General merchandise pallets will consist of various non category items from a particular retail store chain. If you are new to buying liquidated merchandise you should know that most stores separate merchandise into a few different categories of customer returned pallets:

Electronics: As you would assume TV’s , stereos, telephones, iPods, video games consoles etc. In the case of salvage electronics from Sears, you should note that electronics comes in two different loads…N and Y. The designation of “N” stands for national brands like JVC, Sony, Toshiba, Pioneer and the “Y” stands for store brands only. Y loads are heavy in vacuum cleaners, sewing machines and microwaves.

Apparel: Most large retail department stores mix apparel and sell as one category, while the Federated chain of departments stores will actually separate shelf pulls and customer returns in gender specific lots. Sold as Womens, Mens or Children’s you can chose which niche area to purchase.

Sport / Toys:  Often loads are filled with exercise equipment, outdoor merchandise, large game tables (pool tables / air hockey etc) and toys. Also found in this category will be infant furniture and/or children’s merchandise (strollers, highchairs and carseats).

Domestics: Comforters, blankets, rugs, towels, pillows and small gift ware. Pallets are usually large and bulky, but typically contain a small number of items. On average 30-50 items per pallet

Furniture: Big box retailers sell a ton of whats called “knock down” furniture. This is the cheap particle board book cases, entertainment centers etc. Pallets and truckloads from this category is very inexpensive as you should expect a high rate of damages. Think about it…many people struggle with putting this furniture together once at home. Pieces crack and break very easily and because of this a lot of this furniture makes its way back to the retailer as a customer return. Tip: if you are going to buy this load makes sure to buy a truckload that way you can mix and match broken pieces.

Housewares: Pots, pans, small appliances, silverware, dishes, knives etc. Anything found in the kitchen can be found in this load

General Merchandise: What does not fit in above will go into this category. Mix will vary, but you can expect to receive hardware, home décor, automotive, garden, office supplies, small giftware etc in this category