The Frugaling Shop Product Quality and Condition Standards
Our Products

Our products are sourced through overstock, retail liquidation, store returns, and other retailer or supplier liquidation channels. We take pride in being transparent about what we know about each product and clearly identifying its condition. Below, you can learn how we define and categorize our products and what to expect when purchasing from us.

Our goal is to provide clear, accurate product information so you can shop with confidence. If you have questions or need additional information about a specific product, please feel free to contact us.

Important Notice About The Frugaling Shop Product Sourcing Important Notice About The Frugaling Shop Product Sourcing
Product Conditions

Understanding how we define conditions

We strive to accurately describe the condition of each item so you can make informed decisions. Below, you will find detailed explanations of how we define product conditions and what you can expect based on the listed condition.

New or New - With Tags

Items sourced from retailers or suppliers that are brand new and unused, with original packaging and/or retail tags when applicable. Packaging may show light wear from the liquidation process.

New - Without Tags

Items sourced from retailers or suppliers that are brand new and unused, but may be missing original retail tags. Items appear unused and in new condition

New - Retailer Marked

Brand new and unused merchandise that has been altered or marked as required by the original retailer for liquidation or resale. This may include removed retail tags and/or markings through retailer branding or logos. Any such markings are disclosed in the product listing and shown in photos when applicable

Open Box - Like New

Items with opened, damaged, replaced, or otherwise non-original retail packaging. Products are inspected and appear unused and in like-new condition. Items labeled “Open Box - Like New (Sealed)” have products or internal packaging that remain factory sealed.

Liquidation FAQ's

Understanding the Liquidation Process

We know liquidation can seem confusing, but we're here to make it simple. Our goal is to help you understand how liquidation works, why it offers great value, and what to expect when shopping for liquidated items. Check out the FAQs below to learn more and shop with confidence!

What is Liquidation?

Liquidation is the process of selling off a company's inventory, often at a significant discount, to quickly convert assets into cash. This inventory can include overstock, returned items, shelf pulls, and other types of unsold merchandise. The liquidation process can be applied to entire businesses that are closing down, or it can be a regular practice for companies looking to manage their inventory levels efficiently.

Many major retailers participate in the liquidation process through various sources. How does this benefit you? You can purchase items for a fraction of the retail price!!!

Why do Companies Liquidate Product?

Companies liquidate products for various reasons, often to optimize their inventory management and financial health. Here are some common reasons:

-Overstock
-Customer Returns
-Seasonal Inventory
-Shelf Pulls
-Discontinued Products
-End of Life Cycle
-Damaged Packaging
-Bankruptcy or Business Closure
-Manufacturing Defects

What does “New - Retailer Marked” mean?

New - Retailer Marked items are brand-new, unused merchandise that has been altered or marked as required by the original retailer for liquidation or resale. Retailer requirements may include removal of original retail tags or packaging, marking through a UPC, and/or marking through retailer branding or logos on the product or packaging.

These markings are part of the retailer's liquidation requirements and do not mean the product has been used. Any retailer markings that may be noticeable are disclosed in the individual product listing and shown in product photos when applicable.

What are "Overstock Items"?

New overstocks, also often referred to as Closeouts, tend to be goods which typically have never been merchandised or exposed for sale in a retail store. Such goods can materialize from importers, manufacturers or distributors who are closing down or simply have excess goods in their warehouse that they need to move.

New Overstock items typically have the following characteristics:

-Items are typically 100% retail-ready and in new condition
-No additional retail/discount or warehouse labels/tags on the items
-Items are typically in their original factory case but occasionally can also be loose-packed
-Packaging and item tend to be in good condition with no excessive signs of handling

What are "Shelf Pulls"?

Shelf pulls are typically overstocked goods that have been displayed for sale in a store or online but have never been purchased by a customer.

Shelf pulls will typically be in good selling condition and may have some or all of the following characteristics:

-End of season & seasonal goods
-Discontinued goods
-Items may still have their original retail pricing stickers/tags on them
-Some Items may have additional retail discount tags on them
-Packaging or item may show signs of handling
-Exterior packaging is often in less than perfect condition
-May be defaced/de-labeled (inner labels or tags removed to prevent return to the original store)
-Some items may still have retail security sensors attached
-A percentage of the items may be out of box or in open boxes
-A percentage of the items may be in-store display units or samples
-Short-dated or expired goods may be found in some lots

What are "Customer Returns"?

Customer returns are products returned by buyers for various reasons, such as defects, dissatisfaction, or simply a change of mind. Hey, we have all done it :)

Returned items, especially if opened or slightly used, are often not resold at full price. Liquidating these products allows the original retailers to recover some of the costs.

What does "Refurbished" mean?

Occasionally we offer items that need to go through a testing process where a complete factory reset of the item was required to get it back to its original condition. On rare occasion, we may have had to replace a component to ensure it is functioning properly.

These items may be a mix of overstocks, shelf pulls and customer returns and are typically higher end, more expensive units. Think storage drive, electronics, etc.

Refurbished items may have the following characteristics:
-Typically but not necessarily in original box
-May or may not contain all needed items/components (remotes, cables, manuals, etc.)
-Most or all functions work and item can be categorized as functional for resale purposes
-Item may show signs of handling and usage
-Items may have additional labels, price tags and/or internal identification labels or stickers

The key here is we will tell you it is "Refurbished" and be transparent with everything we know, if anything is missing and any other special notes that are necessary to help you make an informed decision.

Common Misconceptions about Liquidation

MISCONCEPTION #1: All Liquidation Goods Are Damaged or Defective
REALITY #1: While some liquidation items may be damaged or defective, many are in new or like-new condition. Liquidation can include overstock, shelf pulls, or returns that are perfectly functional.

MISCONCEPTION #2
: Liquidation Merchandise Is Low Quality
REALITY #2: Liquidation items often come from reputable brands and retailers. The quality can vary, but many products are high-quality goods that didn’t sell for various reasons.

MICONCEPTION #3: Liquidation Is the Same as Clearance
REALITY #3: Clearance items are sold directly by the retailer at reduced prices, often to make room for new inventory. Liquidation involves selling unsold or returned merchandise to third parties who then resell it.

MISCONCEPTION #4: Liquidation Merchandise Is Always Used
REALITY #4: Liquidation merchandise can include brand-new overstock, shelf pulls, discontinued products, seasonal inventory, and customer returns. Product condition varies, which is why we clearly identify the condition of each item we sell.

MISCONCEPTION #5: A Damaged Box Means the Product Is Damaged
REALITY #5: Packaging often experiences wear, dents, tears, labels, or other cosmetic damage during retail handling and the liquidation process, even when the product inside is new or in like-new condition. We evaluate the product itself and disclose its condition separately from packaging wear.