How to Generate Cash Flow with Clearance Stock: A Step-by-Step Guide Clearing out excess stock can be one of the most stressful tasks for any retailer or business owner. However, what most people do not consider is that when done strategically, stock clearance can be honed into an opportunity to not only free up space but also make a significant profit.
In this blog, we will explore how to profit from clearance stock, focusing on methods that maximise returns and boost cash flow.
If you’ve seen other businesses excelling and ever wondered how liquidation sales can help sell excess inventory for profit, read on because we will also be going over the ultimate strategy that can help you dominate the competition!
Understanding Clearance Stock and Its Benefits
Excess inventory is a common issue for businesses, but turning that surplus into profit can change the game. Warehouse clearance stock refers to products that a business needs to sell quickly, usually due to overstocking, discontinued lines, or changes in seasonality.
If you’re new to working with excess stock buyers and want to learn why they’re essential for your business, read our blog on Why Excess Stock Buyers Are Essential for Your Business to get all the insights.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Stock Clearance Sales
Liquidation is not without its risks. While the benefits are attractive, there are potential downsides to consider.
● Protect Your Brand
Frequent liquidation sales can damage your brand’s reputation. Customers may begin to associate your business with discounted products, lowering the perceived value of your offerings. Limit liquidation events to maintain your brand’s integrity.
● Manage Supplier Relationships
Constantly selling products at below-market prices can strain relationships with suppliers. If they believe you’re devaluing their goods, they may be reluctant to continue working with you. Keep an open line of communication with your suppliers during the liquidation process.
● Partner with Surplus Solutions Group
You can avoid all the pitfalls of clearance sales if you opt for liquidated stock clearance in the UK through a third-party service provided by Surplus Solutions Group. We have contracts in place to protect the privacy of our client companies, and we ensure that we give you the best value on your excess stock so you can turn a profit even if you haven’t made any sales.
How Liquidation Sales Help Profit from Clearance Stock
Inventory liquidation is a go-to strategy for many businesses looking to get quick returns on their excess stock. Liquidation involves selling off surplus goods at reduced prices, either through a third party or directly to customers, converting your inventory into fast cash.
● Improve Cash Flow
Liquidation provides an immediate cash injection, improving your overall liquidity. Businesses often choose liquidation when they need to free up funds for more profitable ventures.
● Reduce Storage Costs
The longer excess stock stays on your shelves, the more you pay for storage. The warehouse charges can add up to a ridiculous amount, especially if your stock is not being well-received by your customers. When you sell off all your surplus inventory in bulk, you can eliminate these expenses and redirect resources towards high-performing products.
● Make Room for New Stock
Excess stock limits your business from launching new, more desirable products. As you get rid of all the underperformaing items, you will start to see more space being cleared up for new merchandise that better fits your brand. Additionally, this also allows you to align your business with current market trends by introducing topical changes to your product catalogue.
How to Effectively Clear Out Excess Stock
Effective inventory management is crucial in ensuring that excess stock doesn’t become a burden. Below are the steps to clear out your stock while maintaining profit margins.
● Step 1: Conduct an Inventory Turnover Review
Before jumping into the clearance process, take stock of your inventory. Reviewing your inventory turnover rate (the number of times your stock is sold and replaced during a period) will give you a clearer picture of what products are underperforming. Items with low turnover are perfect candidates for liquidation.
● Step 2: Assess Product Value
Not all clearance stock should be treated equally. Some items may still hold significant value despite being surplus. For example, products that are part of a discontinued line might attract collectors or bargain hunters willing to pay more than expected.
● Step 3: Choose the Best Liquidation Method
Inventory liquidation offers a simple yet effective method to clear out excess stock. However, not all liquidation strategies are created equal. Here’s how to approach it in a way that maximises your profit.
Sell Directly to Discount Retailers
One option is to sell your clearance stock directly to discount retailers or auction houses. This cuts out the middleman and can result in higher profits. While you may sell products below retail price, you still recover a portion of your initial investment.
Find a Trusted Liquidation Partner
Partnering with a reputable liquidation company can simplify the process of selling your excess stock. Liquidators typically buy products in bulk and pay upfront, allowing you to offload unsold inventory quickly. Ensure that the liquidation partner you choose specialises in your industry for better results.
A reliable liquidation partner like Surplus Solutions Group can even help you turn a profit from selling excess stock. This is why most companies in the UK prefer working with us for stock clearance instead of selling their stock by themselves or going to discount retailers.
● Step 4: Go Over the Contract
Once you get in touch with a liquidation partner or discount buyer, you will either be presented with a contract or an offer. Most companies are in the habit of low-balling to get discounted rates on merchandise, so it’s better to work with an ethical liquidation partner with a history of satisfied clients. Surplus Solutions Group’s reputation in the UK speaks for itself.
● Step 5: Finalise
After you are satisfied with your offer, you can go ahead and finalise the deal.
For a detailed guide on the process of selling your surplus stock, check out our blog on The Process of Selling Your Surplus Stock: What to Expect to make the most of your excess inventory.
To Wrap Up
Liquidation can be an invaluable tool for selling off excess inventory while maintaining profitability. You can clear out stock and increase your bottom line by choosing the right liquidation method, protecting your brand, and implementing a solid strategy.
If you’re looking to improve cash flow, reduce storage costs, and make room for new inventory, consider contacting Surplus Solutions Group to be your liquidation buyers today!