How bin stores work
A plain-English guide to bin stores, liquidation outlets and daily price drops.
Where the merchandise comes from
Big retailers and online sellers end up with returned items, overstock and shelf pulls they don't want to process one by one. They sell them in bulk (by the pallet or truckload) through liquidation companies. Bin stores buy those loads and sell the contents to shoppers. Because the store doesn't check every item, you'll find new, open-box and sometimes damaged or incomplete things side by side.
One price per day
Instead of tagging every item, a bin store sets one price for everything in the bins each day. The price is highest on restock day and goes down each day after. A typical week starts around $8–$12 per item and ends at $1 or less, but every store sets its own schedule.
Restock day
Most stores restock once a week, and many close the day before (or the morning of) restock to refill the bins. Some restock twice a week. Restock day usually draws a crowd and sometimes a line before opening.
Tips for shopping a bin store
- Check the store's page the morning you go. Stores post price changes, holiday hours and special sales on Facebook.
- Go early on restock day for the best picks, or late in the week for the lowest prices.
- Inspect items before you pay. Open boxes, test what you can, and look for missing parts. Most bin stores don't take returns.
- Ask about “shelf” or “VIP” items. Many stores pull higher-value items out of the bins and price them separately.
- Bring a bag or box, and check payment rules, since some stores charge a card fee.
Bin stores vs. Goodwill Outlets
Goodwill Outlet centers are also nicknamed “the bins,” but they usually sell donated goods priced by the pound. This directory focuses on bin stores that sell returns and overstock at one daily price.