitive prices.
How to Check Product Quality Before You Bid
The thrill of liquidation auctions comes from the incredible deals, but the real secret to success is knowing how to spot a great find before you place a bid. You can't physically inspect every item, so you have to become a bit of a detective. Doing your homework is the best way to protect your investment and ensure you’re bidding on inventory that will actually make you money. By carefully reviewing the information provided, you can make calculated decisions that lead to profitable flips instead of storage-unit regrets.
Understand Condition Grades
First things first, you need to learn the language of liquidation. Products in these auctions aren't always brand new; they often come from overstock inventory or customer returns. That's why they're assigned condition grades. These grades tell you the state of the item—it could be "New in Box," "Open Box," "Used," or "Salvage." Since major retailers are constantly managing returned products, understanding these conditions is crucial for figuring out an item's resale value. Before you bid, always find the auction's condition guide and get familiar with what each term means. This little bit of research will help you estimate an item's worth and how you'll eventually list it for sale.
Read the Auction Manifest
If you’re bidding on a pallet or a large lot, the manifest is your most important tool. Think of it as a detailed packing list that tells you exactly what’s inside. A "manifested" lot will typically list each item, its quantity, and sometimes even its model number and original retail price. Don't just skim it—read it carefully. This document is the key difference between making a smart purchase and taking a wild guess. It allows you to research individual products, check their current market value, and get a clear picture of your potential profit before you even think about placing a bid on one of our liquidation pallets. Unmanifested lots can offer amazing deals, but they carry a much higher risk.
Analyze Photos and Descriptions
When you can’t see an item in person, the photos and descriptions are your eyes. Don’t just glance at the main picture; click through every available image. Zoom in to look for scratches, dents, or missing accessories. A good auction listing will provide clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles. Next, read the written description from top to bottom. Sellers often include important details here that aren't obvious in the pictures, like "powers on, not fully tested" or "minor cosmetic damage." You can see great examples of detailed listings by looking through our past auctions to get a feel for what to look for.
Set Realistic Profit Goals
Winning an auction feels great, but the goal is to make money. Before you bid, you need a plan for how you'll turn a profit. Use the manifest and photos to research the items' current resale value on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Once you know what you can realistically sell an item for, you can work backward. Factor in the item's condition, any potential repair costs, platform selling fees, and your time. This helps you set a firm maximum bid—a price you won't go over. Knowing what your local customers want to buy helps you acquire inventory with built-in demand, ensuring you won't be left with products you can't sell.
Where to Find Customer Return Auctions
Once you’re ready to start hunting for deals, the big question is: where do you look? Finding the right auction platform is the first step to sourcing great inventory. The good news is you have options, from local specialists who know the DFW market inside and out to massive national marketplaces that work with the biggest names in retail. The key is to find a platform that aligns with the types of products you want to sell and offers a process you feel comfortable with. Let's walk through some of the best places to find customer return auctions.
The Quickbidz Liquidation Platform
For anyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Quickbidz is your home base for liquidation auctions. We specialize in offering a huge variety of premium merchandise, from high-end fashion to the latest electronics, all at a fraction of the retail price. Because we're local, you can often find incredible deals without the headache of cross-country shipping. We host daily auctions featuring everything from single items to entire pallets of goods, making it a perfect resource for both casual bargain hunters and small business owners looking to stock their inventory. Our goal is to make it simple for you to find high-value products for pennies on the dollar.
Other Major Auction Sites
If you want to see what else is out there, a few large-scale platforms operate nationally. B-Stock is one of the world's biggest online marketplaces for returned and overstock goods. It’s a platform where you can buy liquidation inventory directly from major retailers and brands, which is a great option if you’re looking to source products from a specific company. Another site, Direct Liquidation, is an online marketplace that also focuses on selling inventory that retailers need to move. These larger sites can offer a massive volume of products, but be sure to factor in shipping costs and logistics.
Direct from Retailers
Did you know some big-box stores run their own liquidation programs? Many major retailers partner with auction platforms to sell their customer returns and overstock items directly to buyers. For example, you can bid on items directly through the Walmart Liquidation Auction marketplace, which is managed by B-Stock. This can be a smart strategy if you want to specialize in products from a particular store. It gives you a direct line to their returned inventory, allowing you to focus your efforts on brands and product types you already know well.
