Cases, pallets, truckloads and inventory availability
Cases 
Single Pallets 
Multi-Pallet 
Truckloads & Containers Via Trading sells liquidation merchandise in quantities ranging from individual cases and pallets to multi-pallet lots and full truckloads. Some merchandise is available regularly, while other inventory is seasonal, limited or completely one-off.
The physical size of a lot does not necessarily indicate its price or value. A case of high-value electronics, for example, may cost more than a pallet of lower-value merchandise.
Understanding lot sizes and inventory availability can help you select merchandise that fits your budget, storage capacity, resale channels and business strategy.
Cases are wholesale lots containing multiple units of merchandise. Depending on the listing, a case may contain one product or an assortment of related products.
The cost, unit count and physical size of a case vary considerably depending on the merchandise.
A single pallet may contain one product, one merchandise category or an assorted mix of products.
Pallets provide another purchasing option between individual cases and larger multi-pallet lots. The number of units, merchandise value and total purchase price can vary significantly from one pallet to another.
Multi-pallet lots contain several pallets sold together as one purchase. They provide more inventory than a single pallet without requiring the purchase of a complete truckload.
Some listings consist of a predetermined group of pallets sold together as one lot. The number of pallets and merchandise included are shown on the individual listing.
Full truckloads offer large quantities of merchandise and may contain dozens of pallets and thousands of units.
The value, assortment and number of units vary according to the merchandise program. Buyers should consider storage space, unloading capabilities, working capital and their ability to process and resell the merchandise.
Certain retailer programs, closeouts and other large-volume purchasing opportunities may be available in quantities greater than one truckload.
These purchases require sufficient capital, storage, unloading capacity, logistics and resale capability. Transportation may involve multiple trailers, containers or coordinated freight arrangements.
The appropriate lot size depends on the specific merchandise, not packaging alone. A case of high-value electronics may require a larger investment than a pallet of lower-value merchandise.
Before choosing a lot, consider:
Review the complete listing and merchandise details rather than assuming that a case is necessarily a smaller investment or that a truckload will always provide the best value.
Liquidation inventory does not always follow a traditional wholesale replenishment model. Some merchandise can be reordered regularly, while other lots may only become available occasionally or once.
Availability can affect how much inventory you purchase, how quickly you sell it and how you plan future inventory needs.
Regular inventory is normally available on an ongoing basis or replenished frequently. Although the exact assortment may vary, buyers can generally expect similar merchandise to become available again.
Regular inventory may help buyers:
This type of merchandise can become the bread-and-butter inventory of a resale business.
Periodic inventory becomes available from time to time but cannot be replenished on demand. There may be substantial gaps between available lots, and the product mix may change from one purchase to the next.
Examples may include:
Buyers should expect:
Because replacement inventory may not be immediately available, buyers may choose to purchase a larger quantity when the right opportunity appears.
Opportunistic inventory consists of unique purchasing opportunities that may not become available again after the current merchandise is sold.
Examples may include:
These opportunities may offer strong resale potential, but buyers should evaluate each lot individually. Once sold, the same merchandise may not be available again.
Potential returns are never guaranteed. Buyers should consider demand, condition, competition, storage costs and the time required to sell the merchandise.
Seasonal inventory includes merchandise for which demand is concentrated during a particular time of year.
Examples include:
Seasonal inventory may be more readily available or attractively priced during the off-season. In liquidation, the largest flow of seasonal merchandise often becomes available after the primary retail selling season has ended. For example, larger volumes of Christmas merchandise may appear after Christmas, Halloween merchandise after Halloween, and other seasonal goods after their relevant selling period.
Buyers with suitable storage and sufficient working capital may choose to purchase merchandise in the off-season and hold it for the next selling season.
This strategy also carries risk. Demand, pricing, storage costs and product relevance may change before the next season.
| Availability Type | Reorder Potential | Typical Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Regular and repeatable | Generally available again | Faster turnover and repeat purchasing |
| Periodic and limited | May return after a delay | Plan ahead and purchase when available |
| One-off and opportunistic | Unlikely to return | Evaluate individually and maximize the opportunity |
| Seasonal | Often most available after the primary selling season | Purchase off-season when appropriate and plan for the next selling season |
Availability classifications describe the expected supply pattern, not a guarantee that any particular product, brand, assortment or lot will remain available.
Inventory may be located at our Los Angeles or Tampa facilities or ship directly from other points of origin throughout the United States.
Each listing identifies the inventory location or FOB point. Location can affect:
Review the listing location before purchasing or requesting a freight quote.
Liquidation inventory is constantly changing. New merchandise becomes available regularly, while limited and opportunistic lots may sell out and never return.
Registered buyers can use Via Trading’s online purchasing tools to:
If you see inventory that fits your business, review the listing carefully and contact an Account Manager with any questions before purchasing.
Browse inventory and pricing without an account. Create your free account when you’re ready to access detailed manifests, shipping quotes and buyer tools.
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