A comprehensive guide for buying retail returned items on auction

FAQs - Returned items auction at ALLBIDS

Monday, 10 October 2022 | Mackenzie Haskins

ALLBIDS auctionplace is ranked as Australia’s #1 most trusted auction house by numerous online reviewers. This reputation is what has led to us becoming a preferred distributor of retail returns. With items ranging from electronics to homewares, buying retail returns at online auctions is the leading way to buy returned items in Australia. 

Offering this service at our Caringbah location, we naturally have a lot of questions come through our door about this process. Here are the most frequently asked questions about retail returns and the answers to solve them. 

What are retail returns? 

Retail returns are products that have been returned, are end-of-line or surplus stock, or change of mind customer returns. In some cases, these goods may have had limited use and have been removed from factory packaging. 

Are retailers allowed to sell returned items as new?

This largely depends on the condition and nature of the product. They can sell the returned items if the product remains unopened and in the same condition as the purchase. However, once the product has been removed from its original packaging and has any signs of use or fault, it cannot be sold as new. 

What do retail stores do with returned products?

Online auction houses are the preferred method of reselling retail return goods; this is where many retailers send their returned goods for resale. The benefit of buying known returned items at a trusted auction house is that you guarantee that the items are genuine and don’t risk purchasing a counterfeit item. 

ALLBIDS Caringbah location specialises specifically in the auction of retail return goods. You can trust the staff to use their expertise to provide accurate product descriptions and know that each item is tested for functionality. 

What does ‘open box’ mean?

Open box is a term that refers to returned items that have been previously opened and removed from their original packaging. These items are still classified as new and unused when there are no clear signs of use. These are then repackaged and prepared for auction. 

What is ALLBIDS’ product condition of retail returns?

The product condition of retail returns can vary depending on the severity of use before being returned. This can range from being completely new, to having minor or major faults. 

New: Retail returns classified as new are products that have not been previously used, even if removed from the original packaging. This could include end-of-line goods or change-of-mind returns. 

Minor faults: Retail returns classified as having minor faults mean that they are not in new condition due to small problems with the items. This could include faults like a loose thread or minor scratches, so the item still functions as intended but is not in perfect condition. 

Major faults: Retail returns classified as having major faults are items that differ greatly from the original purpose and description of the item. These goods are often discarded but can also be sold at online auctions with an accurate description of each fault. 

Where to buy return pallets?

Return pallets are pallets of the store’s returned items. This is where major retailers compile all returned items for resale at a larger scale than single items. If you are looking to buy return pallets in Australia, they are typically sold through auction houses due to their trusted reputation. 

Still have more questions? Reach out to our Caringbah team at sydney@allbids.com.au to discuss more about retail returns.