I’ve always been a bit of a bargain hunter, but a few years ago, I stumbled upon something that took my hobby to a whole new level: bulk mystery items. There’s something exhilarating about not knowing exactly what you’re going to get, and the potential for finding hidden treasures is addictive. Over the past couple of years, I’ve scoured the country for the best places to buy these mystery items in bulk, and I’m excited to share my top 10 picks with you.
- Amazon Customer Returns Pallets
My journey into the world of bulk mystery items started with Amazon return pallets. I remember the first time I bid on one – my heart was racing as I hit that “confirm” button. When the pallet arrived, it was like Christmas morning. I spent hours unpacking, sorting, and discovering everything from high-end electronics to quirky gadgets I’d never even heard of.
The thing about Amazon pallets is that they’re a bit of a gamble. Sometimes you strike gold, finding brand new items that people simply changed their minds about. Other times, you end up with a bunch of broken dreams and returns. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?
I’ve found that the key to success with Amazon pallets is to start small. Don’t dive in with a full truckload right away. Try a single pallet or even a mystery box to get a feel for it. And always, always do your math before bidding. Those manifest lists are your best friends – use them to estimate potential profits and decide on your maximum bid.
- Goodwill Outlet Stores (The Bins)
Now, if you want a more hands-on mystery shopping experience, you’ve got to check out a Goodwill Outlet Store. These places are affectionately known as “The Bins” among regulars, and let me tell you, it’s an apt nickname.
My first time at The Bins was overwhelming, to say the least. Picture this: massive blue bins filled to the brim with… well, everything. Clothes, books, toys, electronics, you name it. And people? They’re on a mission. You’ll see folks with gloves and grabber tools, sifting through the chaos like they’re panning for gold.
The best part? You pay by the pound. I’ve walked out of there with garbage bags full of clothes for less than $20. But it’s not just about the cheap finds. I’ve discovered vintage treasures, rare books, and even the occasional piece of fine jewelry hiding in those bins.
Fair warning, though: The Bins are not for the faint of heart. It’s a bit of a free-for-all, and you’ve got to be prepared to dig. Wear comfortable clothes, bring hand sanitizer, and maybe leave your claustrophobia at home. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s one of the most exciting ways to score bulk mystery items.
- Local Auction Houses
After I got a taste for bulk buying, I started exploring local auction houses. These places are goldmines for bulk mystery items, especially if you’re into antiques or collectibles.
I’ll never forget my first auction. I was so nervous I could barely hold up my bidding paddle. But once I got into the swing of things, it was a rush like no other. The auctioneer’s rapid-fire speech, the tension in the room as bids escalate, and the thrill of winning a lot – it’s an experience unlike any other.
What I love about auctions is the sheer variety. One day you might be bidding on a lot of vintage clothing, the next it could be a pallet of power tools from a hardware store that went out of business. You never know what’s going to come up for sale.
My advice? Do your homework before you go. Most auction houses post catalogs online, so you can get an idea of what’s going to be available. And set a budget – it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overbid. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way.
- Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
For a more low-key mystery shopping experience, I’ve found Ollie’s Bargain Outlet to be a hidden gem. It’s not exclusively a mystery item store, but they often have these great surprise boxes or bags that are totally worth checking out.
I love stopping by Ollie’s when I’m in the mood for a quick mystery fix. They usually have themed mystery boxes – kitchen gadgets, toys, that sort of thing. The prices are always reasonable, and while you might not get the same volume as a pallet or bin dive, the items are usually pretty good quality.
One time, I picked up a kitchen gadget mystery box for $15, and it had a brand new air fryer inside. Talk about a score! Of course, not every box is going to have such a big-ticket item, but that’s the fun of it, right?
The only downside to Ollie’s is that they’re not everywhere, and the mystery boxes aren’t always available. But if you have one nearby, it’s definitely worth popping in regularly to see what they’ve got.
- BoxFox
When I’m in the mood for mystery shopping but don’t feel like leaving the house, BoxFox is my go-to. It’s an online platform that sells overstock and customer returns from major retailers.
What I appreciate about BoxFox is the variety. You can find everything from electronics to home goods to clothing. They offer both individual items and bulk lots, so you can dip your toes in with a small purchase or go all-in with a big lot.
I’ve had some great luck with their electronics lots. Sure, sometimes you end up with a few duds, but more often than not, I’ve found that items just needed a simple fix or were returned because the original buyer didn’t know how to use them properly.
One thing to keep in mind with BoxFox is that some purchases require a business license. But don’t let that deter you – there are still plenty of options for individual buyers. And hey, if you get really into it, maybe it’ll be the push you need to start that reselling business you’ve been dreaming about.
