How bin stores work
A bin store sells retail returns and overstock from large open bins at one flat price per item, and that price drops every day of the week until the store restocks.
Where the merchandise comes from
Large retailers cannot resell many returned or excess items at full price. They sell those goods in bulk through liquidation channels, by the pallet or the truckload. Bin store owners buy these loads and pour them into bins without sorting each item. Amazon returns are the most common source, which is why many shoppers call them Amazon bin stores. Target, Walmart and other retailers' returns also reach the bins.
Why the price drops every day
A bin store sets one price for every item in the bins and lowers it each day. The first day after restock has the highest price and the best choice. The last day has the lowest price and the picked-over leftovers. The falling price keeps stock moving so the bins are empty before the next load arrives.
Across the 79 stores in our directory that publish a full weekly price list, the median full price is $10 per item and the median last-day price is $1.
| Day | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest price day | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 56 | 19 | 0 |
| Closed day | 13 | 11 | 15 | 72 | 18 | 11 | 38 |
Which day to go
Go on the first day after restock if you want specific or high-value items such as electronics, small appliances or name-brand clothing. Go on the last days if you want the lowest price and do not mind searching longer. In our directory, Friday is the most common full-price day and Thursday the most common closed day.
Bin store, Amazon bin store and liquidation store
A bin store uses one flat price per item for everything in the bins. An Amazon bin store is a bin store whose stock is mainly Amazon returns; Amazon does not own these stores. A liquidation store sells the same kind of returned and overstock goods, but often prices each item or sells whole pallets. Many local businesses run bins and a liquidation floor in the same building.
Tips for shopping a bin store
- Check the store's Facebook or Instagram page for this week's prices and restock day before you drive.
- Arrive at opening time on the first day if you want the best items.
- Open boxes and test electronics at the testing station if the store has one.
- Bring your own bags, and ask whether the store accepts cards or only cash.
- Treat every purchase as final sale unless the store posts a return policy.
Bin store FAQs
Where do bin stores get their merchandise?
Bin stores buy truckloads and pallets of customer returns, overstock, shelf pulls and closeout goods from large retailers and liquidation brokers. The store does not choose each item, so stock changes every week.
Are bin store items new?
Many items are new or open-box, but some are used, missing parts or damaged, because returns are not checked one by one before they reach the bins. Inspect each item before you pay.
Can you return items bought at a bin store?
Most bin stores sell everything as final sale. A few allow exchanges for store credit on the same day. Ask at the counter before you buy.
Why are bin stores closed one day a week?
Bin stores close one day to empty the bins and restock them with a new load. The day after the closed day usually has the highest price and the most new stock.