Introduction
Bin stores are a bargain-hunter’s dream – whether you will use the items for yourself, or try to resell them. However, it is good to have a game plan when visiting. If not you may walk away with items you overpaid to buy, broken items, or just a whole lot of frustration. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you shop smart, find the best deals, and make the most of every bin store visit.
1. Understand the Bin Store Pricing System
Many bin stores start the week with a flat price and lower it daily until the next restock. Learn the pattern so you know when to strike.
An example of a bin store pricing schedule:
$12 Saturday, $10 Sunday, $7 Monday, $5 Tuesday, $3 Wednesday, $1 Thursday, $0.50 or $10 fill a bag Friday
2. Know the Restock Schedule
The majority of bin stores restock once a week on a specific day. Some may choose to restock twice a week or even replenish bins throughout the week. The restock day usually has the best inventory, but also the biggest crowds.
Tip: Follow your local store’s social media for restock announcements. Sometimes they show sneak peaks of what will be available the upcoming week.
3. Arrive Early for the Best Selection, Later for Lowest Price
If you shop on restock day, you will have the first pick of high-demand items. Often there is a long line of customers waiting for the store to open. With the high volume of shoppers on restock day, the best items may be gone within the first few hours of the store opening.
If you shop later in the week, prices drop significantly but there will be less available in the bins, plus what is there will be of lower value. Items may also be broken or incomplete, as days of rough handling by other customers can cause damage. Bring your patience as the low price day and fill a bag days tend to be very busy.
For shoppers that can’t handle crowds, going during the week is a great option. There should still be a decent selection of items left in the bins, but with less frenzy than restock or low price day. You may pay more than you would on the last day, and you will have less selection than on the restock day, but in exchange for a calmer shopping experience.
Tip: Decide whether you want selection or the lowest price — you rarely get both.
4. Bring the Right Gear
A reusable shopping bag or tote. Some stores have carts and totes, some do not. On busy days they may run out and you’ll be shopping with your hands full.
Gloves if you don’t want to handle dusty or dirty items. Liquidation items have been moved around and handled multiple times and condition may vary.
A smartphone for quick price checks and product research. Make sure you don’t overpay by checking the price of an item online. Researching the product can tell you features, information, and how the item works. You can also check for reviews to see if it is reliable and something you can use.
5. Inspect Everything Carefully
The items sold at bin stores may have missing parts, damage, the wrong item inside a box, expired dates, etc. Make sure that you inspect every item that you intend to purchase.
These issues are not done purposely by the store. Since they purchase liquidation and big box store return items, they have no way of knowing the condition of items. They purchase in bulk and put items in the bins untested and unchecked.
Some bin stores do have a separate section where they sell items at a set price. This is more of a liquidation store model, and these higher priced, non-bin items may (and really should) have some sort of guarantee that they are in working condition.
6. Be Respectful but Assertive
Bin stores can get competitive. Stay polite, but don’t be afraid to claim an item if you grab it first. Avoid arguments as there is always another deal in the next bin. If you have any issues, store employees are there to help if you ask.
7. For Resellers: Think Ahead
If you’re buying to resell:
Research items on your selling platforms of choice before checkout. Ensure the item sells well and that you will make a profit after purchase price, selling fees and shipping costs.
Watch out for brand restrictions on resale platforms. Some brands are very aggressive in removing their items. Also, since you do not know where the item originated, there is no way of proving that your item is not counterfeit.
Conclusion
Bin stores are part treasure hunt, part strategy game. By knowing when to shop, what to bring, and how to navigate the chaos, you can turn each trip into a fun, positive, and maybe even profitable adventure.