WHOLESALE CLOSEOUTS & SURPLUS MERCHANDISEMeet MRT at a trade show
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BUYING GUIDE

Buying wholesale closeouts: where to start

A practical guide from the MRT closeout notebook.

Stock photograph of a warehouse worker scanning packaged inventory
Stock photography

A good closeout purchase starts with the fit between the merchandise, your customers and the way your business operates. Use these questions to build a more useful buying conversation.

Start with your customer, not just the lot

Choose categories your shoppers already understand. Consider price points, shelf space, seasonality and the pace at which you can realistically sell the merchandise. A larger quantity only helps when it fits your channel and capacity.

Read the inventory details carefully

A useful listing identifies the merchandise and how it is packed. Before asking for pricing, review the case pack and minimum purchase. For date-sensitive goods, confirm the remaining selling window.

  • Brand, description and SKU or UPC
  • Units per case and available case quantity
  • Condition, packaging and assortment breakdown
  • Best-by dates and storage requirements, if applicable
  • Any brand, marketplace or geographic restrictions

Calculate the complete landed cost

The quoted merchandise price is one part of the decision. Ask about freight, pallet counts, unloading requirements and pickup arrangements. Evaluate the full cost of getting sellable merchandise to your business.

Build a focused quote request

Choose the products you want to discuss and enter the case quantities you can use. Include your delivery ZIP, whether you have a dock or forklift, and any timing needs. MRT confirms availability and terms before an order is finalized.

Put the next step in motion.

Explore merchandise or send MRT the inventory you’re ready to sell.

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