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Case studyUpdated By John Coorey

Obsolete inventory: massive stationery parcel of 118,000 units

This obsolete inventory parcel held 118,000 stationery units across 138 styles, with an RRP of over $227,000. Obsolete to the supplier doesn't mean unsellable. Stationery still has plenty of buyers once it's off the main retail shelf.

This was a massive parcel of obsolete stationery inventory: 118,000 units across 138 styles, with an RRP of over $227,000. We offered it to our buyers with a full stock-on-hand listing and images, and didn't publish the price, to preserve our client's confidentiality.

How does stationery become obsolete inventory?

Range changes. A supplier updates designs, loses a retail listing or rebrands its packaging, and the old stock no longer fits. It sits in the warehouse, it's written down on the books, and it costs money to store. Every month it stays there, the storage bill grows and the designs date a little more. Selling it frees up space and turns a write-down back into cash.

What makes obsolete stationery sellable?

  • It's still useful. A pen or notebook works the same whether it's this season's design or last.
  • No expiry dates.
  • A wide pool of buyers. Discount stores, newsagents, gift shops, schools suppliers and charities all sell stationery.

What makes it harder?

  • Scale. 118,000 units is more than most single retailers can take.
  • Range spread. 138 styles means buyers need detail to choose.
  • Dated designs can narrow the market for some lines.

A clean stock-on-hand listing solves most of this. It lets a buyer pick what they want, or take the whole lot.

Who buys obsolete stationery?

Discount chains, wholesalers, overseas buyers and charities. Each has different reasons, so we structure the offer to suit them and keep stock away from the channels you want protected. Our page on dead stock explains more.

What should you do with obsolete inventory?

First, talk to your accountant about how it sits on the books. Our guide on writing off obsolete stock explains the general rules. Then send us:

  1. A stock-on-hand spreadsheet: SKU, description, quantity, and cost or RRP if you're happy to share.
  2. Photos of each style.
  3. Where the stock is.

John discreetly surveys the market to find out what it's worth. In most cases he makes an offer for all of it. If he can't, he gives his best advice on how to sell it.

See the general merchandise we buy, or sell your excess stock now.

Obsolete stock on the books?

Share the details of your stock, attach a stock list or photos if you have them, and we’ll get back to you personally.

Stock list, photos & documents optional

Drop files or folders here, or browseTap to add photos & filesSpreadsheets, photos, PDFs, videos — any size, as many as you like

    Your details stay confidential. Prefer to talk? Call John on 0411 430 047.

    John Coorey

    Managing Director, Coorey and Co. Buying and selling excess stock for over 30 years.

    Frequently asked questions

    What counts as obsolete inventory?

    Stock that no longer fits the business's range or sales plan, even if it's in perfect condition. It's often written down on the books long before it leaves the warehouse.

    Should I write off obsolete inventory or sell it?

    Selling it can turn it back into cash. The tax and accounting treatment is a question for your accountant. Our guide on writing off obsolete stock explains the general rules.

    Is 138 styles too many for a buyer?

    Not with a good stock-on-hand listing. It lets us offer the parcel whole or split it.

    Will you publish my prices or brand?

    No. We don't publish prices online, to preserve our client's confidentiality.

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