Overstocks of food packaging: 55 items, 792 cartons

This is a parcel of food packaging overstocks we offered to our buyers. It was held in Sydney, and we were open to selling it whole or split.

What was in the parcel?

55 different items and 792 cartons in total. Sample lines included:

Why do businesses end up with packaging overstocks?

Packaging is bought in big minimum runs. Then a menu changes, a product is dropped, a supplier changes or a customer cancels. The cartons sit in the warehouse and start costing rent. Over time they can turn into dead stock.

What makes it sellable, and what makes it hard?

It doesn't spoil and it's usually plain and unbranded, which suits many buyers. It's also bulky for its value, so freight matters.

The difficulty is the range. 55 lines means many small quantities, and some lines are only one or two cartons. A buyer usually wants the popular sizes, so the odd lines need a home too. We deal with that so the seller doesn't have to.

Who typically buys food packaging?

• Wholesalers and distributors supplying cafes, takeaways and caterers
• Discount chains selling party and kitchen consumables
• Overseas buyers
• Charities running food programs

That spread of buyers sits behind our work across food and grocery. For the broader picture, see our guide to overstocks.

What should a seller with similar stock do?

Get a full list together. With 55 lines, the spreadsheet is what makes a quick offer possible.

1. Send us a stock list spreadsheet (SKU, description, quantity, cost or RRP if you're happy to share, and any best-before dates), a few photos and the location of the stock. Email it to john@coorey.com or call John on 0411 430 047.
2. John discreetly surveys the market to find out what the stock is worth.
3. In most cases, he makes an offer to buy all of it.

We buy the parcel ourselves, so there's no fee. Start with selling your excess stock.