In short
The quickest way to sell surplus or clearance stock in the UK is to a trade stock buyer, who takes the whole parcel in one transaction. To get an offer, send a product list with barcodes, quantities, case sizes, best-before dates, the stock’s location and any restrictions on where it may be resold.
By Shearn Group LTD · Updated
Your options
- Sell to a trade stock buyer or clearance wholesaler: one buyer, one payment, the whole parcel gone. Fastest, at a trade price.
- Sell it yourself through a business-to-business marketplace or auction: potentially a higher price, but slower and with more handling.
- Return it to the supplier, if your terms allow.
- Donate it. Food and household goods can go to redistribution charities, which also avoids disposal costs.
What a buyer needs from you
A buyer can only price what it can see. Send as much of the following as you have:
- Product names with barcodes (EANs).
- Quantities, case sizes and how the stock is palletised.
- Best-before or use-by dates for anything dated.
- Condition: retail-ready, packaging change, damaged outers, customer returns.
- Where the stock is and whether you can load it.
- Your target price, if you have one.
- Any restriction on where the stock may be resold.
Channel restrictions
Brands often care where surplus ends up. If stock must not appear in certain retailers, online marketplaces or regions, say so at the start. A buyer that knows the restriction can place the stock accordingly; one that finds out later may have to walk away.
Timing matters
Surplus loses value as it ages. Dated stock falls in price every week, and seasonal stock is worth far less once the season has passed. Offer it as soon as you know it is surplus.
What to expect from a good buyer
- A quick response, with a clear yes or no.
- A firm price for the parcel, not a price that changes on collection.
- Payment terms agreed before the stock moves.
- Respect for any resale restrictions you have set.
Where Shearn Group fits
Shearn Group buys surplus, clearance, overstock and end-of-line stock in toys, FMCG and confectionery from UK brands, distributors and retailers. Send the details to purchasing@shearngroup.com.