- Swap.com Rescue Boxes
Now, if you’re into fashion or just need to refresh your wardrobe on a budget, Swap.com’s Rescue Boxes are a real treat. I stumbled upon these when I was looking for a way to update my closet without breaking the bank.
The concept is simple: you choose a box based on your size and style preferences, and Swap.com sends you a mystery assortment of secondhand clothing. It’s like having a personal shopper with a penchant for surprises.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. The idea of someone else picking out my clothes made me a bit nervous. But when my first box arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, not everything was to my taste, but I found some real gems – a designer blazer that fit like a glove, and a vintage dress that’s now one of my favorites.
What I love about these boxes is the sustainability aspect. It’s a great way to give pre-loved clothes a new home and reduce fashion waste. Plus, it’s pushed me to try styles I might not have chosen for myself, which has been refreshing.
- B-Stock Solutions
As I got more serious about reselling some of my mystery finds, I discovered B-Stock Solutions. This one’s a bit different from the others because it’s geared towards businesses, but don’t let that scare you off if you’re just starting out.
B-Stock is essentially an online auction platform that connects retailers with buyers interested in purchasing their excess inventory or customer returns. It’s where the big players offload their overstock, which means you can find some seriously good deals.
I remember my first B-Stock purchase – a lot of home improvement items from a major hardware chain. When the pallet arrived, it was like I had my own mini Home Depot in my garage. There were power tools, light fixtures, even a few high-end faucets. It took some work to sort through and test everything, but the profits I made from reselling made it well worth the effort.
The key with B-Stock is to start small and do your research. Read the manifests carefully, factor in shipping costs, and don’t get caught up in bidding wars. It’s also a good idea to specialize in a particular category so you can become an expert in valuing and reselling those items.
- Blinq
Blinq is another online marketplace I’ve had good experiences with. They sell a mix of overstock, open-box, and returned items from major retailers. What sets them apart is their clear grading system for item conditions, which takes some of the “mystery” out of the equation – but in a good way.
I’ve found Blinq to be a happy medium between the total unknown of mystery boxes and the certainty of buying new. You can often snag items that are practically new at steep discounts, just because they’re open-box or customer returns.
One of my best Blinq purchases was a high-end coffee maker that had been returned. It was graded as “Like New,” and when it arrived, I couldn’t find a single scratch on it. Turns out the original buyer had returned it because they found it too complicated to use. Their loss was my gain – I’ve been enjoying barista-quality coffee at home ever since.
Blinq also offers mystery boxes from time to time, which are always fun. But even their regular inventory feels a bit like a treasure hunt, as you never know what deals you might find.
- Local Flea Markets
While not exactly a “bulk” option, I can’t talk about mystery shopping without mentioning flea markets. These are the original mystery item hotspots, and they’re still one of my favorite weekend activities.
Every flea market trip is an adventure. You never know what you’re going to find – one booth might be selling vintage vinyl records, while the next has box lots of assorted household items. It’s the ultimate treasure hunt.
I’ve made some of my best finds at flea markets. Once, I bought a box of “junk jewelry” for $10, only to discover it contained a genuine Art Deco brooch worth over $200. Another time, I picked up a dusty old painting for $5 that turned out to be by a listed artist.
The key to flea market success is to go early, bring cash, and don’t be afraid to haggle. Also, be prepared to buy in bulk – many vendors are happy to cut you a deal if you take a whole box of items off their hands.
- Estate Sales
Last but certainly not least, estate sales have become one of my favorite sources for bulk mystery items. These sales happen when someone passes away or moves to assisted living, and the entire contents of their home are put up for sale.
Estate sales are a goldmine for vintage and antique items, but they’re also great for everyday household goods. I’ve bought everything from boxes of books to kitchen appliances to entire furniture sets at these sales.
One of my most memorable estate sale experiences was at the home of a former antique dealer. The house was packed to the rafters with items from every era imaginable. I ended up buying several boxes of “miscellaneous items” from the basement, sight unseen. It took weeks to go through everything, but I found some amazing pieces – vintage postcards, antique tools, even a few pieces of fine jewelry that had been overlooked.
The trick with estate sales is to get there early – serious buyers often line up hours before the sale starts. And if you’re interested in buying in bulk, talk to the estate sale company running the event. They’re often willing to cut deals on the last day of the sale, especially for items that haven’t sold.
In conclusion, the world of bulk mystery items is vast and varied. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the unknown, looking to start a reselling business, or just trying to stretch your shopping dollar, there’s an option out there for you. Happy hunting, and may your mystery purchases always be full of pleasant surprises!