What to Know Before You Place a Bid
Jumping into an auction is exciting, but a little prep work can make the difference between scoring an amazing deal and ending up with a headache. Before you get caught up in the thrill of the countdown, it’s smart to get a handle on the ground rules. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t buy a car without checking under the hood, and you shouldn’t place a bid without understanding the process.
Taking a few minutes to review the requirements, payment details, and inspection options will help you bid with confidence. It ensures you know exactly what you’re agreeing to and what to expect after you win. This simple due diligence protects you and helps you make smarter purchasing decisions, turning your auction finds into profitable ventures. Let’s walk through the three most important things to check before you commit to a bid.
Check Registration Requirements
Before you can place any bids, you’ll need to create an account. This is more than just choosing a username and password. When you register on an auction site like Quickbidz, you’re also agreeing to the platform’s terms of purchase. These rules outline everything from how bids are placed to what happens if you win. It’s essential to read through them so you understand your responsibilities as a buyer. Taking a moment to understand how it works will ensure a smooth and predictable experience from your first bid to your final purchase. This step protects both you and the seller, making the auction fair for everyone involved.
Review Payment and Shipping Policies
This is a big one. Every auction platform has its own specific rules for payment and pickup, so never assume they’re all the same. Before you bid, find the section on payment and shipping and read it carefully. Look for details on accepted payment methods, when payment is due after an auction closes, and what the options are for getting your items. Since Quickbidz is local to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you’ll want to pay close attention to the pickup schedule and location. Knowing these details upfront helps you plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected fees or forfeited items.
Look for In-Person Previews
One of the best ways to feel confident about your bid is to see the merchandise for yourself. While photos and descriptions are helpful, nothing beats an in-person inspection. Many local auction houses, including Quickbidz, offer preview days where you can come and look at the items before the bidding starts. This is your chance to assess the condition, check for any damage not visible in photos, and get a real sense of the product’s quality and value. For anyone looking to resell, this step is crucial for accurately estimating your potential profit. If you’re in the DFW area, take advantage of this opportunity whenever it’s available.
How to Create a Winning Bidding Strategy
Going into an auction without a strategy is like going to the grocery store without a list—you’ll likely leave with things you don’t need and a much lighter wallet. A winning bidding strategy isn’t about luck; it’s about preparation and discipline. It’s what separates seasoned pros from beginners who get caught up in the excitement and overspend. By thinking through your approach before the auction clock starts ticking, you can bid with confidence and make smarter purchasing decisions.
The key is to treat each auction as a business transaction. Your goal is to acquire inventory at a price that allows for a healthy profit margin. This means knowing your numbers, understanding the product’s true value, and being smart about when you place your bid. The thrill of the win is exciting, but the real victory comes when you resell that item for a profit. Let’s walk through the three core components of a solid bidding strategy that will help you do just that. Understanding how auctions work on a specific platform is the first step to building a plan that succeeds.
Set a Firm Budget
Before you even think about placing a bid, you need to know your absolute maximum price. It’s easy to get swept up in a bidding war, and a firm budget is your anchor. Before you buy any liquidated merchandise, you should have a clear idea of which products will sell and for how much. Your budget should account for more than just the final bid price. Remember to factor in the buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes, transportation costs for pickup, and potential platform fees if you plan to resell online. Once you have that all-in number, stick to it. If the bidding surpasses your limit, let it go. There will always be another auction.
Research the Market Value
Your budget is meaningless if you don’t know what an item is actually worth. Researching the market value is your most important homework. Spend time looking up the items in the auction on resale sites like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace. The key is to filter for sold listings, not just what people are asking for. This tells you what customers are actually willing to pay. You can also review past auctions on Quickbidz to see what similar lots have sold for previously. This research directly informs your maximum bid and helps you identify the true bargains with the highest potential for profit.
Time Your Bids for Success
When you place your bid can be just as important as how much you bid. The final moments of an auction are typically a flurry of activity. Some bidders prefer to place a bid early to show they’re serious, which can sometimes scare off less-committed competition. A more common strategy is "bid sniping," where you place your single best bid in the final seconds of the auction. This gives your opponents very little time to react. However, be aware that many auction sites use a "soft close" feature, which extends the auction by a few minutes if a last-second bid is placed. This prevents sniping from being a guaranteed win, so the best approach is to decide on your maximum price and place it confidently when you’re ready.
