Top Platforms for Selling Excess Inventory in E-commerce

mark599704
Apr 18
5 min read

Every e-commerce business, big or small, eventually faces the same challenge: what to do with unsold stock. Whether it’s due to seasonal trends, overordering, or changes in demand, excess inventory can pile up fast and eat into your profits. The good news? There are plenty of platforms out there that make it easier to clear out that inventory and recover some of your investment.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the top platforms you can use to sell excess inventory, whether you’re looking to move it in bulk, sell directly to customers, or find a niche audience.

Wholesale and Discount Retail Sites

Overstock.com

Overstock.com partners with sellers to list extra inventory at discounted prices. They cater to a wide customer base and specialize in categories like home goods, furniture, and clothing. Sellers must be approved, but once accepted, you get access to a platform focused on clearance deals.

Tanga

Tanga works with businesses to feature deeply discounted products on a deal-focused platform. They often bundle marketing support, which helps move inventory faster. If you have a large volume of low-cost goods, this site can be a strong partner.

DealNews

While DealNews doesn’t sell directly, it helps you promote your discounted products by linking to your listings on other sites. Think of it like a deal aggregator—it drives traffic to your sale items, which can be helpful if you’re trying to give clearance products a visibility boost.

Dynamic Distributors

Dynamic Distributors is a wholesale buyer & seller that focuses on purchasing excess, overstock, and closeout inventory directly from retailers, manufacturers, and distributors.

They operate across various categories, including beauty overstock, toys & games, wholesale lights, and pet supplies. Sellers can liquidate large volumes of stock in a single transaction, without needing to manage individual listings or buyers.

The company handles logistics and payment, simplifying the offloading process for businesses with bulk inventory. Dynamic Dis works with both small and large sellers, offering flexible purchasing solutions based on inventory size and type. This platform is ideal for businesses looking for a fast and hassle-free way to clear out unsold or surplus products in bulk.

B2B Marketplaces Built for Liquidation

B-Stock

B-Stock runs auction-based marketplaces where businesses can sell overstock and returned goods directly to verified buyers. Major retailers use it to quickly move large quantities of inventory. It’s great for businesses that need to offload a lot of stock at once, especially if they prefer dealing with other businesses rather than individual customers.

Liquidation.com

Liquidation.com has been around for a while and is a go-to destination for many sellers looking to move returns, shelf pulls, or excess merchandise. You can list items in bulk, either by category or mixed lots, and choose between auctions or fixed prices. It’s convenient for sellers who deal in general merchandise, electronics, or clothing.

Direct Liquidation

This platform works directly with big names like Walmart and Lowe’s to resell their excess and returned items. It offers a variety of product categories and allows other sellers to list their inventory as well. The site connects you with a broad network of buyers who are ready to purchase in bulk.

BULQ

BULQ makes it easy to sell surplus stock thanks to its curated lot system and detailed product manifests. Sellers don’t need to deal with individual listings or price each item—they can group them and sell them as one lot. It’s a practical choice for sellers who want simplicity and transparency in the liquidation process.

Mainstream Marketplaces for B2C and B2B Sales

eBay

When it comes to reselling almost anything, eBay remains a powerhouse. It works for both single items and bulk lots, giving you flexibility in how you offload your excess. Whether you’re selling last season’s clothing or discontinued electronics, you’ll find buyers from around the world. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require much setup.

Amazon (Outlet and Warehouse Deals)

If you already sell on Amazon, there are two built-in options for moving excess stock: Amazon Outlet and Warehouse Deals. Outlet is designed for brand-new overstock items, while Warehouse Deals focuses on used or open-box products. These programs do have specific requirements, but if you qualify, they can be powerful tools to keep your inventory flowing.

Alibaba / 1688

For those with large inventories, Alibaba and its domestic counterpart, 1688, offer access to wholesale buyers worldwide. These platforms are mainly used for business-to-business sales, making them perfect for suppliers or manufacturers looking to offload products in bulk. Keep in mind that getting started takes some time and paperwork.

Niche Platforms for Specific Products

Poshmark and Depop

If you’re sitting on piles of unsold fashion items, Poshmark and Depop are worth exploring. They’re community-driven platforms where users shop for trendy, secondhand, and discounted fashion. While they cater to individual listings, they’re ideal for sellers in the apparel and accessories space trying to clear seasonal or overproduced stock.

Newegg

Newegg is tailored for electronics, which makes it an excellent platform if your excess inventory includes tech gear, gadgets, or computer components. It draws a tech-savvy customer base and offers tools to help sellers manage listings and orders. You’ll need to apply as a seller, but once you're in, it’s a strong channel for this category.

Faire

Faire connects boutique brands with independent retailers. If your inventory includes handmade, artisanal, or unique items, this wholesale platform can help you find the right buyers. It’s not for everyone, but if your brand fits the niche, it can be a great way to sell surplus products without deep discounting.

Local and Peer-to-Peer Platforms

Facebook Marketplace

One of the easiest and fastest ways to move inventory locally is through Facebook Marketplace. You can list items in minutes and connect directly with buyers in your area. It’s ideal for bulky items or things that are too expensive to ship profitably.

Craigslist

Craigslist is another local option that still works well for certain types of inventory, especially tools, furniture, or equipment. There are no listing fees, and you can arrange in-person pickups, which helps save on shipping.

OfferUp

OfferUp, which acquired Letgo, is a mobile app that allows for quick and local listings. It’s user-friendly and best for moving small batches of inventory directly to consumers in your area. If you’re in a pinch to clear space fast, it’s worth a shot.

Conclusion

Excess inventory doesn’t have to be a dead end. Whether you’re looking to recover some cash, clear space, or make room for new products, there’s a platform that fits your business model. The key is to match your inventory type and volume with the right sales channel. With the right strategy and platform, you can turn dead stock into an opportunity.