Condition definitions • What buyers should expect
Liquidation merchandise can come from retailers, manufacturers, distributors and other sources. Because terminology can vary across the industry, Via Trading uses the following product conditions to help buyers understand the merchandise offered in our listings.
A product condition describes the general condition buyers should expect. It does not guarantee that every item within a pallet or load will be identical. Condition, packaging, completeness and functionality can vary by retailer, program, product category and individual lot.
Always review the complete listing description before purchasing.
Most Via Trading merchandise falls within four primary product conditions:
| Product Condition | What You Can Typically Expect |
|---|---|
| Master Case | New merchandise in original manufacturer packaging |
| New Overstock | New, unused excess inventory |
| Shelf Pulls | Generally new and unused, but may show signs of retail handling |
| Customer Returns | Mixed-condition merchandise returned by consumers |
This comparison provides general guidance only. The individual listing description always controls.
Master Case merchandise is typically new, complete and packed in its original manufacturer’s case or factory packaging. These products generally have not been displayed or offered for sale in a retail environment.
Master Case merchandise may typically include:
Master Case goods are generally best suited to buyers looking for new merchandise that requires minimal preparation before resale.
New Overstock is excess merchandise that was never sold to a consumer. It may originate from retailers, manufacturers, importers or distributors with surplus inventory, discontinued products, packaging changes or excess seasonal merchandise.
New Overstock may typically include:
Although the merchandise is generally new, packaging styles and packaging condition can vary.
Shelf Pulls are products that were previously offered for sale in a store or online but were removed from active inventory without being purchased by a consumer.
Shelf Pulls are generally new and unused, but they may have been displayed, handled or transported several times.
Shelf Pull merchandise may typically include:
Shelf Pulls normally require less processing than Customer Returns, although buyers should expect to inspect, sort and prepare the merchandise before resale.
Customer Returns are products that were previously purchased by a consumer and then returned to a retail store or online retailer.
Retailers have different return policies and processing procedures. Some returned products may receive only a limited visual inspection before being placed into a liquidation program. As a result, Customer Return loads can contain merchandise in a wide range of conditions.
Customer Returns may typically include:
Customer Return lots should not be assumed to contain any specific percentage of working, complete or immediately resalable merchandise unless that percentage is expressly stated in the listing.
This condition is best suited to buyers who are prepared to inspect, sort, test, clean, repair, repackage and creatively resell merchandise in varying conditions.
New to Customer Returns? Read our complete Customer Returns: What Buyers Should Expect guide before purchasing.
While most Via Trading merchandise falls within the four primary conditions above, listings may occasionally be offered under one of the following additional conditions:
| Product Condition | What You Can Typically Expect |
|---|---|
| Tested-Working | Items tested and considered functional as described in the listing |
| Refurbished | Items restored and tested for functionality |
| Irregulars | Generally new merchandise with cosmetic or manufacturing imperfections |
| Pre-Worn | Previously worn or used clothing, footwear or accessories |
| Defective | Non-working, damaged, incomplete or parts-only merchandise |
The availability of these conditions varies and may be limited to particular product categories, programs or one-time opportunities.
Tested-Working merchandise has been tested and considered functional based on the testing described or represented in the individual listing.
Tested-Working merchandise may originate from Customer Returns, Shelf Pulls, Overstock or other inventory sources.
These products may typically include:
Tested-Working does not necessarily mean an item is new, cosmetically perfect, complete or covered by a warranty.
Testing procedures and standards can vary by program, so buyers should review the individual listing carefully.
Refurbished merchandise consists of products that have been inspected, tested and restored to working condition. Refurbishment may be completed by a manufacturer, retailer or third party.
Refurbished products may typically include:
The refurbishment process, packaging, accessories and warranty coverage can vary. Buyers should rely on the specific information provided in each listing.
Irregulars are generally new products with manufacturing imperfections, cosmetic blemishes or quality-control issues. Depending on the product category, these goods may also be described as “imperfect,” “seconds,” or “scratch-and-dent” merchandise.
Irregular merchandise may typically include:
The type and severity of the imperfection can vary between products and lots.
Pre-Worn merchandise consists primarily of clothing, footwear or accessories that have previously been worn or used.
Pre-Worn merchandise may typically include:
Quality, grading and product mix can vary by program. Buyers should review the specific listing for available grading or processing information.
Defective merchandise consists of items identified as non-working, damaged, incomplete or otherwise unsuitable for conventional resale without additional work.
Defective goods may still offer value to buyers who can repair products, replace components, separate usable items or resell parts.
Defective merchandise may typically include:
Defective merchandise is intended for experienced buyers who understand the product category and have an established process for recovering value from non-working or incomplete products.
Before purchasing liquidation merchandise, buyers should understand:
If you have questions about a specific program, pallet or load, contact your Via Trading Account Manager before purchasing.
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