Common Challenges to Prepare For
Winning an auction is a huge thrill, but the real work begins after the hammer falls. Like any business venture, reselling liquidation goods comes with its own set of challenges. Thinking through these potential hurdles ahead of time is the best way to protect your investment and set yourself up for success. Instead of seeing them as roadblocks, think of them as part of the process. A little preparation goes a long way in turning a great find into a profitable sale. By knowing what to expect, you can create a solid plan that keeps you focused and ready for whatever comes your way.
Dealing with Unknown Product Conditions
One of the biggest variables in customer return auctions is the condition of the items. Because these products have been handled by customers and processed through a returns system, their state can range from brand new to slightly used or in need of repair. Major retailers face constant inventory challenges when products leave their shelves, and that uncertainty is passed down the line. You’ll encounter terms like “shelf pulls” (unsold items removed from stores) or “salvage” (damaged goods). The key is to factor this risk into your bid. Assume that a certain percentage of your pallet might be unsellable and adjust your maximum bid accordingly. This approach helps protect your profit margin from the start.
Planning for Storage and Logistics
So, you won your first pallet auction—congratulations! Now, where are you going to put it? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of bidding and forget about the practical steps that follow. Before you even place a bid, you need a solid plan for transportation and storage. Do you have a truck or van to pick up your winnings? Is your garage, spare room, or storage unit ready to hold a pallet’s worth of inventory? Efficiently managing your reverse logistics is crucial. Having a designated space to sort, test, and photograph your items will make the entire process smoother and less overwhelming.
Managing Resale Customer Expectations
When you start listing your auction finds for sale, honesty is your best policy. Since you’re often dealing with items that aren’t brand new, it’s essential to be transparent with your own customers. Clearly describe any flaws, scuffs, or missing parts in your product listings. Taking detailed photos from every angle also helps build trust. While it might seem counterintuitive, highlighting imperfections can actually lead to more sales and fewer returns for you. Managing customer expectations from the beginning ensures buyers know exactly what they’re getting, which builds a strong reputation for your resale business.
Considering the Environmental Side
The world of returns has a significant environmental footprint, but as a reseller, you get to be part of the solution. By purchasing customer returns, you are giving products a second life and keeping them out of landfills. This is a powerful selling point you can share with your customers. A growing number of shoppers are concerned about sustainability and prefer to buy from businesses that share their values. Highlighting the eco-friendly aspect of your business can attract buyers who are looking to make more conscious purchasing decisions. You’re not just getting great deals; you’re contributing to a more circular economy and reducing the unwanted merchandise that often goes to waste.
How to Turn Your Auction Finds into Profit
Winning an auction is an exciting moment, but it’s just the first step. The real goal is to turn those incredible finds into a healthy profit. Successfully reselling items from customer return auctions isn't about luck; it's about having a smart, repeatable process. By focusing on a few key areas, you can build a reputation as a trustworthy seller and create a sustainable side hustle or even a full-time business.
The journey from winning a bid to making a sale involves clear communication, strategic pricing, and choosing the right platform for your products. Think of it as setting up your own mini-storefront. Your success depends on how well you present your products and how you treat your customers. Let’s walk through the essential steps to transform your auction inventory into cash. It all starts with being upfront, doing a little homework, and building a solid foundation of trust with every sale you make.
Write Honest Product Descriptions
The golden rule of reselling is transparency. Your customers need to know exactly what they’re buying, so it’s essential to describe the condition of your products accurately. This builds customer trust and helps you avoid the headache of returns and negative reviews. When you write your listings, be detailed and upfront. Take clear photos from multiple angles, and don’t be afraid to show any imperfections like scratches, dents, or missing packaging. If an item from an electronics and appliances pallet is untested, say so. Honesty manages expectations and leads to happier customers who are more likely to buy from you again.
Price Your Items Strategically
Finding a great deal is only half the battle; you also need to price your items to sell. Before you list anything, do some market research. A quick search on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace for the same or similar items will show you the current going rate. This helps you find the sweet spot between attracting buyers and making a good profit. Remember to factor in your initial cost, any selling fees from the platform you’re using, and potential shipping expenses. Looking at past auctions can also give you a sense of an item's value, helping you set a competitive price from the start.
