E-commerce is one of the best business models to have nowadays. With global sales skyrocketing to over $6.9 trillion in 2025, you can bet on this model and how you will get profits. However, e-commerce businesses need to face product returns and this comes in a high rate, making this business even better for another demographic: liquidation buyers.
Return rates for e-commerce can reach as high as 30%, which is more than any traditional retail. These returned products are often disposed of or never go back into stock. This is when bulk buyers come in and can get a goldmine.
As a bulk buyer, you can access sales with products that are almost 100%. Many of them are not in bad shape or poor quality, but just returned because customers changed their mind.
You will be getting these high-quality pieces a lot less than the regular customer. At Coastal Surplus Solutions, we help businesses tap into this goldmine by sourcing high-quality returned merchandise at attractive prices.
Before you jump in, we will guide you through this page about how you have been missing a massive business opportunity.
Why Are E-Commerce Returns So High?
According to Outvio reports, the average return rate in e-commerce is around 20%, but some categories like clothing rate as high as 26%.
This is a massive rate considering how traditional retail does not surpass 10% for more categories, and many even rate around 5%.
But what causes these returns? Several factors are driving them:
- Products don’t fit or match expectations. Since it is hard to see the real item during online shopping, many clients return the pieces.
- Items are damaged or defective, which can be caused by shipping logistics as well.
- Customers changing their minds is frequent. They get the product, and thanks to return policies, they can get fully refunded.
The online shopping experience is comfortable for everyone. However, businesses face lots of challenges with the policies they must follow, and how this becomes a decline in their profits.
What you get from this as a bulk buyer is having an increased flow of surplus inventory, which you can capitalize on.
The Hidden Value in Those Returned Goods
Damaged, defective, or low-quality. While these are the main reasons for customer returns, they are not always true (or the only reason).
You can find unique and amazing pieces in surplus goods. Many of the returns for clothing or supplies happen because how customer changed their mind, not because of damaged items.
This is why not all returned items are unsellable, making them the perfect point to get your own products for sale or use.
Research shows that approximately 60% of returns can be resold either as-is or with minor refurbishment. This creates a vast pool of quality merchandise available at steep discounts.
What do you access as a bulk buyer?
- Brand-new products at amazing prices and under great terms. All thanks to how liquidation deals take place later on.
- Overstock and customer returns from top brands are found here. This either helps you buy in bulk for your project or business.
- Like-new products are common, but they often come in great quality and condition.
- Access to diverse inventory across categories. Are you a contractor looking for materials and safety gear? Or a company trying to equip facilities with electronics and supplies? You will find it all.
Coastal Surplus Solutions specializes in sourcing these returned goods. You can find us and get all the help to achieve cost reduction while maintaining product quality.
How Are E-Commerce Returns an Actual Gold Mine for Liquidation Buyers?
Everything boils down to four benefits:
- Cost savings. Since you purchase returned merchandise, it comes at a fraction of the original price. You maximize margins as a result and get a whole experience with your customers or for your own use.
- More diversity. You are not limited to only a few products or items. Instead, you access a wide range, which enables you to offer more to your own customers.
- Liquidation deals are the best way to have a business with sustainable practices. Surplus goods and returned goods help reduce waste since you give items a second chance. This helps product circulation and keeps items away from the landfill.
- Market responsiveness. You can adapt to trends by sourcing in-demand products through return channels. If people are buying them, you need to be selling them.
Why Partner with Us to Start Your Gold Mine
Coastal Surplus Solutions is a unique company specialized in connecting businesses and individuals with surplus goods and liquidation deals.
We have direct access to e-commerce returns as well, helping you get the most out of your budget.
Our expertise in quality assessment and pricing strategies assists you in maintaining balance in quality, what you need, and the price you are paying.
Finally, we handle all steps in shipping and streamline logistics, saving you more costs and making bulk buying hassle-free.
According to Oboloo’s declarations, partnering with reputable companies or liquidators, you get a well-structured and efficient process for managing surplus inventory and optimizing returns.
Contact us today and have our team be your sole sourcing partner for all the e-commerce returns in the world. You will reap out every key benefit and have reputable experts working on your requests.
