Ensure your inventory is packed properly for resale and smooth delivery.
If you’ve decided to liquidate your inventory, congratulations — you're one step closer to freeing up space, recovering capital, and turning your unsold merchandise into cash. But before your liquidation partner can market and sell your goods, there's one critical step you can’t overlook:
Your products need to be properly prepared for shipping — especially if you want the process to be fast, efficient, and successful.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the two most common ways liquidation goods are shipped — by the case and by the pallet — and how to prep them like a pro.
Option 1: Shipping by the Case
Ideal for smaller liquidation loads (typically under 20 boxes)
If you’re looking to sell excess inventory in smaller quantities or you’re dealing with lightweight items, shipping by the case might be your best option.
- Use sturdy brown shipping boxes (new or gently used are fine)
- Boxes can have logos or markings — plain boxes are not required
- Seal securely with strong packing tape that can hold during transit
- Weigh each box individually so the liquidator or shipping company can create accurate shipping labels
Pro Tip: Make sure each box is packed tightly to avoid shifting during shipment. Use filler material if needed.
Option 2: Shipping by the Pallet
Recommended for larger liquidation loads (20+ boxes or heavy/bulky items)
When you’re liquidating bulk quantities of merchandise, palletizing your load is the most cost-efficient and secure way to ship it.
- Stack boxes on a wooden pallet
- Place the heaviest items at the bottom
- Stack up to a maximum of 8 feet high
- Shrink-wrap the entire pallet tightly
- Use black shrink wrap if you want to conceal the contents
- Transparent wrap is acceptable when visibility is helpful (e.g. in a warehouse)
- Label each pallet clearly and visibly
- Include your company name, product description, and total weight
- Provide the total weight of the load to your liquidation partner or shipping carrier
Pro Tip: Use warehouse-grade shrink wrap and consider double-wrapping for added protection.
Glossary of Key Shipping Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pallet | A flat wooden base that allows stacked goods to be lifted and moved easily with a forklift. Essential for efficient warehouse handling and freight shipping. |
| Shrink Wrap | Plastic film used to stabilize and protect boxed merchandise stacked on pallets. Black wrap is preferred for privacy; clear wrap is best when contents need to be visible. |
| Liftgate | A hydraulic platform on the back of a freight truck that raises and lowers pallets from ground level. Required when shipping to or from locations without a loading dock. |
Why Proper Packing Matters When You Liquidate Inventory
Whether you're sending merchandise to a liquidation warehouse or selling it FOB from your facility, the way you prepare your inventory directly affects:
- • The speed of your liquidation process
- • The recovery value you receive
- • The buyer experience (and likelihood of future sales)
- • The safety and security of your items during transport
At LiquidateNow, we often receive improperly packed goods that delay the liquidation process or result in damaged merchandise — ultimately costing vendors money.
If your goal is to sell your excess inventory quickly and efficiently, taking the time to pack it right is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Ready to Sell Your Excess Inventory?
Whether you're liquidating 10 boxes or 100 pallets, our team at LiquidateNow can help you:
- Find the right liquidation method
- Market your goods through our global buyer network
- Manage the shipping logistics
- Track your sales in real-time
- Get paid — fast
Let us do the heavy lifting — you focus on your next move.
