What Are Bin Stores?
Your Complete Guide to Amazon Return Stores
Everything you need to know about bin stores — how they work, where they source merchandise, how the weekly pricing model saves you up to 90%, and how to find one near you.
What Is a Bin Store?
A bin store is a discount retail shop that sells overstock, returned, and liquidated merchandise from major retailers like Amazon at deeply discounted flat-rate prices. Instead of individual price tags, every item in the store costs the same price — and that price drops each day of the week.
This means you might pick up a $200 kitchen appliance, a $50 pair of headphones, or a $30 toy and pay the exact same price for each one. That price is typically between $1 and $12 depending on the day of the week, following a weekly pricing cycle that resets with each new shipment.
Where Do Bin Stores Get Their Merchandise?
Amazon Returns
The largest source. When customers return items to Amazon, they are sold in bulk pallets to liquidation companies who supply bin stores.
Retail Overstock
When major retailers like Target, Walmart, or Home Depot order too much, excess inventory is sold at a fraction of wholesale cost.
Shelf Pulls
Products removed from retail shelves to make room for new seasonal items or updated models end up in the liquidation pipeline.
Customer Returns from Major Retailers
Returns from Target, Costco, Best Buy, and other major retailers that cannot be reshelved are bundled and sold to liquidators.
How Does Bin Store Pricing Work?
Prices decrease daily until the next restock
Alternative Pricing Models
Some stores use category-based pricing, twice-weekly restocks, or two-tier systems with premium sections. Always check your local store for their exact schedule.
What Products Can You Find?
Bin stores carry an incredibly diverse range:
Electronics: Headphones, phone accessories, smart home devices, tablets
Home & Kitchen: Small appliances, cookware, décor, bedding
Clothing: Brand-name apparel, shoes, handbags, jewelry
Toys & Games: LEGO, board games, outdoor toys, collectibles
Beauty: Makeup, skincare, hair tools, fragrances
Tools: Power tools, hand tools, garden equipment
Pet Supplies: Food, toys, accessories, grooming products
Inventory changes completely each week, making every visit a new experience.
Why Shop at Bin Stores?
Massive Savings
Find items for 50-90% off retail prices at any Amazon bin store near you. A $50 kitchen appliance might cost $3, designer shoes for $5, or electronics for $2.
Treasure Hunt Experience
Never know what you'll find. The thrill of discovery makes shopping exciting and unpredictable.
Perfect for Resellers
Many shoppers purchase items to resell on Amazon FBA, eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace, turning bin store finds into profitable side businesses.
Sustainable Shopping
Buying returned and overstock items prevents perfectly good products from reaching landfills. It's bargain hunting that benefits the environment.
Quality Merchandise
Despite low prices, 60-70% of items are new or like-new condition. Most are simply returns or overstock — not damaged goods.
How to Find an Amazon Bin Store Near You: 5 Proven Methods
Finding hidden bin stores can be challenging — use these strategies to locate every store in your area.
Method 1: Use Our Verified Directory (Easiest)
The simplest way to find an Amazon bin store near you is using Bin Store Map's verified directory. We've manually verified 503+ locations across all 47 states, complete with exact addresses, hours, daily pricing, and restock days.
Method 2: Search Google Maps (For Hidden Stores)
Many small bin stores don't appear in directories. Try terms like "bin store near me", "Amazon return store", "liquidation store", or "overstock outlet".
Pro Tip: Scroll to "Nearby" — Google will suggest similar businesses.
Method 3: Join Local Facebook Groups
Search for "[Your City] Bin Store Shoppers" or "[Your State] Liquidation Finds". Group members share openings and tips.
Method 4: Follow Store Chains
Follow chains like High 5 Bargain Bins, Where Ya Bin, or Bin Depot on social media for new location announcements.
Method 5: Drive Industrial Areas
Look for "Liquidation" signs in industrial parks where rent is cheaper and warehouse space is plentiful.
Why Some Stores Are Hard to Find
- •Only use Facebook page (no official website)
- •Don't invest in SEO or online marketing
- •Rely heavily on word-of-mouth and foot traffic
- •Frequently change locations or close temporarily
- •Use generic business names like "Bin Store"
The Bin Store Map Advantage
This is why verified directories like Bin Store Map are essential — we do the research so you don't waste time on closed locations or outdated information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bin Stores
Everything you need to know before visiting your first bin store.
General Questions
What is a bin store?
A bin store (also called an Amazon bin store or liquidation store) is a retail outlet that purchases returned, overstock, or liquidated merchandise from major retailers in bulk, then resells these items at deeply discounted prices (50-90% off retail). Products are typically displayed in large bins where customers "treasure hunt" to find deals.
How do bin stores get their merchandise?
Bin stores purchase inventory from multiple sources: Amazon returns (items customers sent back that can't be resold as "new"), retail overstock from stores like Target and Walmart, shelf pulls, customer returns from major retailers, and liquidated inventory from store closures or seasonal clearances. They buy these items in bulk pallets at wholesale prices.
Are items at bin stores broken or damaged?
No — most items (60-70%) are in new or like-new condition. They're primarily customer returns that were never used or opened, or overstock items. Since these are liquidation products sold "as-is," we recommend inspecting electronics and checking functionality when possible, but defect rates are typically low.
