How To: How We Source Our Inventory, and What to Expect When You Bid
Where Does Our Inventory Come From?
BidFTA offers a wide range of products from various sources in the reverse logistics world. These include:
1. Customer Returns Major retailers process millions of returns each year. Some items are returned for a minor issue — or sometimes no issue! These could be:
- Items that didn’t fit a customer’s space or need
- Products with packaging damage but no issues with functionality
- Items that may have missing pieces but maintain good condition quality
- Instead of heading to a landfill, these items find a second chance through our auction platform.
2. Overstock Retailers often make room for new seasonal items by clearing out dated inventory if there’s a surplus in stock. In some cases, items are removed from retail shelves simply due to packaging updates, discontinued models, or store closures. These overstock items are usually:
- Brand new and unused items that are out of season
- Items in original packaging with limited or no visible wear
- High-demand products from well-known brands with minor cosmetic flaws
3. Bulk Liquidations & Closeouts We also work directly with businesses to help them clear out:
- Seasonal or aged inventory
- Product lines they're no longer carrying
- Assets from closed stores or warehouses
What Should You Expect from BidFTA Inventory? Every item listed in our auctions is categorized with details and condition notes. These are known as our 'Product Conditions' where we provide honest and transparent labels to each item such as:
Brand New - Item is complete and in original packaging. Brand New items often originate from shelf pulls or overstock.
Good Condition – Item is free of major damage or defects. The item may or may not be in the original packaging, packaging may be less than perfect, hardware may be missing, or product may have been opened previously. Minor scrapes, scuffs, chips, or dents may be present. Good Condition items often originate from customer returns, shelf pulls, overstock, or in-store display units.
Working Condition Verified – Item has been turned on and appears to have power. This grade is typically reserved for liquidated restaurant equipment, high value electronics, or high value appliances. Working Condition Verified items often originate from customer returns, restaurant liquidations or business closings.
As Is – Item has not been thoroughly inspected. Item could show signs of use, could be incomplete, or could have obvious damage or defects. There are no guarantees to the condition, quality, or functionality of As Is items. Although we have made our best attempt to accurately identify and describe the item, please be aware the actual item specifics such as brand, size, color, or model number may differ from the auction listing. As Is items often originate from customer returns, shelf pulls, refurbished goods, or store liquidations.
Preview for Condition – Please visit the auction location during the designated preview times to personally inspect this item before bidding. This item could have unique specifications, patterns, or wood grains that are difficult to capture in photos. Item may have been used or have defects. Preview for Condition items often originate from restaurant liquidations, customer returns, overstock, store liquidations, shelf pulls, store displays, or refurbished goods.
This helps you bid with confidence and understand exactly what you’re getting.
Why This Matters to You? By buying through BidFTA, you’re not just getting a great deal — you’re also: Reducing waste by giving returned or excess items a second life
- Saving money on brand-name products at a fraction of the retail price
- Finding something new, where every auction offers something new and exciting
Final Tip: What to Know Before You Bid! Since many of our items come from returns and liquidations, it’s smart to:
- Read the product description closely
- Check photos and product condition
- Factor in any fees while bidding
That’s the thrill of the auction — big savings with a bit of savvy!
