Where to Find Costco Liquidation Auctions (And How to Bid Smartly)
Looking to score great deals from Costco liquidation pallets in 2026? Whether you’re a reseller, a small shop owner, or someone exploring side hustles, Costco’s liquidation auctions can be a goldmine of discounted products — if you know how to bid smart.
Costco regularly liquidates returned items, shelf pulls, and overstock through trusted auction platforms like B-Stock and Liquidation.com. These pallets often include electronics, home appliances, clothing, and more — giving resellers the chance to buy low and sell high.
But here’s the catch: not every pallet is profitable, and without the right strategy, you could end up overpaying or stuck with unsellable items. That’s why in this updated 2026 guide, I’ll walk you through:
Where to find Costco liquidation auctions (USA & UK options)
How to bid strategically and avoid common mistakes
Profit margins you can realistically expect in 2026
Alternatives if Costco auctions aren’t the right fit for you
Let’s dive into the world of Costco liquidation auctions and see how you can turn pallets into profit this year.
Does Costco Sell Liquidation Pallets Directly?
Short answer: No — Costco does not sell liquidation pallets directly to the public.
Costco does not operate its own liquidation store or auction platform. Instead, returned, overstock, and excess inventory is sold through authorized third-party liquidation marketplaces. These platforms handle the auctions, manifests, payments, and shipping on Costco’s behalf.
This is why you’ll never find liquidation pallets listed on Costco’s official website or inside Costco warehouses. If a seller claims they are “buying directly from Costco,” that’s a red flag — they are either a reseller or misrepresenting their source.
Key takeaway:
If you want to buy Costco liquidation pallets, you must go through approved liquidation platforms, not Costco itself.
⚠️ Be cautious of websites or social media sellers claiming “direct Costco pallets” with no documentation or traceable platform.
Where Does Costco Send Its Returns and Overstock Inventory?
Costco liquidation inventory is typically routed to large, established liquidation marketplaces that specialize in handling retail returns and excess stock. These platforms aggregate inventory from major retailers and sell it via online auctions or fixed-price lots.
Costco inventory usually falls into categories such as:
Customer returns
Open-box items
Shelf pulls
Overstock and seasonal clearance
Once transferred, these goods are bundled into pallets or truckloads and sold to resellers, exporters, and liquidation buyers.
This is why Costco liquidation auctions often appear alongside inventory from retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon on the same platforms.
Can Beginners Buy Costco Liquidation Pallets?
Yes — but beginners should start carefully.
Costco liquidation pallets can be profitable, but they are not risk-free. Some pallets contain customer returns with mixed conditions, while others may include shelf pulls or overstock in near-new condition.
If you’re new to liquidation:
Start with manifested pallets (you know what’s inside)
Avoid “uninspected returns” until you gain experience
Factor in shipping costs, which can significantly impact profit
Many beginners lose money not because the inventory is bad — but because they underestimate logistics and resale effort.
Is Buying Costco Liquidation Stock Worth It?
Buying Costco liquidation stock can be worth it if you understand what you’re buying and where to resell it.
Costco products are generally well-known, trusted brands, which makes them easier to resell on platforms like eBay, Amazon (where allowed), Facebook Marketplace, and local resale shops.
However, profitability depends on:
The condition mix
Your purchase price
Shipping and handling costs
Your resale channel
For most resellers, Costco liquidation works best as part of a broader sourcing strategy, not a single inventory source.
Why Costco Liquidates Inventory
Like other large retailers, Costco regularly clears out overstock, returned items, and seasonal merchandise. Rather than holding this inventory, they liquidate it—often in pallet or truckload quantities—via trusted auction platforms.
This creates a unique opportunity for resellers and small business owners to purchase brand-name goods at a fraction of their retail value.
Where to Find Costco Liquidation Auctions
Costco primarily liquidates its inventory through the B-Stock Supply platform. This official partnership ensures buyers get access to legitimate, verified listings with itemized manifests.
👉 Visit Costco Auctions on B-Stock →
Here’s how to get started:
Register as a Buyer
You’ll need to create a free account and provide business details. A resale certificate is typically required.Browse Available Auctions
Search by location, product category (e.g., furniture, electronics), or condition (new, used, salvage).Check the Manifest
This breakdown shows what’s inside the pallet—brand, quantity, and estimated retail value.Place Your Bid
Auctions run for a set time. Set your maximum bid wisely and factor in shipping.Winning & Shipping
If you win, you’ll receive shipping instructions. Some locations offer free pickup.
What Types of Products Are Found in Costco Liquidation Pallets?
Common categories include:
Home & Kitchen appliances
Furniture
Electronics (TVs, laptops, audio gear)
Seasonal décor (Christmas, summer patio items)
Clothing and footwear
Products are often returned, shelf-pulled, or overstock items. Some may be brand new, others used or box-damaged.
Smart Bidding Tips for Beginners
Know Your Limits – Set a maximum bid based on the resale value you can realistically expect.
Factor In Shipping Costs – These can be significant and vary by location.
Review Seller Ratings – B-Stock allows you to see supplier performance and buyer feedback.
Start with Small Pallets – Don’t go for full truckloads unless you have storage space and experience.
Avoid Salvage Lots at First – These often contain broken or untested items.
Is Buying from Costco Auctions Worth It?
Absolutely—if you do your homework. Many resellers have built profitable businesses by flipping liquidation pallets from Costco. The key is learning how to analyze manifests, bid strategically, and resell effectively.
Platforms like B-Stock make the process easier and more transparent, especially for new buyers.
FAQs
Q1. Are Costco liquidation pallets still worth it in 2026?
Yes — but only if you do your homework. Costco liquidation pallets can still deliver strong profits, especially in electronics, small appliances, and branded fashion. However, shipping costs, competition, and mixed-quality stock mean you need to bid strategically.
Q2. Can UK buyers purchase Costco liquidation pallets?
Costco UK doesn’t currently run its own liquidation auctions, but UK resellers can access Costco pallets through international marketplaces like B-Stock and third-party resellers who ship overseas. Import duties and freight forwarding fees should always be factored into your costs.
Q3. What’s the minimum budget to start with Costco liquidation auctions?
Most Costco liquidation lots start at around $300–$500, but profitable categories (like electronics) can easily require $1,000+ per pallet. Always factor in shipping, buyer fees, and customs duties if you’re outside the USA.
Q4. What are the most profitable categories from Costco pallets in 2026?
Electronics, small appliances, home & kitchen, and branded apparel remain the top performers. Seasonal products (like outdoor gear or holiday décor) can also offer strong short-term profits if you time your listings well.
Q5. What are alternatives to Costco liquidation auctions?
Other big-box liquidation options include Walmart pallets, Amazon returns, and Target shelf pulls. Websites like BULQ, Direct Liquidation, and Via Trading also provide reliable alternatives with easier access for smaller resellers.
Final Thoughts
Costco liquidation auctions are a goldmine for resellers who want to tap into high-quality, brand-name merchandise at wholesale prices. With the right strategy and platform (like B-Stock), you can start sourcing inventory with real profit potential.
✅ Want to explore more liquidation platforms and learn how to buy smart? Read the Ultimate Guide to Buying Liquidation Pallets here →
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