General merchandise clearance: homewares, toys, electronics and more

General merchandise covers everything that isn't food, clothing or beauty, and that's a lot of ground. Homewares, toys, electronics, stationery, hardware, gifts and seasonal lines all end up surplus for the same old reasons: a cancelled order, a model update, a range review, or a season that didn't sell through.

We have been buying general merchandise for over 30 years. We buy the parcel ourselves and resell it through our own buyers, with no broking fees. Mixed, messy parcels are fine too.

What general merchandise do you buy?

We buy most non-food consumer goods, in any quantity, from anywhere in Australia, New Zealand and overseas.

One example of how big these parcels can get: we sold 27 semi-trailers of a discontinued paint product.

What makes general merchandise easier or harder to sell?

Each part of general merchandise has its own sticking point.

Seasonal and Christmas stock depends on timing. Offer it early enough and buyers can still put it on shelves. Miss the window and only buyers who can store it for twelve months are interested, so fewer buyers are in the running.

Toys and licensed products sell on the name. Licensed children's products are far easier to sell than unbranded ones because parents and children recognise them instantly. But licence agreements can restrict territories and channels, and characters do go out of fashion. Toys also have to meet Australian safety standards. Make sure you know your obligations before stock is sold on.

Electronics date quickly. A superseded model still works perfectly, but the price falls as each new model arrives, so speed matters. Buyers want to know about warranty, accessories, plug type and whether the boxes are complete.

Homewares and stationery often come as parcels with hundreds of styles in small quantities. They sell well when the spreadsheet is clear and the photos show the range.

Hardware tends to be steady. Padlocks and springs don't go out of fashion, but mixed brands and part-cartons need a clear list.

If something is wrong with the stock, such as packaging, labelling or a fault, tell us. We are transparent with buyers and can often still find one.

How do brand owners protect their brand?

You tell us where the stock can't go, and we follow it. Our first guarantee is "We strictly follow your guidelines in relation to pricing and distribution locations."

For general merchandise that usually means one of these:

• Keeping it away from your main retail accounts, so they don't see your product cheaper down the road.
• Exporting it to overseas buyers, where it doesn't touch your home market.
• Sending it through charities, which suits household basics and children's products.
• Selling to discount chains, who often take whole parcels but only where you're happy for them to.

Our guide to protecting your brand when clearing stock has more on this.

What should I send you?

A stock list spreadsheet and photos are all we need. For general merchandise, include:

1. SKU, description and model number
2. Quantity per line, and the carton configuration
3. Cost or RRP, if you're happy to share
4. Photos of the product, the retail packaging and the outer cartons
5. For electronics: model year, condition, warranty status and plug type
6. For licensed lines: the licence, and any territory or channel limits
7. For seasonal stock: which season it was made for
8. Location, and whether it's on pallets

Collection is flexible and agreed per parcel. We can arrange it, or you can deliver.

Real general merchandise parcels we've handled

These are real parcels. Brands and prices stay confidential.

• 1,440 units of homewares in 218 styles, from a company liquidation, with an RRP over $30,000.
• 62,000 licensed children's tumblers, plates, cutlery and bowls, also from a company liquidation.
• 24,000 Christmas decorations: stars, discs and hearts in 12 colours, offered after the season.
• Leading-brand full HD LED TVs and 1,400 full HD camcorders, both discontinued electronics.
• 6,980 leather iPhone covers.
• 118,000 units of stationery in 138 styles and 54,376 units of children's stationery.
• 4,378 padlocks, shade sails, BBQ covers and springs.
• 47,000 units of children's fairy products, including dolls, bed sheets, toys, DVDs and hats.

What if the range is being discontinued or the business is closing?

Then we're often the quickest single exit. See our pages on discontinued stock and administrators and liquidators. If you're not sure what the parcel is worth, start with how much is my stock worth.

When you're ready, send us your stock list or call John on 0411 430 047.