If you have never been to an Amazon bin store, you are missing out on one of the most exciting ways to save money. These liquidation centers buy truckloads of customer returns and overstock items from major retailers and sell them at massive discounts.
However, shopping at a bin store is not like walking into a standard retail shop. It is a fast-paced treasure hunt. To help you score the best electronics, home goods, and toys, here are five essential tips for your first trip.
1. Bring Your Own Heavy-Duty Bags Most bin stores do not provide shopping carts, and carrying an armful of boxes gets exhausting quickly. The seasoned professionals always bring large, durable tote bags (like the big blue IKEA bags). This keeps your hands free so you can quickly dig through the bins without dropping your items.
2. Learn the Restock Schedule Timing is everything. Bin stores operate on a dropping-price model. On “Restock Day” (usually a Thursday or Friday), the price is at its highest—typically $10 to $15 per item. This is when the bins are packed with high-value items like tablets, gaming headsets, and kitchen appliances. If you want the expensive items, you must arrive early on restock day. If you want cheap clothing or phone cases, wait until the $1 or $2 days at the end of the week.
3. Always Open the Box The items in these bins are often customer returns or damaged box goods. Because of this, it is crucial that you open the box before you buy it. Check to ensure all the parts, power cords, and accessories are actually inside.
4. Use the Testing Station Most reputable bin stores have a designated “Testing Station” against the wall equipped with power outlets and batteries. Before you purchase any electronic device, take it to the testing station, plug it in, and make sure it powers on. Almost all sales at liquidation stores are completely final, so you want to ensure the item works before handing over your cash.
5. Bring Protective Gloves This might sound strange, but after an hour of digging through cardboard boxes, plastic packaging, and loose items, your hands will get dry and scratched. Bringing a pair of lightweight, grippy gloves will make your digging experience much more comfortable and protect your hands from sharp plastic edges.
With these tips in your arsenal, you are ready to conquer your local liquidation center. Head over to our state directory to find the closest bin store near you and start saving!