How much can I save at bin stores?
Savings range from 50-90% off retail prices. For example, a $40 Bluetooth speaker might cost $3 on Tuesday, designer jeans that retail for $80 might cost $5, or a KitchenAid mixer worth $300 could be $12 on restock day. The exact savings depend on which day you shop and what inventory is available.
Pricing & Shopping
When is the best time to shop at bin stores?
It depends on your priorities. For best selection: Visit on restock days (typically Friday/Saturday) when fresh inventory arrives, though prices are highest ($8-12 per item). For best prices: Visit mid-to-late week (Tuesday-Thursday) when items drop to $1-3 but selection is more limited. For balance: Monday offers decent selection at moderate prices ($4-5).
Do bin stores have set prices or is everything negotiable?
Most bin stores use fixed daily pricing (e.g., $8 Friday, $6 Saturday, $4 Sunday, etc.) that applies to all items, regardless of retail value. Prices are not negotiable. Some stores use alternative models like flat-rate pricing ($5 everything), bag sales (fill a bag for $20), or category-based pricing.
Can I return items purchased at bin stores?
Most bin stores have strict no-return, no-exchange policies due to the deeply discounted prices and "as-is" nature of liquidation merchandise. Always inspect items carefully before purchasing, test electronics when possible, and check for completeness. Treat bin store purchases like final sales.
Do bin stores take credit cards or only cash?
Payment methods vary by store. Many accept credit/debit cards, but some are cash-only or charge fees for card transactions (typically 3-5%). Check each store's Facebook page or call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods. Bringing cash is often advantageous.
More Need-to-Knows
How do I find an Amazon bin store near me?
Use Bin Store Map's directory to find verified stores by city or state. You can also search Google Maps for "bin store near me" or "liquidation store," join local Facebook groups, or drive through industrial areas where many liquidation stores operate.
Are bin stores open on weekends?
Most bin stores are open on weekends, particularly Saturday which is often a restock day. However, hours vary significantly by location. Some stores are closed Sunday-Monday for restocking.
Do I need a membership to shop?
No! Unlike warehouse clubs like Costco, bin stores are open to the general public with no membership required. Anyone can walk in and shop.
What items should I look for?
High-value items include: sealed electronics, brand-name small appliances, power tools, LEGO sets, designer clothing with tags, and beauty products. Avoid heavily used items or products missing parts.
Can I resell items I buy?
Yes! Reselling bin store items is completely legal under the First-Sale Doctrine. Many shoppers source inventory at Amazon bin stores specifically for reselling on eBay, Amazon FBA, or Poshmark.
When do bin stores restock?
Most bin stores restock once weekly, typically on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Restock day is when fresh pallets arrive. Arriving early on restock day gives you first access to the best items.
How often do bin stores get new inventory?
Most receive new pallets weekly. Inventory completely changes from week to week — what you see one Saturday will be entirely different the next.
Are bin stores clean and safe?
Store cleanliness varies, but most are safe. Bins can get messy as shoppers dig. It's recommended to bring hand sanitizer. Arrive early to avoid crowds on popular restock days.
Do bin stores sell food?
Most focus on non-perishable merchandise. Some larger liquidation stores may carry packaged snacks, but this is less common. Always check expiration dates on any consumable products.
First Time at a Bin Store? Essential Tips for Success
Make the most of your first bin store experience with these insider strategies.
Before You Go
- 1.Check Store Hours — Many stores have specific restock days and limited hours. Confirm the schedule before visiting.
- 2.Bring Essential Supplies
- •Reusable bags or laundry baskets
- •Gloves for digging through bins
- •Fully charged phone for price checking
- •Cash and card (some stores are cash-only)
- 3.Plan Adequate Time — First visits typically take 1-2 hours. Do not rush your treasure hunt.
While Shopping
- 1.Arrive Early — The best items go fast, especially on restock days. Get there when doors open.
- 2.Inspect Everything — Check packaging seals, test electronics when possible, and look for missing parts.
- 3.Use Your Phone — Scan barcodes with the Amazon or eBay app to check retail value before buying.
- 4.Know Your Brands — Focus on recognizable brands with sealed packaging for the safest purchases.
Etiquette & Safety
- 1.Respect Line Protocols — Many stores have strict queuing rules on restock days. Follow the system.
- 2.Share the Bins — Do not hog an entire bin. Move aside to let others browse and dig through items.
- 3.Stay Patient — Lines can be long and bins get messy. Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the treasure hunt.
Free Bin Store Starter Kit
Get our complete beginner's guide + weekly restock alerts for stores near you.
- Complete beginner's shopping guide
- Weekly pricing schedule breakdown
- What to bring checklist
- Top items to look for by category
- Restock day alerts for your area
- Reselling tips for flipping finds
Continue Learning
How Bin Store Pricing Works
Deep dive into the weekly pricing model, restock day vs dollar day, and pricing variations.
Read guide →Bin Store Reselling 101
Turn bin store finds into profit. Learn what to buy, where to sell, and how to build a reselling side hustle.
Read guide →Amazon Returns Explained
How Amazon returns end up at bin stores through the liquidation pipeline.
Read guide →Ready to Start Shopping?
Find 503+ verified bin stores across 47 states in our comprehensive directory.