Pick the Right Place to Sell
Where you sell your items can make a huge difference. Different platforms cater to different products and buyers. For large items like home and furniture, local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp are great for avoiding the complexities of shipping. If you have brand-name clothing or accessories, apps like Poshmark and Mercari are designed for that niche. For collectibles, electronics, or items with a broad appeal, eBay opens you up to a national audience. Think about who your ideal customer is and where they already shop. Selling your products in the right place puts them in front of the people most likely to buy.
Build Trust with Your Buyers
Every step you take in the reselling process should be aimed at building trust. A strong reputation is your most valuable asset. It starts with the honest product descriptions we talked about, but it doesn’t end there. You can build more trust by responding to questions quickly and politely, shipping orders as soon as possible, and packaging items securely so they arrive safely. If a customer has an issue, handle it professionally and fairly. When buyers feel confident purchasing from you, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews and become repeat customers, which is the key to long-term success.
Ready to Start Bidding? Here’s How.
Feeling the excitement and ready to find some incredible deals? Getting started with customer return auctions is straightforward when you break it down into a few simple steps. Think of it as your game plan for success. By taking a little time to set yourself up correctly, you’ll be able to bid with confidence and find amazing items for your home or resale business. Let’s walk through exactly what you need to do to place your first bid.
Create Your Quickbidz Account
First things first, you’ll need an account. Choosing a reputable platform is the most important part of this process, as it ensures you’re dealing with legitimate inventory and a secure system. Signing up is simple and gives you immediate access to browse all active auctions. You’ll just need to provide some basic information to get started. Once you’re registered, you can set up alerts for specific categories or items you’re interested in, so you never miss out on a great find. The Quickbidz help section is a great resource if you have any questions while creating your account.
Find Your Product Niche
Before you place a bid, it’s smart to have an idea of what you’re looking for. While it’s tempting to bid on everything that looks like a good deal, focusing on a specific niche can make reselling much more successful. Think about what you know and love. Are you a tech guru, a fashion enthusiast, or a home decor expert? Sticking to a category you understand helps you accurately assess item value and market demand. Spend some time exploring the different product categories to see what sparks your interest and aligns with what customers are looking to buy.
Get to Know the Platform
Spend some time exploring the site before you start bidding. Familiarize yourself with how the auction listings are structured. On Quickbidz, you’ll find that listings are detailed and often include itemized manifests, so you know exactly what’s in each lot. This transparency is key to making informed bids. You’re buying products directly through the auction platform, which means there’s no middleman taking a cut. This direct access is how you get such amazing deals. A great way to learn is by looking through past auction listings to see how they’re formatted and what kind of information is provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real condition of items in these auctions? This is the most common question, and the honest answer is that it varies. You'll find a mix of everything, from brand-new products still in the plastic to items with cosmetic scuffs or that might need a small repair. Many products are simply open-box returns from customers who changed their minds. The key is to read the descriptions and look at the photos carefully, as we are very transparent about the condition of each lot. Assuming not every single item on a pallet will be a perfect A-stock item is a smart way to factor risk into your bid.
Do I need a special business license to buy from Quickbidz? No, you don't need a reseller's permit or a special business license to register and bid on our platform. Our auctions are open to the public, which means anyone can participate. Whether you're a small business owner sourcing inventory or just someone looking for amazing deals for your family, you can create an account and start bidding right away.
Is it better to start with single items or jump right into buying pallets? If you're just starting out, bidding on single items or smaller lots is a great way to learn the process without a large investment. It helps you get comfortable with bidding, payment, and pickup on a manageable scale. Once you have a few wins under your belt and a better feel for what sells, you can move on to pallets. Pallets offer a much lower cost-per-item and higher profit potential, but they also require more space for storage and more time to sort and list.
What happens if I win an auction but can't pick up my items right away? Before you bid, you should always check the specific pickup schedule listed in the auction details. We have designated days and times for winners to collect their items from our Dallas-Fort Worth location. We understand that life happens, but it's important to have a plan for pickup before you commit to a bid. If you don't retrieve your items within the specified window, they may be considered abandoned, so planning ahead is essential.
How much money can I actually make reselling these items? Your profit potential depends entirely on your strategy. The people who are most successful do their homework. They research the market value of items before they bid, set a firm budget to protect their margins, and write clear, honest descriptions when they resell. There isn't a magic number, but by buying inventory for a fraction of its retail cost, you create a significant opportunity for profit. Your success will come from the effort you put into sourcing smart and selling well.